Travel by Design
7 Romantic Vacation Rentals Built of Stone
Tuscany is calling. Or maybe England or even Texas. See if one of these enchanting gems has your traveling spirit's number
There's something about a centuries-old masonry house that exudes romance. It's almost as if every stone bears a link to some charming world of yesteryear. So it's no wonder that stone houses make for some of the most enchanting vacation spots anywhere in the world.
With sweeping wine-country views and overall foreign appeal, Italy has the lion's share of great stone-built vacation spots. After all, it's a country with a much older architectural history than, say, the United States, though the latter does harbor some rustic gems. Here are seven time-tested getaways that will simply take your breath away.
With sweeping wine-country views and overall foreign appeal, Italy has the lion's share of great stone-built vacation spots. After all, it's a country with a much older architectural history than, say, the United States, though the latter does harbor some rustic gems. Here are seven time-tested getaways that will simply take your breath away.
While the farmhouse is near some of the best medieval villages and spas plus spots for wine tasting, hiking and shopping, and is just a day trip away from Rome and Florence, nothing beats relaxing on the outdoor terrace while enjoying the view with friends.
Cost: $14,000 per week (one-week minimum) for 10 or 11 guests. Includes utilities, cleaning, buffet breakfast, trip planning and concierge. More info
Cost: $14,000 per week (one-week minimum) for 10 or 11 guests. Includes utilities, cleaning, buffet breakfast, trip planning and concierge. More info
Broadgate Farms, Yorkshire, England
Five old-world cottages were constructed from barn buildings built here between 1780 and 1897. They sit on 19 acres of grass and woodland, and have private gardens and patios. The cottages are walking distance to the village pubs and restaurants.
This cottage was previously a granary store.
Five old-world cottages were constructed from barn buildings built here between 1780 and 1897. They sit on 19 acres of grass and woodland, and have private gardens and patios. The cottages are walking distance to the village pubs and restaurants.
This cottage was previously a granary store.
Casa dell'Ambasciatore, Tuscany
This two-building, two-bedroom cottage lies just below the Castle of Vivo, built for the pope during the Renaissance.
This two-building, two-bedroom cottage lies just below the Castle of Vivo, built for the pope during the Renaissance.
Rolling green lawns and views of Monte Amiata create an idyllic paradise.
Black slate kitchen counters add a swath of modernity to the rustic interior.
Cost: Contact for rates | More Info
Cost: Contact for rates | More Info
Castellare Villa, Florence, Italy
This solid-stone Italian villa in the middle of a private forest on a hill is about 800 years old and has been carefully restored. It has six bedrooms and can sleep 17.
This solid-stone Italian villa in the middle of a private forest on a hill is about 800 years old and has been carefully restored. It has six bedrooms and can sleep 17.
Olive trees grow in the back of the house; the owners harvest the olives to make oil. There's also a vegetable garden. In front there are apples, pears, figs, apricots and peaches.
Cost: Contact for rates | More Info
Cost: Contact for rates | More Info
Palo Alto Creek Farm, Fredericksburg, Texas
Peter Itz settled in this farmstead by way of Germany in 1854, first building a log cabin. In 1875 he built what's now called the Itz House out of foot-and-a-half-thick limestone walls.
The property now has four houses: a log cabin, the Itz House, a barn and a hideaway, which used to be a single-car garage.
Peter Itz settled in this farmstead by way of Germany in 1854, first building a log cabin. In 1875 he built what's now called the Itz House out of foot-and-a-half-thick limestone walls.
The property now has four houses: a log cabin, the Itz House, a barn and a hideaway, which used to be a single-car garage.
Bleached white pine wraps a two-person whirlpool tub that rests on a large slab of native limestone.
Cost: $145 to $325, depending on the house
Cost: $145 to $325, depending on the house
The owners painted the inside of the pool a light gray to create an idyllic respite in the middle of this expansive lawn.
Cost: From about $4,000 for seven beds
Cost: From about $4,000 for seven beds
The house includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and the property boasts this expansive swimming pool.
Cost: From $4,667
Cost: From $4,667
This traditional 17th-century stone farmhouse on a hillside in Tuscany is near Montalcino and Montepulcino, two of the most important wine towns in Tuscany.