The views are sensational, the bedrooms full of charm and higgledy-piggledy beams. Sip Perigord Noir on the terrace and amble to the market

Italian style marries Californian comfort, with views over hilltop towns, vineyards and the majestic Sibillini mountains beyond

Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

A classic French beauty of a place; home to an engaging young family who love to entertain and look after you with great care

An oh-so-special B&B in Palermo's ancient heart. This city at the edge of Europe, with its Arab-Norman-Byzantine heritage, is fascinating

Step back in time at this wonderfully authentic château, loved deeply by its owners - 25km from Beaune and the Route des Grands Crus

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

Just one hour from London, this remarkable house sits on a unique family-owned Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey

The living is easy here: laze in the subtropical garden, float in the saltwater pool, let the kids play and meet other guests over dinner

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

Pluck grapes, splash in the child-shallow pool and explore the ‘Yorkshire of Italy’ with rolling green hills and conical trulli

Historic and impeccably presented apartment in charming Stockbridge, a stroll from shops, restaurants and Botanic Gardens

A rare treat, 700 metres above sea level and girdled by forests, waterfalls, chestnuts and olives, this is the place to come for solace

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

A 17th-Century Irish castle on the water’s edge. Watch the yachts from your bedroom, join local wine nights, discover the rich history

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

A big, rambling inn – welcoming and unpretentious with deep sofas, eclectic artwork, tasty food and exceedingly comfortable bedrooms