A lodge house in magnificent gardens (which are all yours when visitors leave). A sweet retreat for anyone, but gardeners will adore it

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

Sleep in sleigh beds in lush, legendary horsey countryside with formal gardens, woods to walk in - visit Caen, Bayeux, the Landing Beaches

Unwind in a hammock, in the pool, in a balconied rose-coloured bedroom – meander local markets, pick a pepper, cook up a feast and have fun

Rooms are good value, breakfast is taken overlooking the garden and there's superb veggie food next door - a Sawday's Community Champion

Gorgeous scenic views from this relaxed and friendly B&B tucked in a tiny hamlet in the Dordogne near Bergerac

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Two family and dog friendly retreats for lovers of the countryside, birdwatchers and those wishing to escape the crowds

For walkers and lovers of wildly beautiful coastal country: two cosy old cottages and a bright, modern renovation in a cluster with others

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

A stylish timber frame eco build, clad with recycled steel and with an upstairs living space to make the most of the glorious sunsets

Take breakfast on the terrace, splash in the fabulous pool. A secluded, friendly, immaculate villa close to golf and surfing beaches

Beautiful cottages, donkey rides, a popular pool and restaurants to walk to. Dutch Peter knows all the walks in this heavenly valley!

Stylish B&B rooms in a peaceful little château, amongst rolling hills, woods and farmland - bikes and boules to borrow, lovely pool to share

A cleverly planned 2020 large family home with all the bells and whistles for superb holidays – swimming pool, gym, barbecue and garden

Burrowed into the olive groves of the lush Valle d’Itria, a restored masseria with five trulli, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely views

In the glorious Howardian Hills, a homely cottage with an open fire for chilly nights and a lovely, country-style kitchen filled with light

An indulging stay: exquisite decor, cosy fire, honesty bar, champagne hamper... Wellies & Barbours to borrow for yomps in Dales or Lakes