Sustainably built Suffolk retreat with plenty of space for friends and family to properly unwind - a steam room seals the deal

A honey-hued stone farmhouse or a stylish cottage – both are deep in delicious countryside with lovely walks by the rambling river

Lovely big room in its own wing of a Victorian farmhouse. A peaceful spot with views across fields and an elegant drawing room

A welcoming, warming inn for locals and visitors alike with a blazing log fire, excellent local and seasonal food and proper Devon ales

Wild and peaceful small hotel bordering National Park of Guadarrama. Listen to birdsong, hike in the sierra, spend the day in Segovia

This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building – come for golf, beaches, walks and bird-watching

A delightful eco-friendly, off-grid bolthole in the Northumberland National Park with much comfort, massive views and in a Dark Sky area

A characterful Northumberland cottage-that-once-was-a-barn, with peaceful pond views and some serious stargazing

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Elegantly restored mariner’s cottage with tasteful interiors and sweeping, uninterrupted views over the ever-changing estuary

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

An exquisitely restored 500-year-old inn, where the accent is very much on food, reared and grown nearby and with very comfortable rooms

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

An idyllic cottage for animal lovers, children, peace seekers and walkers. Immaculate interiors and breathtaking views soothe the soul

On the side of a hill in the little-known Marche, a happy young farmhouse with an elegant saltwater pool, and wonderful meals from Kelda

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

An attractive, seaside hotel with an airy, contemporary feel - chic interiors, an excellent restaurant and big sea views await