Towering 5 storeys above lively Palermo, a gracious B&B with sunlit rooms, lovely Sicilian hosts and breakfast in fine china on the terrace

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

A true country classic set beside the road in a quiet spot with stunning views to the South Downs, great food and very comfortable bedrooms

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

A contemporary rooftop room in a warmly civilised B&B filled with books and lovely things – stunning view too

Once a coach house, now a split-level place to stay – you can walk to the river and it's just a short hop to central London

A treat of a country retreat in the North York Moors National Park with lovely high ceilings, a log-burner, much comfort and fabulous views

A perfectly romantic and gorgeously restored bothy in a garden on a hillside by the sea, with grand views over the mountains of Skye

Rural bliss at the end of the lane: a cottage for 2 with wine and local biscuits in the hamper and farmers’ markets within a 5-mile drive

A charming nook for two in pretty Barrington village with a foodie pub mere steps away and Somerset at your feet

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

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

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

On its own wooded estate, a special manor house of character. Art on the walls, maps and wellies to borrow, gardens to romp in, super views

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

Step through a door in an old wooden gate to discover a courtyard garden on the edge of town close to golden sands

An impressive, south-facing bastide on three floors with a sunny pool, lovely garden and grounds that stretch to vineyards and garrigue