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

You’ve got history on your doorstep in this beautiful and serene B&B, with charming gardens and a real sense of style in every room

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

An 1820s farmhouse at the end of a quiet road in the North York Moors National Park, overlooking a forest and surrounded by fields

Follow in Picasso’s footsteps and spin up to vibrant Sheffield for a night at this stunning hotel, where flawless bedrooms wait

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Jagged Dolomite peaks frame every view from this farmhouse with two neat apartments – come sun or snow, adventures in nature await

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

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

A family retreat high above the river Dordogne and deep in woodland - with heated pool, games room and village restaurants a stroll away

The wow factor is set to eleven at this magnificent château steeped in French history and surrounded by acres of land (and a moat)

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

An unbelievably stunning setting for this renovated 15th-century villa with garden on a hillside overlooking the famed Florence skyline

Shed your urban cares here with a gorgeous living space, woods and meadows to wander and stunning views of The Black Mountains

In a chocolate-box village just an hour on the train, and a short hop in a taxi, from London is this foodie inn with pretty bedrooms

Come for dreamy river views, a lovely garden and this bolthole for two, beautifully renovated inside and out and with a private hot tub

A lodge house in magnificent gardens, which are all yours when visitors leave. A sweet retreat for anyone, but gardeners will adore it