A serene retreat, deep in forested hills with lovely gardens, the river rushing through and a very comfortable, calming and spacious house

A great base from which to explore beautiful Pembrokeshire - walk by the coast, take to the hills, check out ancient St Davids

A cosy cottage on a farm down a long winding track, wonderfully rural with footpaths across fields or along the canal

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

In an outstanding area for lovers of food and wine, here are 3 beautiful boltholes in the Alto Douro, the oldest wine region in the world

A celebration of all things Somerset in a thatched village opposite the church and close to National Trust Barrington Court and Gardens

Stylish sustainability in star-hung Alicante with solar power, gorgeous rooms and a pool. Authentic breakfasts and dinners await

A 15th-century Venetian palazzo, lovingly restored with stylish rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and a designer's insight into the city

Retreat to this sweet, peaceful cottage with suntrap courtyard garden enveloped in rolling hills just a short hop from the Jurassic Coast

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

A hammock by the pool, dinner under the stars, Andalucian nature (wild boar, birds, olives) all around. Chatty English hosts charm all

Sun-dappled walks along the romantic avenues, big bedrooms, breakfasts inside or out, a laid-back atmosphere and great markets nearby

A gem of a house in a lovely unspoilt village with an intelligent, interesting owner who gives you delicious food and local wines

Deep luxury, superb service and a wealth of delightful things to admire at this small hotel on a very quiet street in the heart of the city

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

Charming cottage in the Peak District National Park for hill walking, cycling and bird watching, or simply unwinding amid much beauty

Close to Hexham's centre, a quietly charismatic Victorian home with fresh flowers, homemade bread, sunny courtyard and a friendly little dog

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe