Hidden Gems

Welcoming Julia fans passions for Arlesienne cuisine and culture in her art-stuffed Provence home where everything catches the eye!

Art, books, big city garden and friendly hosts in a family home. Close to the underground, cafés, delis, museums, theatres and university

Around the central, colonnaded patio, find eclectic, bohemian interiors, bringing colour, warmth and comfort. Views are wonderful

Delightful foodie hosts welcome you to their serene 18th-century former relais de poste with a secret garden in the Périgord Vert

It’s charming here in this old house on the edge of Olonzac with a swimming pool and a pretty terrace overlooking fields

Come for the cherry blossoms in spring, or to hike in the Jerte Valley; stay in a traditional townhouse with gorgeous valley views

Laze under the loggia, drink in superb, sweeping Umbrian views and wine from the vines beyond the pool; sleep peacefully in grand style

Just the spot for a stylish French break - come by ferry, forget the car, eat fab meals and relax in easy, inspirational surroundings

Stylishly interior designed, with elegant garden and pool. The perfect retreat after a day at the beach or visiting the ruins at Empuriès

A beautifully designed B&B for foodies, cyclists and walkers in a village surrounded by trees just 15 minutes from the coast

Relaxing retreat in car-free village of Casperia, near Rome yet worlds away. Dreamy views, striking interiors in an authentic historic home

Style, comfort and lovely local food wait at this chic little restaurant with rooms on Narberth’s trendy high street - the coast is close

Elegant cottage a stone's throw from Ludlow's fabulous shops, market and restaurants. Better still, you can stay just for a long weekend

A super stylish barn conversion with roaring wood-burner. You’re tucked in a quiet corner with lush gardens, woods to wander, a pond to row

The smaller of two gîtes set into the ramparts of an 11th-century castle on top of a hill – with a heated counter-current pool and jacuzzi

Funky candle lanterns for bedrooms, balcony and terrace at this eco-serene bolthole in Modica's historic heart. Beaches are 20 minutes away

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

Tudor 4-posters and a terrace with views at this magnificent watchtower in a listed hamlet in the Lot valley. Plus garden and pool