Airy interiors, good local food and a blissful rural setting for this refurbished inn, popular with locals and with a happy, bustling vibe

A large cottage by the walled garden on a peaceful estate with oodles of space for big gatherings and views over a lake and mature trees

One of five cottages on the Wern Estate, all comfort and charm, with a garden for kids, rockpools at Black Rock Sands and a mountain railway

Light and sunny annexe with your own entrance in the centre of vibrant Buckfastleigh with lovely gardens, for couples plus a child or two

In peaceful walled gardens, this former convent is a quiet retreat just a stone’s throw from the Riviera coast and the best of Tuscany

A bright, colourful lodge, part of an 18th-century abbey with a private garden, swimming pool, books, games and a cosy fire

A smartly renovated 250-year-old brick and flint built inn, tucked away in a sleepy village beneath the glorious South Downs

An old sporting lodge in Argyll renovated with sensitivity – fish in the river, gaze at the night skies, climb Ben Udlaidh

Traditional and modern mix beautifully and bedrooms are quietly elegant. Relax and drink in the views over orchards and the Sierra Nevada

Stay in a lovely 18th-century townhouse in one of the prettiest villages on the Loire surrounded by unspoilt countryside

Such a special place, right on the historic Georgian quay – a cosy, friendly place with dogs, children and families welcome in all parts

A cottage for two on a wonderfully eco wine school and vineyard. Gaze at magnificent views from your terrace

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

This cosy little house with garden and orchard is near to one of France's best trout fishing lakes and has double-height ceilings

A stylish hotel, tucked away yet central, an unusually quiet base for exploring Rome just a three-minute walk from the tube station

A tempting trio of retreats with unlimited access to exceptional gardens, and a welcome homemade cream tea. Come as a pair, or a small group

A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

An enchanting spot above pretty old Sète, the fisherman’s summer retreat has garden corners for all, cool white rooms, loads of personality