A large, light-filled house sitting very much on its own in the middle of the peaceful Eden Valley with masses of space inside and out

Garden and mountain views from this pretty villa for two - Lake Como shimmers below. Pick up morning pastries in picturesque Mezzegra

Come to walk, cycle, fish and hunker down in style in front of the wood-burner - sleep in deep comfort in a lovingly converted barn

Wrapped in fields and woods, this big traditional house has crisply furnished interiors and plenty of gadgets. Terraced gardens and pool too

The wow factor is set to eleven at this magnificent château steeped in French history and surrounded by acres of land (and a moat)

A handsome Grade II listed pub with rooms in the heart of one of England's best foodie towns

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

Charming, simple and elegant B&B with a lovely garden and kind owners in an area renowned for its good wine and food

A new-build in local stone with vast windows gazing out at the meeting place of three beautiful lochs, surrounded by 12 acres of croft land

'Tout confort' in the heart of Reims, 2 steps from the cathedral. Lofty ceilings, marble fireplaces, polished floorboards, spa & sauna

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

A smartly refurbished village pub with its own micro-brewery and a huge emphasis on cooking great food from a network of local suppliers

Magical sunshine-filled grounds with olive trees, palms, cacti and carob surround the charmingly-coloured stone of these 1750 farm buildings

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

A great base for Stratford and beyond – expect a peaceful village, smart rooms, local ales, tasty food and a happy vibe throughout

Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents