Genuine hosts, fabulous food, a swimming pool and a private speedboat for exploring the coast; a sandy beach is a ten-minute walk away

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

Another bright, beamed and history-filled place to stay on the smart Upton Cressett estate with walks from the door and much comfort within

In a mellowstone village with a jolly pub, a super raftered barn with generous touches. Friendly owners next door know the Cotswolds well...

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

An impressive manor house set in gentle rolling countryside ten miles from Oxford with a delightful garden, warm hosts and organic breakfast

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, simple and elegant B&B with a lovely garden and kind owners in an area renowned for its good wine and food

A delightful old Quinta within a Quinta. Find banana trees, vines and lots of greenery within a 20-minute walk of the centre of town

Luxuriate in style at this central Lecce palazzo with gorgeous rooms, delicious breakfasts (lunch & dinner by arrangement). Walk everywhere

Beautifully designed timber cabins in the Black Mountains, right next to a lovely old inn serving good, honest food from their own farm

Come for home-baked bread, eggs from the hens, arrays of fresh fruit, and fabulous river views... your hosts do lovely B&B

Bring boots, maps, your dog and an appetite for high places and deep comfort in this restored farm conversion

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

Welcoming, dog-friendly pub with food to rave about, cracking countryside views and very comfortable bedrooms

Come to stay in a lovely old house surrounded by an important garden created by three generations of brilliant women gardeners

High above the bay of Naples, this lovely B&B could be a Fellini film set. Romantic rooms are furnished with antiques, dinner is delicious