A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

Deep in Burgundy's wine country, an elegant maison de maître sits in acres of gloriously private parkland

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

Gaze over to glorious Curemonte from the pretty cottage, loll by the pool, play games in the barn. Bring friends and book the main house too

A 16th-century timbered riverside inn with a relaxed, rustic feel, garden cabin rooms with views and fresh seasonal and homegrown food

Part of the original Wensleydale creamery overlooking the river, with bustling Hawes and great walking country right on your doorstep

Starry skies, wild beauty and total peace are yours in these sustainable, solar-powered eco-lodges

A delightful house & converted 19th-century barn a short jaunt to the unspoilt beaches of the spectacular Anglesey coast

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

A Regency farmhouse sitting in a wrap-around garden with views to mountain and sea for wonderful walking, cycling and swimming

Deep in Calvados near vibrant Caen, a cider barn with stylish bedrooms, quirky objets, a bar in the salon. Charming hosts welcome families

A smartly renovated village pub with rooms welcoming locals, visitors, families and dogs on a Staffordshire country estate

A large, light-filled house sitting very much on its own in the middle of the peaceful Eden Valley with masses of space inside and out

Explore the coastal paths on foot or by bike, or simply sunbathe next to the pool... Leafy gardens, comfortable rooms and excellent dinners

Simple country cottage living on a working organic farm. Bring your hiking boots or bikes, stride out from the door

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

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