France

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

A beautifully restored cottage in a rustic-chic style, set above the dramatic Gorges de l’Aveyron; perfect for couples or families of four

A cool converted barn on an organic farm near Brittany’s loveliest beaches, with a kitchen garden and play area, perfect for foodie families

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

Everything you need is here: a wood-burner for winter, a pool and spacious terraces for summer, and peace and beauty all year round

A sweet retreat for a nature-loving couple, with soul-searching views and the smell of the sea. Logs and Breton cider are on the house...

Provençale-meets-English country house to great effect – cycle Mont Ventoux, walk to the monastery, visit Roman towns and vineyards

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

A gracious 17th-century manor house and a pretty Grange hidden down a tree-lined drive and with stunning views over woodlands

Come for the great outdoors. Return to your base - one of two independent cottages secluded in softly rolling Breton countryside

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and Cévennes at the door

A lovely villa with masses of space, filled with modern art and near to walking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

Come for much comfort in both buildings which face each other across the garden, plus a pool, lake, yoga and fitness studios