A little gem tucked on a rural Northumbrian estate with other cottages. The rugged coast and lovely Alnwick make for super day trips

Heaps to do on-site: organic farm shop & café, cookery & cheese-making courses, farm tours. A brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds too

Traditional and modern mix beautifully and bedrooms are quietly elegant. Relax and drink in the views over orchards and the Sierra Nevada

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

Homely furnishings and 17th-century charm at this estate on the Severn, whose owners are mad about horses and give you fine home produce

Set loose your inner castaway on your very own island with enthralling views and much wildlife a short boat ride from Skye

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

A family-run, environmentally friendly bistro with rooms near Grasmere: climb to the nearest viewing spot. Dogs welcome too

Within the city walls and right next to the Minster, this super-smart hotel gives you gorgeous bedrooms and delicious food

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

An award-winning dog-friendly pub with rooms. Find happy staff, delicious well-sourced food and comfy rooms – great for walkers

Characterful mansion in west Wales set in 10 acres of greenery with a lake; glorious beaches and good restaurants are a short drive away

Elegant Italian style in a sensitively-restored villa with sweeping views over rolling hills and forests

Rooms are good value, breakfast is taken overlooking the garden and there's superb veggie food next door - a Sawday's Community Champion

A taste of old Italy in this off-the-beaten-track rustic house on three levels, exquisitely restored and with elegant designer furnishings

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

Take breakfast on the terrace, splash in the fabulous pool. A secluded, friendly, immaculate villa close to golf and surfing beaches