A thoughtful cottage, full of warmth and cheer with lovely art and delicious pops of colour. Come for beautiful walks and much wildlife

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

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

Come for the rural charm of this cottage. Green as far as the eye can see, near a village surrounded by rivers. Wellies essential

Perthshire country house with contemporary touches. Deer, red squirrels, tawny owls... and the river Tay glints way below through the trees

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Friendly host, Georgian elegance, welcoming sitting room and bedrooms, tasty breakfasts: the perfect city break in Scotland’s capital

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

Come for super ridgeway walks and explore charming towns and villages from this pretty 18th-century cottage in the Chalke Valley

A hop from St Mark’s Square, this long-standing hotel - a delightful family affair - could not be better placed for exploring Venice

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Between Florence and Siena, stay in one of five stylish apartments on a family-run agriturismo; they delight in sharing this slice of heaven

This deeply peaceful retreat will soothe the soul; come to walk, bike, sail then back to a roaring fire and good book. A sublime spot

Treat yourself to a bit of a rest with the one you love at this dreamy gîte in glorious countryside, with pool, garden and gorgeous walks

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

A charming transformation of a once boarded-up pub in a pretty village setting, beside the river Wye in the heart of the Peak District

A pretty stone single-storey house, now renovated beautifully into a comfortable hideaway with wonderful views to woodland and river