If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Wonderful views of the Cantabrian Sea, locally sourced food and fine bedrooms at a boutique hotel on the Asturian coast

A traditional Welsh cottage in a very pretty, rural setting with the river meandering past, the stunning coastal path and beautiful beaches

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Provençale-meets-English country house to great effect – cycle Mont Ventoux, walk to the monastery, visit Roman towns and vineyards

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

Cross an ancient stone bridge to a 1790s estate cottage, completely on its own down a little-used green lane and with the river rushing by

The South West Coast Path passes by this waterfront pub on the Teign estuary. Come for fresh bedrooms, classic dishes and excellent walking

Comfortable home with wood fires, gracious bedrooms and convivial living rooms. The drive is full of blossom and daffodils in spring

Glorious views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw from this comfortable house. Art dotted about, a big table for chatty meals and a pretty garden

An unbelievably stunning setting for this renovated 15th-century villa with garden on a hillside overlooking the famed Florence skyline

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

An ivy-covered old mill, newly restored as an inn with a relaxed feel, acres of manicured grounds, comfortable bedrooms and great food

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

Come for hearty Lakeland adventures, pretty towns and villages, and a rather special stay in this warm and welcoming country inn