A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

Wisteria, clematis and roses clamber up this pretty stone barn conversion with its own big garden surrounded by mature trees and many birds

Three restful B&B apartments, unique and stylish with communal spaces, wellbeing and healing, delicious home-cooked food

A fabulous old house filled with history, treasure and stories – now a colourful, larger-than-life hotel in the arty district of Belfast

A delightful eyrie surrounded by water, forest, wildflowers in spring and summer, views to distant islands - just a short stroll to Ullapool

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

An incredible living museum, dedicated to the history of Sicily and the arts. Stay in the main house or in a cottage in the fecund garden

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

An L-shaped former farmhouse is now a gorgeous place to stay, just half an hour from the sea or the mountains and near interesting villages

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

A bright and spacious cottage set against a backdrop of woodland for days spent happily reading by the wood-burner or lunch on the sun deck

A grand old Georgian building with a big old welcoming atmosphere, roaring fires, delicious food, ales and wine, warm and calming bedrooms

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

An upmarket, very comfortable old stone village house with tasty breakfasts and a sunny courtyard full of colourful flowers