Lake Tahoe would be ideal, but due to the astronomical prices of the houses there, I can’t afford that. I live in San Francisco so I would prefer a place nearby. Think: Northern California. Certainly affordable is another major requirement; near nature (lake/forest/woods, etc); with winter/summer seasons. Ultimately, I would be willing to buy a place that’s nowhere near San Francisco, that is, I would buy anywhere in the country as long as it meets most of my requirements. Sometimes, I am looking for places where I can go on a writing retreat (yes, I’m a writer), but I might as well give this investment more than one use and have a vacation home available. Thanks.