Two family and dog friendly retreats for lovers of the countryside, birdwatchers and those wishing to escape the crowds

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

A scrupulously renovated dog-friendly gate lodge with garden and outdoor dining area, a five-minute drive from Mount Congreve Gardens

Remote wartime research station turned stylish retreat with knockout views, wild walks and a front-row seat to the weather

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

Come for the glorious Northumbrian countryside and a neat-as-a-pin cottage with much comfort and a private garden near to the coast

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

Wide views over the trees to the glittering loch and the hills beyond will mesmerise; interiors are calm, uncluttered and generous

A cosy bolthole near Paris's best museums, monuments and churches. A peaceful sleep and simple buffet breakfast set you up for sightseeing

You have the whole North Wing of this beautiful old farmhouse with a private east-facing courtyard for early morning tea as the sun rises

Recharge and reconnect with your creative side in one of Ania's workshops; secret coves, wild swimming and coastal walks are all close

This architect-designed passive style house sits just behind the sand dunes at Waxham beach, one of Norfolk’s most lovely beaches

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

You're only a whisper away from history in this family-run château, where rose gardens, sumptuous bedrooms and generous breakfasts wait

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

Ease into a slower way of life from this beautiful Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by vineyards in the valley below medieval Montepulciano

Come for an authentic French village experience in this old stone house next to the church with glorious countryside for walks and cycles