Ciao robrice, welcome to our forum!
So it seems, in general, your wife would have problems with strong scents. How strong is her allergy, in the sense, does she do alright as long as the bedroom/your living area space is clean of scents/fireplaces or will it be a problem if those are also present in the common areas of a villa or farmhouse? I ask because many large villas and farmhouses have been divided into either hotels/B&Bs where there are common areas like living rooms and dining hall, and then private bedrooms with their own private bathrooms, some even with a living area, more like a suite.
Then there are so those that have been divided into complete independent apartments, with own kitchen, living area, etc.
If you're in the first sort of place, such a B&B, if there is a fireplace present or scents are used in cleaning or in linens in the common areas, will that be a major or minor issue for her?
I ask because I would imagine the owners or managers of these places would be willing to accommodate her needs, as much as they can.
In any case, it will be important for you to first establish two things:
1. what period of the year can you come? I suggest warm months so that the whole place is aired out more regularly to reduce mustiness. I don't think many place depend on fireplaces for heating anymore, they are more of an ambiance-setting sort of thing. In any cases, most fireplaces will be located in the common living areas, not in bedrooms.
2. room or apartment - are her needs better met if you have a separate apartment for you both, or would a room in a shared villa be fine as well? If you get an apartment, there are many that do have fireplaces in the living area, but also many that don't. So it will just be important to sort through and find those that don't have any at all.
Just keep in mind that many apartments in the summer are rented by the week, with shorter stays in lower season possible and that rooms are generally rented by the night. So also depending on how many days you have, that will impact your options available.
If you can think through these considerations and let me know which ones and when you would think you could come, I will try to sift through the many lodgings we know and offer some recommendations.
Also what are some ways in which you manage this at home? using non-scented detergents and cleaners? special air filters? I am totally ignorant in this other than have a kid allergic to dust which means I have to be on top of cleaning her bedroom in particular, so any info you can share will help me help you!
The best strategy will be to contact each property directly and establish a personal contact, asking explicitly whether they would be able to accommodate your needs by asking up front what you would need.
Look forward to hearing back from you!
