Contemporary open-plan barn in the Dorset countryside with the Jurassic Coast close by. Families or friends will feel utterly at home

Breathe clean mountain air at this eco-friendly place surrounded by olive groves and woodland; drive to hot springs and good food

Two uber contemporary apartments (taken together if you are 8) set in manicured gardens with pool, close to coast and baroque beauty - Noto

Comfort and privacy. A bedroom and sitting room just for you, and a breakfast basket delivered to your door

Hideaway at the bottom of the garden with a little courtyard and far-reaching views; walk to the village pub or take a day trip to Bath

An original stone fireplace graces this Perigordian retreat - close to Renaissance chateaux, rivers, ravines and the Grotte de Lascaux

Traditional mountain house in quiet resort, full of amazingly decorated wood. Snowshoe in winter, book a nature walk in summer

Natural textures and neutral colours make these family homes a delight to live in – while the Haut Vienne Sud is wonderfully unspoilt

Unwind here with magical mountain air, beautiful views, a bustling village to explore and a restored 17th-century artisan's house

Serene apartments in the historic centre: walk to restaurants and shops, jump in the car for wine tasting and truffle hunting

Stylish gîtes in converted stables with a lovely pool and large grounds. Historic Auch is close and foodies will delight in local markets

A refurbished Victorian vicarage perfect for entertaining, and with bucolic gardens merging into Windsor Forest; foodie heaven too

Live like a duke in a duke’s palace, a throwback to the Moorish kingdom. Breakfast cakes are homemade, and coffee is served in silver cups

Cosy B&B suites in the hilltop village of Trebiano Magra with an ancient Roman water cistern turned into a spa

Medieval and modern sit side by side in perfect harmony at one of the oldest châteaux in Burgundy, surrounded by fields, forests and hills

Traditional sandy holidays from this lovely house overlooking the sea at the far end of a beach resort in Valencia

Stay in the wilds of south Cork, where new life is being breathed into a much-loved family home and you can simply join in

Wrapped in private grounds, a noble house full of tradition and history with shady terraces and cool rooms. Handy for Oporto.