Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

Inviting, inspiring, and perfect for 4. Off the beaten track in little-known ‘Swiss Tuscany’ is a treat for foodies and walkers

Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

A fascinating place steeped in history and abuzz with prize-winning winery activity. Plus rustic cottages, golf, a restaurant and 2 pools

Unwind here in the rolling hills with the river bustling along, your own secluded garden and an unpretentious cottage full of character

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

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

A gem of a château in the wilds of Limousin with kind and thoughtful owners who are thoroughly immersed in this tranquil area

Come for a bright, roomy, uber-green and accessible larch-clad space with garden and pond in pretty countryside

A wisteria-laden pergola shades the sunny side of the farmhouse - in gentle olive country near the Sibillini Park, not far from the Adriatic

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

A B&B in a WWF-protected botanical garden beside Lake Maggiore. Wander and explore, take a dip in the lake. This place invites you to unwind

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

An inspirational setting and an enthusiastic welcome from your hosts and their young family - lose your heart to its baroque beauty

A stunning veranda wraps itself around the house: doze off in a wicker armchair or sip a drink at dusk as the sun melts into the valley

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west