Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

A quintessential Grade II listed thatched cottage with glorious gardens near a 13th-century church and surrounded by rolling hills

Small country hotel in a riverside setting near Giverny, with a superb restaurant and a charming village a few minutes’ walk away

This small hotel with pool has elegant communal spaces, spoiling bedrooms, kind staff, delicious food and panoramic mountain views

Come to stay in a lovely old house surrounded by an important garden created by three generations of brilliant women gardeners

A 1930s riverside cabin circled by lush gardens; cosy inside with underfloor heating, glowing wood-burner and gorgeous decor

Step back in time at this wonderfully authentic château, loved deeply by its owners - 25km from Beaune and the Route des Grands Crus

After a bountiful breakfast of Loch Fyne kippers and homemade scones, head for Oban, gateway to the isles. Return to a dram by the fire

Lovely big room in its own wing of a Victorian farmhouse. A peaceful spot with views across fields and an elegant drawing room

On a farmstead near Ronda where views stretch for miles are 2 houses, one old, one new, brilliant for families, sharing a fabulous pool

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

Three family friendly cottages on this gorgeous eco farm with private gardens and organised outdoor activities if you like joining in

A period manor and pretty rooms in old stables: a quiet base for Pas-de-Calais and Picardie. Madame loves the house, animals, story-telling

A timbered, fire-warmed village farmhouse, home-grown dinners, delightfully French hosts. Deliciously authentic, generous and calm

A family retreat high above the river Dordogne and deep in woodland - with heated pool, games room and village restaurants a stroll away

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