Near Vosges mountains, a happy homely hotel surrounded by woods and flower-filled meadows with friendly hosts. Deliciously peaceful

A wonderfully simple and modern studio with stunning sea views in an almost Jurassic landscape, dotted with the owner's sculptures

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

Starry skies, wild beauty and total peace are yours in these sustainable, solar-powered eco-lodges

A light and bright 1900s holiday home for family holidays by the sea, with a large enclosed garden and a short hop to beach and shops

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

Unwind in elegant interiors and set out on long walks in beautiful countryside; Chichester and Winchester are near

A stylish, canal-side inn – you get Sunday lunch, tow paths that lead into Edinburgh, then a pretty garden and cute rooms

In the heart of the East Sussex countryside, a fun community inn, with rustic-historic bedrooms, scrumptious food, and a great welcome for dogs

Bask in the beautiful Basque country at this friendly B&B in the village, with family-run restaurant for delicious suppers

A 16th-century characterful gem right on the harbourside, serving excellent food at reasonable prices and with pleasant bedrooms

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

A joy for foodies, peace seekers and lovers of period architecture… note the Honduran mahogany banister with inlaid jet and pearl

A swish and very generous eco barn with a wood-fired hot tub and a view-filled deck close to fabulous walking in the Dales or the Lakes

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

A tucked-away and peaceful retreat from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne or simply to unwind and recharge

A charming transformation of a once boarded-up pub in a pretty village setting, beside the river Wye in the heart of the Peak District