Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère

A view-filled waterside retreat surrounded by ten acres of meadow and trees, with a cosy firepit for starry nights

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

Lovingly renovated farmhouse amid vines and sunflowers, deep in the Charente countryside - small pool in garden, beaches 45 minutes away.

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

Refined palazzo with a rooftop terrace near the historic centre of Ostuni. The Valle d’Itria region and the coast is on your doorstep

A proper old-fashioned inn dating from the 1600s with beamed ceilings, low doorways and winding staircases up to comfortable bedrooms

1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. Alnwick is close and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Charming cottage surrounded by acres of wildflower meadows: drive to Newport in 15 minutes, walk the Pembrokeshire coastline

Gorgeous old pile in five acres of blissful country between the Dales and the Lakes - it’s super relaxed and perfect for everybody

A perfectly restored medieval borgo on twin Chianti hilltops, with lavender fields, honey bees and clear views to the Apennines

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Traditional house with a contemporary and imaginative interior; stroll to shops and restaurants, jump in the car to explore Provence

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

A self-catering apartment in the wing of a traditional Burgundian winemaker's house in a tiny hamlet, surrounded by fields of vines

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A light, bright, Georgian coaching inn with super-efficient staff, lovely terrace, sumptuous rooms and excellent, seasonal food