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 small, stylish hotel lost in the country with beautiful rooms, excellent food, fine walking and a river passing directly outside

A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture

It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

Visit Florence, Arezzo, Siena… or revel in the beauty and peace of Casa Zia, surrounded by wilderness and lovely birdsong

A true gem - sleep in a small hillside castle, share delicious communal meals, walk or cycle to the beautiful waterfalls nearby

Comfort, warmth and thoughtful breakfasts at this informal, friendly B&B, sitting in a lush spot between the mountains and the sea

The views are sensational, the bedrooms full of charm and higgledy-piggledy beams. Sip Perigord Noir on the terrace and amble to the market

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

Great gulps of ozone will engulf you at this architect-designed 1960s beach house - light, bright and sparkling, just like the ocean

A soothing, deeply romantic bolthole with simple interiors and its own little private garden, next to a winery and surrounded by vineyards

A stone building designed by Sir John Soane in the stable yard of this historic and beautiful estate with deer park and woodland gardens

Walk, ride, bike or canoe, climb a mountain, head for Hay, then return to a comfortable bar, warm bedrooms and delicious food

Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, sustainability and slow food high up on the edge of a National Park

Linger over a fine breakfast and olive grove valley view, borrow a bike, take to the Francigena pilgrim trail, explore medieval Anagni

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

An upmarket, very comfortable old stone village house with tasty breakfasts and a sunny courtyard full of colourful flowers