I think we are leaning more towards the Milan area for many of the reasons above.
If anyone has any links to where I can find a villa to rent I'd be happy.
1000 eur for a large-ish villa is cheap compared to where we live now. But we wouldn't be able to pay much more, as my wife won't be working to begin with. Unless a job turns up for her out of the blue. Is it realistic to get a job without being fluent in italian ?
Thanks for the great replys so far!