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

A 18th-century house with pool in a small town with friendly owners and a tropical garden of banana, fig and, of course, frangipani

A delightful retreat perfectly placed for walking, cycling and visiting some of the region’s most popular sights

Float in the infinity pool above the canyon, dine under the stars, revel in the silence, head to the Cavagrande di Cassibile Nature Reserve

Elegant Victorian townhouse just between Kings road and Fulham Road. Chatty breakfasts with a friendly host - Suzie has the latest info on all things arty

Come for summer breakfasts of pastries fresh from the local bakery, afternoons reading by the pool and long, lazy lunches

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

A glorious retreat for nature lovers with a natural swimming pool, bikes to borrow and the timeless soundtrack of the water surrounding you

Sleek modern interiors now grace this ancient building with architectural joys, a courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with views

Chat long with gentle hosts over home-grown dinners; see stars above, walks, rivers and wildlife all around. Rustic comfort in rural Burgos

A relaxed old countryside manor house with a huge garden to roam. It’s 2km to sandy beaches and Judith is close by if you need anything

For families and friends, foodies, surfers and lovers of southern Spain’s historic, vibrant Costa de la Luz

A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

Bright and spacious barn for two and a baby on the South Downs Way, close to Brighton and the coast

A sprint from London: a Cotswolds pub modernised with sympathy and care. Happy staff, organic ales and food, gorgeous rooms

Charming cottage in a vast garden with a swimming pool and boule; walk to the nearest village, drive to Côte d'Azur in less than an hour

In an leafy quarter of central Milan, 2 inviting apartments run by generous Jane. Perfect for families and romancers

On the doorstop, Dovedale, Buxton, Chatsworth House... Come home to snooker, books, logs, a patio with views and masses of lovely space