An 1800s former watermill, now elegantly converted to give B&B rooms plus a self-catering cottage in the Côte d'Opale, superb for walking

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

Your own cottage sitting room downstairs and a swish bedroom up – breakfast in the courtyard before venturing forth to discover Canterbury

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

Dating back to 1892 and once the home of the town's mayor, this fine house sits in the centre of a pretty Andalusian town with much to offer

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

A sustainably run 1902 farmhouse and a cottage in countryside close to a wonderfully wild stretch of the North Devon coast

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

Sleek modern interiors now grace this ancient building with architectural joys, a courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with views

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Take your pick from guided horse-trekking to grand banqueting at this traditional château; drive to explore WWI history and the lovely coast

Great for comfort, beauty, character and home baking. Borrow vintage bikes to explore Cambridge: Christine knows it inside out

A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

A charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door

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

Bountiful breakfasts, the warmest of owners and Breton adventures. Enjoy romantic ruins, quaint villages and delicious seafood suppers

Visit the walled city of Evora, have dinner with the friendliest hosts, pet the dogs & donkeys. Head out for culture, vineyards and menhirs