Four bright and warm cottages with gardens, for families and friends, plus activities for children and endless walks for you and your dog

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

Plunge into real Spain from this ancient village house with very modern interiors, stunning views, a cooling pool and a hop from restaurants

Feel very private in this light and bright B&B room with your own patio and pleasing views over garden and countryside

Hidden in a beautiful, timeless valley with gorgeous gardens, mellow stone bridge, views and rushing river, is a very special place to stay

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

A wonderful country house, a unique wine story, very luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, infinity pool and restaurant

Sheep's Head Way is reputedly one of the best walks in Ireland. Come back to roaring fires, a Rayburn, art and style – terrific restorations

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

A romantic cottage for two in the Pentland Hills, with views for miles and your own private garden with a wood-fired hot tub

Come for a sense of complete peace surrounded by country and coast with wonderful interiors to boot – a bolthole for two (plus two)

Manicured exteriors surround this 18th-century hamlet, a cluster of restored buildings with nine apartments, restaurant, pool and small spa

Cosy country cottage for four on an organic farm in the Welsh borders. Wake to the sounds of birds and sheep, walk off supper on rural romps

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

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