Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

An art-filled home poised above Hastings Old Town in a wonderfully private, peaceful spot and with a lush, tropical garden

A family retreat high above the river Dordogne and deep in woodland - with heated pool, games room and village restaurants a stroll away

An eco B&B (minus hair shirt) in the stunning Meon Valley surrounded by woodland and wildlife - a Sawday's Community Champion

2 super family apartments in the unspoilt Serre Chevalier valley, with a private chef if you’d like one, and delightful Pippa to welcome you

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

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

Provençal charm floats through the ground floor of this 18th-century home in a vineyard near Lorgues. Walk, cycle, swim, enjoy the peace

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens

A striking modern villa tucked away off a small road above the Serchio valley with sparkling pool, gardens and Apuan mountain views

17th-century farmhouse full of colour and interest with friendly hosts and great breakfasts. Explore the Cotswolds - bring the dog too

A small, rural cottage high in the wooded hills with long views, your own private pool, utter peace and quiet and a superb restaurant nearby

Come for a spot of pampering and seriously good food at this smart townhouse B&B with spa, garden and pool in the heart of Abbeville

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors