A heavenly setting for this very well-hidden cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and delightful pebble beach below

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

Stay on a secluded private estate by the sea - once the home of the brilliant French writer, Colette

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

An adorable little 1800s cottage with a garden – simple, unpretentious and filled with the owner's colourful art on walls and lampshades

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Premier cru vineyards at the door, an original wine cellar for tastings, and a heated pool with vineyard views

A perfect spot with views of rolling hills, sunflowers and vineyards. Enthusiastic hosts and heaps to do here - watch wildlife, bake, swim

A spick and span little hideaway full of character in a manor estate cottage. Explore the gardens, walk to the beach in 25 minutes

A honey-stone 1800s house, sitting pretty in acres of fields and woodlands, with a pool, lovely gardens and a separate cottage next door

Come for utter peace in this picture-perfect honey stone cottage with a lovely pool, garden and the glorious Dordogne to explore

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

Glass-and-timber doors bathe you with light, gaze at big skies and the river Dart lapping. Sublime year round, it's one of our favourites

A timbered, fire-warmed village farmhouse, home-grown dinners, delightfully French hosts. Deliciously authentic, generous and calm

A beautifully restored old coaching inn with a vibrant, bustling atmosphere, great food, friendly staff and super-swish bedrooms

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history