A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A substantial old house, originally built in 1836 and recently renovated, for grand special occasions with stunning views and a hot tub

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

A charming 17th-century village inn, a destination place for foodies and real beer lovers, with very comfortable and stylish bedrooms

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

A truly special barn conversion, flooded with light and with its own decked outdoor space surrounded by bucolic countryside

A bright comfortable retreat in an enviable spot - riverside walks, Botanic Gardens and all the hip eateries of Stockbridge on your doorstep

In a quiet, ancient country town – outdoor breakfasts and indoor style: trompe l’oeil decorations, frescoes, vaulted panelled ceilings

A very thoughtful and peaceful house with a garden for happy holidays with family or friends, surrounded by glorious countryside for walks

An 18th-century watermill with millrace and pond, now a smart B&B with a swimming pool and pretty gardens, run by charming English hosts

An 18th-century coaching inn wrapped in countryside now a relaxed pub with rooms serving excellent food and drink with 16 inviting bedrooms

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

Welcome to the delights of a 15th-century Breton manor house, a meandering river inhabited by otters, and hosts who adore what they do