Three family friendly gites with a contemporary feel, a saltwater pool, national trails to wander and wellness retreats on offer

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

Deep in undulating countryside, three pretty stone cottages with a shared, family-friendly saltwater pool and charming, generous owners

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

Nestled in Stockbridge between Winchester, Salisbury and the south coast, this equally lovely foodie inn with rooms is a winner

Feel right at home in a thatched farmhouse on South Pool Creek, with cottage garden views, great breakfasts and a good local pub

Immerse yourself, luxuriously, in beautiful rural Picardy – mirabelle jam, peaceful parkland, walking in the hills – near historic Amiens

Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

A Georgian townhouse full of character for an epic family and friend get-together. The best of Hay is a stroll away

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

Laze under the loggia, drink in superb, sweeping Umbrian views and wine from the vines beyond the pool; sleep peacefully in grand style

A joyful, inviting house on a 15-acre smallholding in Devon. Super food, gracious hosts, delightful bedrooms - leave feeling nourished

An interesting historic townhouse filled with art and antiques, in the old part of Amantea, near shops, restaurants and beach

A light-filled, roomy retreat for artists, dreamers, walkers and nature lovers with uplifting meadow views, in the Dartmoor National Park

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

A lovely little bolthole to return to after days out exploring pretty Cotswold villages and walking in an AONB straight from the door

Lawns, paths and walnut trees, rolling views in every direction... a serene place to stay in every season. Sweet luxury for a big family!

A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture