Perched on a hilltop between Lucca and the coast, Al Seminario offers stunning views and a private location, but is close enough to the highway to make a good base for exploring the rest of Tuscany. Open the windows as you drive up into the hills and follow an unpaved road to the gates of this rustic four-bedroom villa; you??ll know you??re on vacation when you sink into the infinity-edge pool with a panoramic view.

Al Seminario may be in the middle of the countryside, but it doesn??t lack for amenities, starting with the vine-covered pergola that stretches along the front of the house. Dine under the shade of the wisteria at the table and chairs there, or stretch out on a chaise longue by the pool and listen to its waterfall. There??s an outdoor barbecue, too, to make al fresco dining a snap. Inside, there??s Sky cable TV, a ping pong table and, for the smallest travelers, a baby cot and high chair.