On a farmstead near Ronda where views stretch for miles are 2 houses, one old, one new, brilliant for families, sharing a fabulous pool

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

Enjoy views of the South Downs from this converted milking parlour for 2 or 4 - fill up on the breakfast hamper and head out on long walks

Immerse yourself in 50 acres of peaceful countryside and the fine pool. Generous owners are on hand, Les Eyzies is just a few minutes' drive

Swim with frogs in the freshwater pool, breakfast in the sunshine, play boules by moonlight. Châteaux don't get much more rural

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

Immerse yourself in sentiment and romance at Valeria’s charming Veronese villa. The walls sing with framed opera programmes and music scores

Outside a perfect bastide village, an elegant manoir for lazy days in the Dordogne, fabulous dinners and glorious gardens

Three comfortable stone houses clustered around the owners' home. Glorious views spread out below you across rolling countryside

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

Experience outstanding hospitality at this aristocratic palazzo with a Michelin-rated restaurant downstairs and seven unique bedrooms above

Immaculate bedrooms, a rustic bar... but there’s more to this place than cool design. The service is superb and the food is lovely

Explore the coastal paths on foot or by bike, or simply sunbathe next to the pool... Leafy gardens, comfortable rooms and excellent dinners

A very swish 1610 house, thoroughly refurbished, in the heart of old Chichester with oodles of space and a surprisingly large garden

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

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