France

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

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

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

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

A confident style for this mid-19th-century house, with a Mediterranean garden, elegant terrace and pool, a stroll from the historic centre

Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère

Surrounded by delightful gardens, these gîtes are serene retreats from which you can discover the Dordogne, or gently unwind

A hop from the Côte d'Azur is this elegant home: bring friends, explore the garden, curl up on the sofa, dip in the heated pool

This shuttered, stone maison in Gascony on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims' route is a joy for families to spend time together

Find beauty and tranquillity on this historic Dordogne estate for up to fourteen - plus a feast of designer colour and a fine pool to share

A classic French beauty of a place; home to an engaging young family who love to entertain and look after you with great care

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

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

Stylish and spoiling B&B in a Renaissance château with outdoor pool, vast grounds, valley views and the Dordogne at your feet

Full of country-hideaway chic, this special holiday home is in one of the loveliest parts of the Var, surrounded by 10 private acres

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Lodge and gardens – superbly designed, immaculate, fresh, eco friendly – rest in unspoilt Picardy. Anglo-French hosts take turns to cook

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well