If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

Immerse yourself, luxuriously, in beautiful rural Picardy – mirabelle jam, peaceful parkland, walking in the hills – near historic Amiens

An 18th-century fisherman's cottage with garden at the end of a cobbled row, for happy seaside holidays with superb beaches nearby

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

A charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door

Created around a Georgian house, with lake, woodland and fields, this hotel and members' club offers great food, fresh air and much comfort

Come for peace, art, photography and go out for delicious food near Galicia’s ‘seafood coast’. One of Spain’s undiscovered gems

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

Come for fine food and drink, sumptuous bedrooms and a relaxed, informal atmosphere at this gorgeous Cotswold manor house with ancient roots

A stylish, thoughtful and impressive place for a family holiday, in a dreamy Charentais landscape with the odd sheep to keep you company

It's steeped in history and a joy to visit. Explore the vast pistes of Les Portes du Soleil... return to log fires and house-party dinners

Your very own château in the Dordogne for big family get-togethers and special celebrations

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A lovely, rambling old house for family gatherings with an extra cottage for bigger groups, a gorgeous garden and hilltop villages nearby

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

Comfortable, traditional, accessible and in the grounds of an old rectory with meadows and the river Frome nearby for summer dips

Enfolded in gentle Dorset hills and surrounded by trees, a perfect wooden hut for 2 near beaches, River Cottage HQ and many beautiful walks