This friendly, Scottish island B&B has the Atlantic at the end of the garden and air so clean the lichen grows like beards from the trees

Fabulous bakes and hot waffles at breakfast, green fields all around and Normandy steeped in history. Great for foodies and historians

A most enchanting and welcoming Provençal mas sitting in acres of private parkland with woods, meadows and a small lake for magical stays

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

For families and friends, foodies, surfers and lovers of southern Spain’s historic, vibrant Costa de la Luz

A rustic-chic bolthole with bird's eye views to gaze at from your bedroom and the beautiful garden, tucked in a quaint hamlet in Maremma

Charming, laid-back B&B in the foothills of the Algarve. All you hear are the birds, yet the beaches are a ten-minute drive

A niftily restored, open-plan, beamed hayloft, just the ticket for romantics, with gorgeous views of fields and open countryside

A wonderful country house, a unique wine story, very luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, infinity pool and restaurant

Refined palazzo with a rooftop terrace near the historic centre of Ostuni. The Valle d’Itria region and the coast is on your doorstep

History, tranquillity and genuine warmth in a beautifully restored medieval château, deep in the heart of the countryside

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

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

Small and elegant family-run hotel with airy bedrooms, plenty of private spaces and a bus to take you to the centre of bustling Avignon

A real gem set back from the hustle and bustle but perfectly placed to explore the city's many charms

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

Charming cottage in a vast garden with a swimming pool and boule; walk to the nearest village, drive to Côte d'Azur in less than an hour

A light, airy and comfortable barn conversion on a farm with stunning views over the Dorset/Devon border just five miles to the sea