Seven European Villas to Rent with Friends this Summer that Aren't Ridiculously Expensive

[Celerity]

A rustic Andalusian farmhouse, a beach stay on the sandy shores of the Netherlands and a rural retreat in Portugal’s pastoral interior are among our picks for an affordable villa stay with your gang this summer.

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Don't get us wrong, we love a romantic getaway to a dinky little couples' retreat, but sometimes a low-key escape with friends to a sprawling farmstead is what's called for (especially if there's a pool involved). Whether your mates are more into vineyard visits or making the most of the local nightlife, read on for our pick of eight European villas to rent together.

Malatesta Maison

Le Marche, Italy







Balancing Arcadian charm with design-focused sophistication, this idyllic hilltop stay has been meticulously converted into a stylish 12-person spa escape in Italy's storied Le Marche region. Connected by stone pathways crisscrossing a verdant pasture dotted with oak trees, the three shuttered buildings - including a separate spa house - have been carefully revamped with soft, neutral tones throughout. Flit through the light-flooded bedrooms to lounge on comfy sofas or head outdoors into the fragrant gardens. Days are best spent dipping into the pool; nights, in the unique wellness space for group sauna, hammam and jacuzzi sessions. If you're a restless group, requiring further entertainment, the owners will be happy to organise cooking classes, winery tours and olive oil tastings in the surrounding countryside.

What it costs: From £84pp per night

Dune House

Buren, Ameland, Netherlands











A sun-soaked holiday in the Netherlands? Trust us, once you've enjoyed a barefoot escape along the sandy shores that run from the Belgian border to the Wadden Sea Islands, you'll have your friends convinced to switch the Algarve for Ameland every year. This clapboard property in Buren is just 500m from the expansive beaches edging the West Frisian isle. A group of eight will have the run of four sharp, contemporary bedrooms, a breezy, open-plan living space and an outdoor terrace. Worried about grey days? The basement cinema room will keep you busy if the weather refuses to play ball. The cosy gas fireplace helps with keeping warm post-swims in the - admittedly - chilly sea, but we'd play it safe and stick to beach strolls exploring the picturesque island, taking in the handsome lighthouse, taste-testing the loca Nobeltje liqueur and scampering across the sand dunes for fresh seafood at Stranders.

What it costs: From £63pp per night

Casa Mana

Binissalem, Mallorca















Sometimes, the best way to snag an affordable escape is to head out early in the season. Case in point? This atmospheric eight-sleeper finca perched in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Plan to arrive before the summer season kicks off and you and your gang will have free run of the organic smallholding for much less than the high-season price. Four bedrooms reflect the pastoral colours of the Mallorcan farmland outside - all soft, earthy tones with characterful farmhouse features - while the elegant living spaces showcase the original stone-flagged floors and beamed ceilings. Outside, guests are encouraged to take their pick from the fruit trees, before diving into the inviting saltwater pool.

What it costs: From £140pp per night

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