A stylish base for those who want to explore the beautiful north – expect good food, stylish interiors and a pretty market town

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

A relaxed home-from-home feel at this Spanish house with old-fashioned charm, a big garden and pool and lovely views from every window

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

Up the drive flanked by grazing horses, to a warm welcome from the housekeeper and a great fire in the hall. Perfect for family gatherings

Dine in the orangery on excellent cuisine, or take breakfast in bed with the shutters thrown wide. Simply delightful

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 relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

Wrapped in fields and woods, this big traditional house has crisply furnished interiors and plenty of gadgets. Terraced gardens and pool too

Come to this cosy barn down a winding lane for a back-to-nature escape: hike the Black Mountains, splash in the stream, gaze at the views

In a hamlet in the Loire countryside is a friendly estate with a family-sized gite, a shared saltwater pool and heaps of old-world charm

A beautifully restored listed barn of Westmorland stone sitting in a conservation area village in spectacular walking country, near Appleby

A cottage for two on a wonderfully eco wine school and vineyard. Gaze at magnificent views from your terrace

Historic buildings by a turreted manor house, beautifully renovated to welcome large parties with grounds to roam and dreamy river views

Modest and authentic, a top-floor apartment in an eco-friendly Provençal farmhouse, with dogs and hens. River swims are a stroll away...

A 16th-century timbered riverside inn with a relaxed, rustic feel, garden cabin rooms with views and fresh seasonal and homegrown food

A lovely old 19th-century inn by the sea with hand-pumped ales, fresh local and seasonal food and spoiling bedrooms, some with sea views

Remote and rural, this cosy cottage is a slice of Welsh heaven, with plenty to do and see just a short drive away