The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

Victorian almshouse with architectural pedigree, sweeping countryside views and easy access to charming local towns

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

An enchanting Belle Epoque villa with a terraced garden and superb views across palm trees and vines to Mont Saint-Michel

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

In a quiet, ancient country town – outdoor breakfasts and indoor style: trompe l’oeil decorations, frescoes, vaulted panelled ceilings

A quirky hotel with enthusiastic owners in an authentic Andalucian town, just ten minutes up winding roads from Marbella

A 200-year-old typical Mallorcan house with wooden beams, tiled floors, a view-filled garden and a big pool in beautiful Sóller

Perfect luxury in deepest Normandy: gorgeous gardens, a heavenly pool, and interiors worthy of an art gallery

Pomegranates, persimmon and figs, the waft of rosemary on the air... we love this old 'mas' 25km from Gordes, in sweet sunny Provence

B&B as it should be. Home-cooked breakfast in an Aga-warmed kitchen, a comfortable bedroom with garden views, a beach you can walk to

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

A big, homely farmhouse on the Umbria/Tuscany border for family holidays filled with sunshine, outdoor frolics and good food

Wonderful views over medieval Gubbio from this rural stone farmhouse with pool, cottages and apartments sitting in lush gardens

Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

The beautiful Amalfi coast is the sublime setting for these two suites with a shared courtyard, citrus trees and stunning coastal views