A honey-hued stone farmhouse or a stylish cottage – both are deep in delicious countryside with lovely walks by the rambling river

A sustainably run 1902 farmhouse and its converted cattle shed in countryside close to a wonderfully wild stretch of the North Devon coast

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

An elegant Burgundian townhouse on the fringe of Morvan National Park in Côte d'Or. Dijon, Beaune and Chablis - all an easy drive away

A stylish hotel, tucked away yet central, an unusually quiet base for exploring Rome just a three-minute walk from the tube station

Sitting next to the church in the most picturesque village in England, this ancient, handsome cottage is packed with historical interest

A wonderful green getaway with wrap-around views of Norfolk nature; walk Weavers’ Way, birdwatch at Blakeney, enjoy the coast at Cromer

Step through a door in an old wooden gate to discover a courtyard garden on the edge of town close to golden sands

This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

A flawlessly restored palazzo in the oldest part of town opposite an ancient monastery, with peaceful courtyard and a terrace with views

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

Come for gloriously independent B&B in your own cosy retreat with a belter of a breakfast brought to your door and plenty of local walks

A relaxed old countryside manor house with a huge garden to roam. It’s 2km to sandy beaches and Judith is close by if you need anything

A large, light-filled house sitting very much on its own in the middle of the peaceful Eden Valley with masses of space inside and out

An exquisitely restored 500-year-old inn, where the accent is very much on food, reared and grown nearby and with very comfortable rooms

A very special place to stay, immersed in the architecture and history of the city as well as its traditions, culture, food and wine

Surrounded by delightful gardens, these gîtes are serene retreats from which you can discover the Dordogne, or gently unwind