Music evenings, pop-up theatre nights and great food at the Sash brasserie. You’re just a stroll from shops and bars

Come for peace, space and much comfort in this nifty house with gorgeous views over acres of vines from the terrace and pool

Landscaped gardens, orchard and potager blend into Normandy countryside. Return from rural walks to a log fire and comfortable armchairs

With a sauna in the woods and a Nordic bath by the lake, these carefully renovated farm buildings are a lovely slow-living retreat

Stables turned into bright, comfortable holiday homes in countryside near Battle - for couples and families, whose dogs are very welcome too

A converted chapel - cosy and creative - right on the beach. Wander the Cornish coast, explore small towns and retreat from the everyday

Generous apartments in a 300-year-old farmhouse with beautiful grounds and a swimming pool

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

Vistas of olive groves, village life and the sea; gaze and daydream from this beautiful spot. A Michelin recommended restaurant to boot

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden

Come for windswept beauty, wonderful sea views and swims, hearty walks and good vegetarian food at this island hideaway and spa

Get the full-English bucolic countryside experience at this boutique inn right in the heart of a quintessentially pretty Cotswold village

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

This is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests

Experience the pleasures of traditional Tuscan living with fabulous food and fine wines from the family vineyard

In a chocolate-box village just an hour on the train, and a short hop in a taxi, from London is this foodie inn with pretty bedrooms

A sophisticated and friendly Basque beauty overlooking the Bay of Biscay, in Txakoli vineyard country – prepare to be thoroughly spoilt