A new home for Sawday's Special Self-Catering Places in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

A charming 19th-century gatehouse, concealing fresh modern interiors and polished wood floors. Explore Quimper or swim the infinity pool

The art of good living is no book title, it's this charming stone cottage gatehouse in the heart of Brittany. Built in the 19th century to serve the fairytale château of Kistinic, the cottage's young interior belies its history. A luxurious minimalism is on display here, with a good dose of joie de vivre thrown in. Emerging from indulgent bedding and stepping onto polished wooden floors is a fine way to start the day, as is discovering a spacious bathroom with natural stone flooring. Claire and Andrew love it when families stay – and this cottage is made for easy living, with its uncluttered, glass-chandeliered sitting and dining area and its smartly equipped kitchen. Wonder, too, at the setting... No surprise to learn that Claire once researched locations for television productions. Run reckless through the rhododendrons – as the azaleas and camellias do – growing among enough woodland and lawns to cause delusions of grandeur from your bedroom window. Swim in the infinity pool, explore historic Quimper, follow the winding trails through the woods. C'est magique!