Great design along with much comfort and warmth an hour from Inverness airport, but a world away from the city and with stunning views

Victorian almshouse with architectural pedigree, sweeping countryside views and easy access to charming local towns

A beautifully renovated apartment in a quiet street in central Bordeaux, with fine old features and all modernities. Ideal for couples

Treat yourselves to a seamless stay in this 255-year-old manor house with dreamy gardens, sumptuous bedrooms, sparkling pool and spa

Head inland for grand walking or to the glorious coast from this very pretty cottage with a private garden, suitable and safe for dogs

A pretty stone single-storey house, now renovated beautifully into a comfortable hideaway with wonderful views to woodland and river

A lovely listed cottage, just stumbling distance from a good pub in a quiet village surrounded by spectacular walking and cycling country

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

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

Historic pub with immaculate new bedrooms and a happy atmosphere. A waterside terrace for summer, blazing open fires for winter

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

Come to the wild Cévennes to hike, ride, kayak down the Hérault river – or just revel in your pretty, generous house, pool and garden space

A rustic and elegant farmhouse retreat in Provence with a pool, vineyards and wildlife-filled pond – a launchpad for the Luberon

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

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

In an leafy quarter of central Milan, 2 inviting apartments run by generous Jane. Perfect for families and romancers

For escapists, wannabe writers and lovers of rural bliss: two boho hideaways for two (four at a squeeze) in this lush corner of Galicia

A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace