A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

You'll find comfortable rooms, great food and a lovely bar at this friendly inn – Heartbeat country, Castle Howard and Whitby all wait

An 18th-century townhouse on a quiet Arles street with a traditional feel and kind hosts - you'll be the only guests at this Provençal home

A wonderfully simple and modern studio with stunning sea views in an almost Jurassic landscape, dotted with the owner's sculptures

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

Rustic, quirky and layered with history, this is an exquisite slice of traditional Sicilian life, with welcoming and generous hosts

In an outstanding area for lovers of food and wine, here are 3 beautiful boltholes in the Alto Douro, the oldest wine region in the world

A smart village local with original timber frames, a lively bar, elegant rooms and delicious food from the fields around you

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

A gorgeously quirky historic building overlooking the bustling harbour with a cracking bar, St Austell ales, superb food and stylish rooms

A charming inn on the village green with beautiful interiors - you’ll find low ceilings, pretty rooms and a fire that burns on cold days.

A peaceful retreat with yoga and activities to restore and renew, in the Andalusia hills between Granada and the Mediterranean coast

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Beautiful B&B in idyllic setting, with natural salt water pool and plenty of relaxed communal spaces

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

Two peaceful olive grove farmhouses, a shared pool with incredible views, hours of hiking along beautiful trails, Pisa and Lucca nearby

After a bountiful breakfast of Loch Fyne kippers and homemade scones, head for Oban, gateway to the isles. Return to a dram by the fire