Cosy bolthole for two in a tiny hamlet next to a river and pub; walk the hills or spend the day at the unspoiled coast

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too

Peaceful Georgian house with beautifully proportioned rooms, sumptuous meals, swimming and tennis. Dartmoor is on the doorstep

An ancient farmstead in the Lombard style with up-to-date B&B rooms plus a garden, lake and museum all surrounded by quiet countryside

Gorgeous rooms and splendid breakfasts – for sybarites, history-lovers, cyclists and canoeists - bang in the middle of ancient Long Melford

A country house, elegant and unstuffy, at the heart of a working Lazio olive farm. Lunch by the pool or unwind at the hot spring spa

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

Wend your way down steep paths to Durgan beach, explore the magic of Charles’s wonderful garden and feast on Caroline’s super breakfasts

For lovers of tranquillity and simple pleasures with a private pool, tennis court, stunning views and forty acres to explore

A cool little inn lost in beautiful hills, child- and dog-friendly, with happy staff and award-winning food

A sleek, light-filled, beautifully designed, minimalist space for 4 with wrap-around views from the living room and pool

There’s a Tuscan feel to this lovely, family-friendly place – walk to the sound of cicadas, stargaze, visit vineyards, markets and castles

A 18th-century house with pool in a small town with friendly owners and a tropical garden of banana, fig and, of course, frangipani

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

Part of the original Wensleydale creamery overlooking the river, with bustling Hawes and great walking country right on your doorstep

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

A grand yet very homely place with tasty home cooking and 200 acres to explore. Play golf, sail, cycle – wonderfully informal