A lovely old stone house with a covered veranda and sparkling pool in a small hilltop hamlet overlooking a lush forested valley

You have complete independence in your own wing beside the owner's house, with much space, a sparkling pool and balconies with views

A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

An elegant, historical building in the heart of Catania - an intimate hotel, yet grand with gorgeous architecture and a wonderful welcome

A roomy, stylish barn conversion in Devon's rolling hills with wonderful walks from the door and panoramic views of the Exe valley

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Romantic cottage within 25 acres of fields, garden and orchard with fresh veg to pick, wellies for walking and animals roaming the farm

Two grand stone houses in tranquil parkland with a heated pool, potager and plenty of space for groups. Chickens and charm included

Come for very comfortable B&B suites with garden views in a converted 1880s barn with its own charming sitting and dining rooms

On the edge of the South Downs, this smartly renovated pub with contemporary rooms serves seasonal home cooked food and a warm welcome

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

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

A working farm with well renovated ancient buildings among 200 acres of pastures and forest. It's quiet here in the glorious Périgord

An island of oyster farms, salt pans and white beaches, woolly donkeys, countless push-bikes and the odd celeb – we love the Ile de Ré!

1800s coastal watchtower meets organic farm at a small hotel with a proud restaurateur and sea views from high mezzanine rooms