A very swish 1610 house, thoroughly refurbished, in the heart of old Chichester with oodles of space and a surprisingly large garden

A serene restaurant-hotel on Chesil beach, with a perfect view of the big blue sea. How restorative can a hotel be?

Jaunty beach huts on Felpham beach with sea views, coastal walks from the door and access to the hotel. For couples, families and dog lovers

Two lovely cottages, packed with atmosphere, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley surrounded by nature

Once a pub, now a friendly home, with all you need for a market town break. Park the car (or leave at home) – everything is on the doorstep

Sleek, smart apartments on the first floor of a 19th-century building in Verona's most fashionable residential/commercial neighbourhood

Elegant house with sprawling gardens and space for family and friends, within walking distance of the coast

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

A handsome Grade II listed pub with rooms in the heart of one of England's best foodie towns

Beautiful views over Bantry Bay from this thoughtfully restored house with stylish rooms, gardens and woodland – a wonderful escape

Old meets new in Benoit’s charming villa with courtyard pool, breakfasts to linger over and all the fun of La Baule on the doorstep

A comfy cottage for two in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Aix with easy access to the city and a kind, attentive owner nearby

An exquisitely restored 500-year-old inn, where the accent is very much on food, reared and grown nearby and with very comfortable rooms

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

A welcoming retreat with lofty rooms, a sunny garden and the perfect plunge pool. Come for slow days and wine country adventures

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