Great for gatherings of family and friends: fine views, a good big kitchen, games room and pool; nearby caves and castles to explore

A delightful coastal house with lush courtyard gardens, masses of space, home office and terraces galore

Come for peace, comfort and beauty in a sunny corner of Provence at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Cafes, market, restaurants a 15-minute stroll!

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

Three family friendly gites with a contemporary feel, a saltwater pool, national trails to wander and wellness retreats on offer

Old meets new seamlessly here: ancient stone, lofty beams, good comfort, wood-burner, Jacuzzi/spa and space to relax in the designer garden

A truly delightful place to eat and stay with gorgeous bedrooms and good food, in a village with Tudor houses and ancient church towers

Cosy 17th-century cottage in a village inland from Wells-next-the-Sea and with easy access to north Norfolk's main attractions

A cosy, very comfortable stone cottage with fine views across the valley, just a couple of miles from the southern tip of Ullswater

A sculptor's studio, flooded with light, converted into a restful holiday home surrounded by glorious countryside, near Totnes

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?