A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

Escape to this contemporary barn on a friendly farmstead with fern-fringed cliffs and walks galore on your door. Ask about ferry discounts

Perched in gorgeous gardens and with stunning views, this 18th-century presbytery has lovely rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant

An old farm worker's cottage, niftily done up and nicely remote, with walking and fishing on the doorstep, four miles from Hadrian's Wall

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

A small, rural cottage high in the wooded hills with long views, your own private pool, utter peace and quiet and a superb restaurant nearby

A beautifully-restored old cow shed, light and airy, floating over a wildflower meadow in spring and summer. 20 mins from the Jurassic Coast

On the side of a hill in the little-known Marche, a happy young farmhouse with an elegant saltwater pool, and wonderful meals from Kelda

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

A light, bright and peaceful 18th-century palazzo in a very quiet town, with a sea-view terrace, peaceful bedrooms and delicious breakfasts

Unwind here in the rolling hills with the river bustling along, your own secluded garden and an unpretentious cottage full of character

Spoiling bedrooms, fabulous food and a lovely position lost in the hills make this Lakeland inn hard to resist - bring your walking boots

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden

An eco renovation of an 1800s gamekeepers cottage, now a charming place for couples or families to immerse themselves in nature

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

A very romantic and peaceful Umbrian hideaway just for two with delicious breakfasts and wonderful views from house and pool