Shed your urban cares here with a gorgeous living space, woods to wander, streams to play in and stunning views for country-lovers

At every turn something curious, recycled, hand-crafted, memorable - great for relaxing in hidden corners or by the pool, and for parties

Choose one of four beautiful farmhouses near the river Dart and go kayaking, surfing, fine dining or lounge in the hot tub and by the pool

Warm generous hosts, country antiques, guided walks, sauna, jacuzzi, pool with a view - and food unrivalled for creativity and invention

Shabby chic meets antique in this large Swaledale farmhouse with views, open fire, gorgeous bedrooms, original art and a heated indoor pool

Stylish, Tuscan-influenced décor, best balconies have superb views. Fitness centre, fishing - ski right to the ski lift: 3km from Courmayeur

Beautiful, art-filled house in the bird-filled Somerset Levels. Walk, cycle, explore Wells and Glastonbury, or just stay put and be serene

Renaissance beams and fat modern sofas, charming old tiles and a tiny library in the tower… beautiful treats await 7km from Urbino

Drop into a lush Alps valley to a warm welcome from hosts passionate about the environment, art, cooking and the great outdoors

Delicious food, long views and a warm welcome make this country estate more than worth the adventurous road. Come hungry – and in daylight!

The medieval village of your dreams is here on an Umbrian hillside: rich hotel suites, trattoria, library, pool…in finely renovated houses

No loft, but a romantic ground-floor bolthole for 2, in a charming river-laced town. For peace seekers, stylistas, history lovers...

A little jewel of a house for 8, artistically decorated and sparkling clean, with restaurants you can stroll to and a wonderful beach

A charming old hotel surrounded by fields, forests and mountains, with a great circular potager and a fabulous spa… retreat from the world

Come to hike, climb or ski from this fine ancient-modern mountain house. Charming young owners make great breakfasts

Magnificent house and Victorian gardens with rolling hills beyond. A peaceful escape for a family reunion - Dales and Peaks on the doorstep

A clutch of airy apartments, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool.

Blissful views to vineyards and mountains from this faithful reproduction of a 16th-century manor. Eat well, hike, bike, sauna, swim...