Sea views, fulsome breakfasts and plenty of fresh air on a traditional farm. A rustic treat: Southern Italian rural life at its best.

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

A light, bright and contemporary B&B in a quiet spot, with a garden overlooking the sea, the oyster beds and the passing boats

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

One of four wooden-clad off-grid cottages, sleek and calm indoors, high up in the Cheviot Hills and with stunning views over the valley

Comfortable, big family home with sparkling sea views over the Adriatic: discover the coast, explore Ancona and Loreto, enjoy the garden

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

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

A truly authentic place to stay on a Sicilian working farm with roaming hens, wheat fields, wild flowers and a distant view of the sea

A sweet, very private-feeling annexe in the glorious South Hams with your own west-facing garden

An ancient farmhouse transformed into a peaceful place to stay with lovely gardens, a swimming pool and delicious organic food

A small, charming house with ravishing sea views within walking distance of a bohemian coastal village at the foot of the Teix mountain

An iconic Cotswold pub, restored to perfection, with a cracking bar, elevated pub food and some super-smart bedrooms in pub and extension

Tucked at the bottom of a long track and surrounded by a gorgeous natural landscape, is this generous end-slice of a 17th-century stone farm

A bright and prettily beamed barn with very comfortable interiors, private outdoor seating and a shared courtyard for barbecues and games

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

A stylish, thoughtful and impressive place for a family holiday, in a dreamy Charentais landscape with the odd sheep to keep you company