What a surprise! Tucked into a row of tightly woven old cottages is this contemporary open-plan hideaway with huge windows and much flair

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Contemporary boathouse for all the family. Find rock pools, a shingle beach and plenty of ozone in the salty Cornish air

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

In the gardens of a laid-back country house, a barn with books, games, faded rugs and a grand piano – a treat for convivial families

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

A seaside inn on Babbacombe Bay with views of sea and sky, rooms to feel happy in, a spa and homely, hearty dining

A beautiful house with Pyrenean views, generous hosts and wonderful hiking, biking and skiing nearby. A rare pearl

A warm, gracious townhouse in a small town, run by delightful new hosts. Explore chateaux, canoe on the Loire... cycle to Angers!

A much-loved family home filled with warmth and characterful interiors overlooking Loch Alsh where dolphins and seals frolic

Another bright, beamed and history-filled place to stay on the smart Upton Cressett estate with walks from the door and much comfort within

Come for home-baked bread, eggs from the hens, arrays of fresh fruit, and fabulous river views... your hosts do lovely B&B

Peaceful Basque farmhouse turned smart country B&B, only 20 minutes from restaurants and museums in Bilbao and unspoiled sandy beaches

A lovely, long barn-style conversion with much space, stunning views across the spectacular bay and a secret beach to stroll to

Immerse yourself in sentiment and romance at Valeria’s charming Veronese villa. The walls sing with framed opera programmes and music scores

Unwind in elegant interiors and set out on long walks in beautiful countryside; Chichester and Winchester are near

An immaculately restored old inn with generous bedrooms, great food, ale and wine. Locals love it as much as those who make it a destination