In the city of Trapani, at the foot of Mount Erice, a nobleman's villa with a warm heart and exotic gardens. A hop from the Egadi Islands

Remote wartime research station turned stylish retreat with knockout views, wild walks and a front-row seat to the weather

Everything you need is here: a wood-burner for winter, a pool and spacious terraces for summer, and peace and beauty all year round

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

Go with the slow - homemade delights, no plastic anything, few mod cons - just relaxed humorous hosts and a beautiful place

Like staying in a family home, only with Henri III furniture and rolling green views. Energetic hosts cook, farm, hunt, chat over champagne

A welcoming country-house hotel that’s popular with locals and visitors alike - good food, stylish rooms and an airy restaurant wait

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

Beautifully connected, engagingly old-fashioned London pad, with a garden. Head out for Vauxhall Park, the Tate, Westminster...

The nicest owners, the most magical place with wild land to roam. Two barns share a pretty courtyard; Devon's delights are on the doorstep

A large cottage by the walled garden on a peaceful estate with oodles of space for big gatherings and views over a lake and mature trees

This elegantly restored house with stunning views to snow-capped peaks is a testament to the owners' love of art and antiques

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food

In the “green heart” of Italy: great hosts, dreamy views, super pool, and food to fall in love with, including vegetarian

This lovely, beamy, uncluttered Tuscan farmhouse with separate apartment is an elegant lodging on a vast fruitful estate with pool, and lovely owners

A traditional stone bergerie high on a hill and surrounded by woods with east-facing views over the valley for stunning sunrises

Come for plenty of space and wonderful views to the Pyrenees on clear days from this converted outbuilding in the grounds of a château