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

Your own wing of an impressive 1700 baronial castle, restored with authenticity and with a lovely garden, wildlife and a little river

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

Come for gloriously independent B&B in your own cosy retreat with a belter of a breakfast brought to your door and plenty of local walks

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

Plenty of uncluttered easy space both in and out by the private pool - children love the freedom - great wine, food, and cycling country

A light, bright and contemporary B&B in a quiet spot, with a garden overlooking the sea, the oyster beds and the passing boats

Simple rooms on a spotless farm, delightful hosts, delicious fruit tarts at breakfast on Sundays. The perfect stopover en route to Calais

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

Surrounded by delightful gardens, these gîtes are serene retreats from which you can discover the Dordogne, or gently unwind

Easy-going, stylish rooms, a lovely, relaxing garden with natural pool - 1hr north of Lisbon and close to some of the world’s best beaches

Romantic cottage within 25 acres of fields, garden and orchard with fresh veg to pick, wellies for walking and animals roaming the farm

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Homely furnishings and 17th-century charm at this estate on the Severn, whose owners are mad about horses and give you fine home produce

A great little place, hugely popular, with stylish bedrooms, lovely food, happy staff and a winning position on the river Wyre

High-up, simple apartments, pools with fabulous views; kids play-things and donkeys, the glittering coast, Rapallo and Portofino down below

A charming old cottage, steeped in history and in a stunning setting, close to the Coast Path and overlooking the bustling harbour at Fowey