Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden

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

A fin-de-siècle Franco-Scottish décor for this hospitable, entertaining B&B, in the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural quarter

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

Bright and spacious barn for two and a baby on the South Downs Way, close to Brighton and the coast

A great little place, hugely popular, with stylish bedrooms, lovely food, happy staff and a winning position on the river Wyre

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

A stylish, cosy, stone-flagged cottage with vintage and modern furniture, wood-burners, patios and views - and three excellent pubs nearby

Delicious vegetarian cooking, a pool, lemon groves and hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains make a perfect escape near Cassibile

Come for a spot of high-end cossetting with big, beautiful bedrooms, good food and far-reaching views in the Northumberland National Park

A serene retreat basking above the Algarve with sea views from the garden and pool, and charming Moorish details

In tranquil countryside close to the Ring of Kerry, a rustic farmhouse with wonderful stargazing and brilliant walks starting from the door

Dine in the orangery on excellent cuisine, or take breakfast in bed with the shutters thrown wide. Simply delightful

A smooth, contemporary space with far-reaching views, plenty of light and high ceilings for nature lovers, walkers, artists and dreamers

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

For families who love a Great British beach holiday, this beach-side cottage on Hayling Island near Portsmouth is just the ticket

20 minutes’ walk from Gordes and a hop from Aix, find grownup peace and minimalism for lovers of modern style and timeless Provence