Gather family in this big, beautiful barn for treks on hidden trails and picnics in the wildflower meadow. Set your watch by the wildlife

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

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

An 18th-century cottage for four on a working sheep farm: walk the Pentland Hills, get the bus to Edinburgh for culture

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

Anglo-Irish meets Italian and Indian; the owners have peppered this charming home with furniture and artefacts from their broad travels

A cosy, beautifully refurbished flat in a Georgian house bang in the middle of the unspoilt town with its pretty streets and houses

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

Rustic, quirky and layered with history, this is an exquisite slice of traditional Sicilian life, with welcoming and generous hosts

Such a special place, right on the historic Georgian quay – a cosy, friendly place with dogs, children and families welcome in all parts

Sumptuous bedrooms and delicious breakfasts at these two magnificent wings in glorious gardens and grounds next to the castle

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

Come for a village feel, rural peace and boundless Portuguese countryside at this charming whitewashed home with a super terrace with views

A smartly renovated village pub with rooms welcoming locals, visitors, families and dogs on a Staffordshire country estate

Perthshire country house with contemporary touches. Deer, red squirrels, tawny owls... and the river Tay glints way below through the trees

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

Canoeing on the Tamar, valley walks galore, with the woodland garden a sea of daffodils in the spring. A magical self-catering hideaway

A row of old brick stables now craftily converted into a light-filled and very peaceful place to stay with a garden room and gorgeous views