Villa Laura, Cortona

What makes Villa Laura special is not its cachet as the main filming location for Under the Tuscan Sun but what attracted Hollywood in the first place: This is simply one of the loveliest summer rental properties in the Cortona area. Sleeping up to 20, the gated estate, comprising two houses and a limonaia (lemon house) annex, is also a perfect base for music fans keen to check out the Tuscan Sun Festival, which, since its 2003 launch, has presented world-class performers, from Lang Lang to Antonio Pappano. The gardens are ablaze with roses and wisteria, and the elegant interiors inspire genteel relaxation (more active souls can choose from Ping-Pong, billiards, a handsome travertine stone pool and an outdoor hot tub). Rentals start at $26,000 per week (sleeps 20); book through bellinitravel.com.