Where to Spend a Week in Rural Europe

If I had a three week vacation coming, you know what I'd do? I'd explore some cities in the first week, then settle into a vacation house for a week in a place with a compelling landscape, good food, castles, maybe some Roman ruins. There I'd relax, explore, get close to the culture of the place, and wash out my travelin' clothes. I've compiled a list of places I've had extended stays in and liked: Rural Europe Self-Catering Vacation Spots.