Bold, bright decor within the 19th-century walls of this pretty courtyard cottage, with a hot tub and long views over parkland and lake

A romantic little bolthole with a hot tub on the Penicuik Estate with well-thought-out interiors and dreamy views over pastures and woodland

View-filled, beautifully converted and toasty warm, this old donkey shed is perfect for walkers, cyclists, peace-seekers and lovers

Generous apartments in a 300-year-old farmhouse with beautiful grounds and a swimming pool

A cool pub with smart rooms, English ales and Thai-inspired food. Farringdon tube is round the corner and you can walk to the Barbican

An enchanting Belle Epoque villa with a terraced garden and superb views across palm trees and vines to Mont Saint-Michel

Philippe and Stéphanie give you delicious food and comfortable, colourful bedrooms in their ancient château with gardens and pool

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

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

A light, bright, art-filled space with private garden on a quiet residential street just a short walk from shops, markets and good food

Come to be looked after very well in this meticulously renovated old farmhouse with elegant bedrooms, tasty breakfasts and a kind host

A rare treat to stay in this lovely stone farmhouse in the Durham Dales with acres of private farmland and magical interiors by Rita Konig

A sweet bolthole for two and a babe-in-arms or pooch in friendly, foodie Ramsbottom with walks straight into woods and moors

A pair of historic houses with far-reaching views of the Cotswold Hills and walks from the gate

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

An old-world inn full of colour, with open fires, cosy rooms, local food and the magnificent Northumberland National Park all around

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday