Head down the Strood causeway and step back in time for a slice of Mersea Island's old-world charm: beaches, fresh oysters & a charming inn

Traditional B&B in a beautiful château bursting with history and surrounded by formal gardens, then farmland and two fine rivers

Completely refurbished 18th-century roadside inn with special views, good food, restful bedrooms and all the benefits of Another Place

This eco-friendly farmhouse in the hills of Fiesole is 10km from Florence. Good company, superb views of Tuscany, and food for the soul!

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

A restful space with a pretty garden in a quiet Derbyshire village - the pub a short stroll away and Chatsworth near

An attractive, sympathetic barn conversion, full of light, pleasingly uncluttered and hidden down a lane in stunningly beautiful countryside

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

Lovely views from this converted farmhouse in peaceful Lot countryside, with terrace, sheltered pool and nine acres of grounds to explore

Elegant Italian style in a sensitively-restored villa with sweeping views over rolling hills and forests

A lodge and a cottage on an ancient wine estate, thoughtfully and eco-consciously converted with private outdoor spaces and a saltwater pool

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

Near lively Lyon, this handsome family house is perfect for a Zen-like escape with delicious vegetarian meals and well-travelled hosts

A glorious retreat for nature lovers with a natural swimming pool, bikes to borrow and the timeless soundtrack of the water surrounding you

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

Rustic, sophisticated, relaxed, charming… ancient Follonico is all these things, and gazes on the loveliest hills in Tuscany

This is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests