In the gardens of a laid-back country house, a barn with books, games, faded rugs and a grand piano – a treat for convivial families

A traditional cottage in Polruan on the Fowey estuary with harbour and cove views and a tea shop and two pubs in the village

Restored 18th-century farm building surrounded by countryside, with a good pub a short walk away and Lake Windermere a ten-minute drive

A babbling brook, the sound of birdsong and centuries of history steeped into the walls of this medieval barn, plus a heated indoor pool

Head inland for grand walking or to the glorious coast from this very pretty cottage with a private garden, suitable and safe for dogs

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

A foodie and friendly reinvigorated old pub, with floor to ceiling estuary views. Bring the dog and hit the coastal path

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

Fine contemporary interiors within this half-timbered hillside villa, built with natural materials and with a beautiful pool and jacuzzi

Such lovely views from this light-filled flat, built in the 19th century – curl up with a book and gaze out to sea

A richly atmospheric elegance infuses this fire-warmed inn. Venison from the park, crab from Cromer, walkers and dogs happy in the bar

A lovely old cottage with sunny conservatory sitting in wonderful gardens at Euridge, a magical place with 450 acres of private grounds

Rustic, quirky and layered with history, this is an exquisite slice of traditional Sicilian life, with welcoming and generous hosts

A 200-year-old typical Mallorcan house with wooden beams, tiled floors, a view-filled garden and a big pool in beautiful Sóller

Victorian almshouse with architectural pedigree, sweeping countryside views and easy access to charming local towns

A substantial old house, originally built in 1836 and recently renovated, for grand special occasions with stunning views and a hot tub

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean