This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

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

A rare treat to find such a comfortable and cosy, dog-friendly place in exceptionally wildlife-friendly and sustainably managed grounds

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

You have your own entrance to a private wing with a garden and an elegant sitting room. Bedrooms are beautiful and breakfast scrumptious

Atmospheric English pub with rooms by the green with its duck ponds in a pretty village, with walking and cycling routes to join

A lovely villa with masses of space, filled with modern art and near to walking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants

Close to sandy beaches between Penzance and Helston, three places to stay with characterful interiors and freshly baked scones waiting

An 18th-century listed cottage in a pretty terrace with a private courtyard garden and pond, just a short walk from the high street

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Created around a Georgian house, with lake, woodland and fields, this hotel and members' club offers great food, fresh air and much comfort

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 sophisticated and friendly Basque beauty overlooking the Bay of Biscay, in Txakoli vineyard country – prepare to be thoroughly spoilt

A gorgeous old gardener's house in grand Belle Epoque style, filled with every comfort and sitting in the grounds of a magnificent château

A heavenly setting for this very well-hidden cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and delightful pebble beach below

Comfortable, big family home with sparkling sea views over the Adriatic: discover the coast, explore Ancona and Loreto, enjoy the garden

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes