By a lake, enclosed by woodland - a contemporary house and barn, full of handmade furniture – laze in a hammock, walk the Jurassic Coast

There’s a calm feel to this three-storey cottage, close to the centre of Bridport and the beach. Great for families, walkers and dogs

Wood-burners, water sports and wildlife at four cosy farm conversions a half mile from their own quay. Wild swimming and barbecues await

Gardeners will be very happy staying in this generous, comfortable B&B surrounded by stunning gardens with year-round interest

A much-loved Tuscan villa restored to elegance: dinner on the terrace, frescoes, rose garden, a small spa…and Florence a 20-minute drive

Family-run B&B in traditional trulli with hands-on hosts. Swim in the pool, explore the countryside, the coast is half an hour’s drive away

Stunning views from sunny bedrooms. Delightful lively hosts, good breakfasts with homemade jams, colour galore in the acre of garden

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

A gorgeous inn lost in lush country with hammocks in the garden, sofas in the drawing room and lovely local food in the popular restaurant

A marvellous spot overlooking Rutland Water for this 1760 former hunting lodge with good seasonal British food and very comfortable bedrooms

Cast yourselves away to this beautiful island and a bright, spacious apartment with a rooftop terrace bang in the middle of the town square

Three tranquil apartments in the Ria Formosa nature reserve with a stunning natural pool, near to a village and sandy beaches

In an leafy quarter of central Milan, 2 inviting apartments run by generous Jane. Perfect for families and romancers

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well

A welcoming country-house hotel that’s popular with locals and visitors alike - good food, stylish rooms and an airy restaurant wait

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking