An ancient farmstead in the Lombard style with up-to-date B&B rooms plus a garden, lake and museum all surrounded by quiet countryside

A lovely old stone house with a covered veranda and sparkling pool in a small hilltop hamlet overlooking a lush forested valley

Charming half-timbered house at the start of the Alsace wine route, with spacious rooms, tempting breakfast and a swimming pool

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

Enter through an impressive stone arch to discover this 16th-century fortified manor house with a gorgeous communal dining and seating area

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Character and quirk in old and new design and furnishing – private terraces, a shared pool, great walking, cycling and wine-tasting

High up and with splendid views of the estuary and harbour, this roomy apartment is a very comfortable base for seaside holidays

A classic French beauty of a place; home to an engaging young family who love to entertain and look after you with great care

The river's gentle flow sets the tone for a relaxing stay in this peaceful Loire estate: quiet rooms, sweet village, dinner with Madame

High in the Tuscan hills, at the end of an avenue of cypresses, surrounded by parkland and acres of olives... a 13th-century dream

Burrowed into the olive groves of the lush Valle d’Itria, a restored masseria with five trulli, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely views

On a farmstead near Ronda where views stretch for miles are 2 houses, one old, one new, brilliant for families, sharing a fabulous pool

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

A cottage for two on a wonderfully eco wine school and vineyard. Gaze at magnificent views from your terrace

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland