France

Wrapped in fields and woods, this big traditional house has crisply furnished interiors and plenty of gadgets. Terraced gardens and pool too

A handsome house with breath-taking mountain views: perfect for summer holidays and walking in spring and autumn

A honey-hued stone farmhouse or a stylish cottage – both are deep in delicious countryside with lovely walks by the rambling river

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Hilltop château on the edge of a small village half an hour from Saint-Émilion, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and two lakes

A lovely old 'pension de famille' and two apartments on the third floor overlooking the river Aven with high ceilings and exposed beams

A cosy and homely Breton gîte in a sociable setting - distinctly rural but with masses to do: pool, play areas, and café

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

Swings, a terrace and pool in 2 acres ringed by fields and tranquility, and lakes and vineyards beyond. Family bliss in Quercy

A gracious 17th-century manor house hidden down a tree-lined drive and with stunning views over acres of woodland teeming with wildlife

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Old meets new seamlessly here: ancient stone, lofty beams, good comfort, wood-burner, Jacuzzi/spa and space to relax in the designer garden

A comfy cottage for two in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Aix with easy access to the city and a kind, attentive owner nearby

Manor house in the grounds of a quintessential 18th-century French château with pretty gardens and lots of space just 3kms from Bayeux

A finely crafted staircase, a friendly owner next door, an Alpine garden to die for - groups large and small will love this old watermill

Come to this charming hideaway cabin for two (plus one) facing Lac de Montriond for a back-to-nature escape near Morzine