A 1750s farmhouse with a comfortable, informal feel resting in woodland. You're near to iconic tourist spots but hiding in the quiet woods

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space

An Art Deco hotel in Lisbon's heart – all wood, chrome and marble, trendy lights, period photos in the bar, and the funicular to Bairro Alto

A hammock by the pool, dinner under the stars, Andalucian nature (wild boar, birds, olives) all around. Chatty English hosts charm all

Gather family or friends and take both villa and cottage. The terraces and gardens have long views, the pool is roomy and the peace palpable

Special back-to-nature, stargazing loft for couples and families, on a nature-filled estate in Piedmont

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Art-inspired B&B in a former silkworm factory. Swim in the eco-pool, feast on delicious food, explore Avignon, Arles and Roman ruins

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

Grand Scottish home with stunning views & a tea-and-shortbread welcome. Historic castles, local festivals, golf, East Lothian beaches abound

An 18th-century whitewashed cottage, characterful and comfortable and with a large private garden, just minutes from the coast by car

A small, stylish hotel lost in the country with beautiful rooms, excellent food, fine walking and a river passing directly outside

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

Medieval manor house and busy farm. A welcoming atmosphere, big bedrooms, breakfast in the baronial great hall by the cosy log fire

Independence at one end of the house with your own sitting room opening onto a courtyard garden. Good pub for food a few minutes' walk away

Come for big open skies, sweeping beaches and the charming towns of north Norfolk from this pretty flintstone cottage in Docking village