A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

An ancient manor from the middle ages, built against a stone cliff with extensive terraced grounds, pool and parkland filled with wildlife

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

A beautifully renovated apartment in a quiet street in central Bordeaux, with fine old features and all modernities. Ideal for couples

Plenty of restful, comfortable space indoors and out in the Mediterranean garden with its courtyard pool – restaurants to walk to

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Dreamy, languid beauty at this spacious, airy, arty house with garden and pool in typical Pugliese countryside

Independent B&B in an ancient hamlet with modern interiors, immaculate bedrooms and a pleasant wooden terrace for sunny days

Elegant rooms behind a popular village pub with country walks from the door, and the spectacular Peak District and stately homes nearby

Take a suite with champagne, strawberries and a tower, swim in the saltwater pool, eat a Castilian cocido - unwind in rural peace!

Escape to mountains, sea and sky, simple rooms and lovely food. Walk, swim, read, write, nurture your soul

Delightful B&B on a working farm, generous hosts welcome you with tea and homemade cake. Bring a piece of furniture and give it a facelift!

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

Achingly trendy, a design-lover's dream with infinity pool, wine on the terrace, pampering spa and a sunny bay at your feet – stunning

Light-filled retreat full of character and vintage finds, with handmade touches and farm-fresh produce on your doorstep

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

Plenty of uncluttered easy space both in and out by the private pool - children love the freedom - great wine, food, and cycling country

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles