An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

A fascinating place steeped in history and abuzz with prize-winning winery activity. Plus rustic cottages, golf, a restaurant and 2 pools

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

A special place indeed, particularly for honeymooners and lovers. It's steeped in history & romance with delightful gardens to roam at will

Wooded, lakeside retreat for 1 or 2 – big windows, huge terrace, wood-burner, wide screen. The Jurassic coast a cross-country walk away

Come for pristine beaches, long walks to Barbate, sea views, whale watching trips and serene suites

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An elegantly renovated coaching inn with inspired design, beautifully simple pub food, tempting ales and gloriously comfortable bedrooms

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

A beautifully renovated lighthouse with stunning views from the lantern room. Pretty bedrooms, great walking and fabulous breakfasts

Climb Snowdon - or take the train. Swim, cycle, visit Nat Trust houses. A deliciously quirky retreat for 2 (and babe-in-arms) near Anglesey

A warm family and starlit suppers in a grand estate by Soller, near wildflower walks and beaches. Citrus mingles with exotic fragrances

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

Stylish apartment overlooking a vibrant market in the old city, with restaurants and historic attractions in easy walking distance

A natural idyll made even better by friendly owners. Bask in the mountain views, explore astonishing Asturias, settle into the slow pace

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

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens