Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

Sweet Grade II listed fisherman's terrace cottage for 4 (+ 1) close to the centre of bustling St Ives; a place to escape to year-round

Rustic charm meets modern comfort in peaceful Devon hideaway set in acres of wild meadows and ancient orchards, with glorious swimming pool

An elegant manor house with pretty bedrooms, pool and large grounds. Nathalie looks after you with ease and sets you up with big breakfasts

A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and the Cévennes at the door

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

A small, delightful hotel, perched on a high hill within a 14th-century convent with stunning views, garden and pool - very special indeed

A view-filled waterside retreat surrounded by ten acres of meadow and trees, with a cosy firepit for starry nights

A 200-year-old quintessential Umbrian farmhouse with pool, immersed in nature and with no immediate neighbours for lazy, peaceful days

A babbling brook, the sound of birdsong and centuries of history steeped into the walls of this medieval barn, plus a heated indoor pool

A cracking English inn with open fires, great food, gorgeous rooms, happy staff, lovely gardens and well-kept English ales

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

This hidden valley is the dreamiest part of South Devon. Catch the ferry across the Dart; gaze on the hills; snuggle up by the wood-burner

Magical for nature lovers, with wraparound views to the coastline of Skye. Inside: warmth, luxury and not a whisper from the wildest gale

Soak up Provençal peace in a charming estate in the Alpilles, with stylish ground-floor B&B rooms, olives, vines and a friendly family dog