Romantics will love this small converted hut-on-a-hillside surrounded by pines and olives with stunning views over the old town and the sea

Live like a local at these rustic apartments with a shared courtyard; walk to restaurants and shops, take the ferry to the beach

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in a very pretty flat in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle

A very generous amount of space in this beautifully restored annexe with heated pool and outstanding views over the East Devon AONB

A smart village local with original timber frames, a lively bar, elegant rooms and delicious food from the fields around you

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

Come for a spot of indulgence, with seriously good food and wine, oodles to do in the courtyard, great bedrooms and a cool spa for a splurge

Unspoilt Coverack has all you need for a fun beach holiday and this terraced fisherman's cottage on the coast path is cosy all year round

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

A pleasure to stay in such a dreamy château surrounded by a beautiful terrace, elegant gardens and parkland, a lake, river and waterfall

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

A luxurious 1920’s manor house with superbly stylish rooms, secluded gardens and a heated pool; close to the Picardy coast

A simple, elegant gîte high on a hillside on an old wine estate, surrounded by olives, vineyards and orchard just a short walk into Montcuq

In the National Park with all its glories (Ashbourne for antiques, Chatsworth for history, Bakewell for its market), a sweet village cottage

Painting courses on request, gardens full of roses, a parasol’d terrace, a seductive pool… we love this welcoming, traditional hotel

A great spot for two plus two, with a decked area that gazes on copses, stream and treehouse. Wallow your cares away in the hot tub

A truly cosy cottage in a superb setting for happy holidays, with dogs welcome, beaches nearby and wonderful walking all around

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history