A big friendly farmhouse basking in light, with terraces, vineyards, pool and views to several horizons, good for family gatherings

An elegant 1892 building, once the village school, now a very comfortable, colourful B&B with warm owners and delicious breakfasts

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus

A smart village local with original timber frames, a lively bar, elegant rooms and delicious food from the fields around you

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

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Delicious vegetarian cooking, a pool, lemon groves and hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains make a perfect escape near Cassibile

Come to a gorgeous bolthole, just for two, in a sleepy riverside village with the delights of the Corrèze at your feet

A beautifully renovated apartment in a quiet street in central Bordeaux, with fine old features and all modernities. Ideal for couples

Victorian country house for 8-15 with gardens overlooking the Howgill Fells for happy reunions with family and friends

Step through a door in an old wooden gate to discover a courtyard garden on the edge of town close to golden sands

A grand, 16th-century Breton château complete with dovecote, turret and chapel surrounded by 50 acres of parkland, woods and small lake

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

Perched in gorgeous gardens and with stunning views, this 18th-century presbytery has lovely rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant

A row of old brick stables now craftily converted into a light-filled and very peaceful place to stay with a garden room and gorgeous views

Cosied up by the fire in your farmhouse high on the moor you’ll feel miles from civilisation, while Chatsworth is just minutes away

A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs