A romantic cottage for two in the Pentland Hills, with views for miles and your own private garden with a wood-fired hot tub

It's quiet among the lavender plants... bees humming, sun shining. Splash in the shared pool, visit lovely villages, taste local wines

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

A serene retreat basking above the Algarve with sea views from the garden and pool, and charming Moorish details

Come to be cossetted in this 300-year-old Burgundy farmhouse with rose garden, sheltered pool and convivial Dutch owners

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

Come for big skies, grand walking and hilly cycling. Style and comfort abound in this cottage set on the hillside with views to North Uist

Two family and dog friendly retreats for lovers of the countryside, birdwatchers and those wishing to escape the crowds

Your friendly hosts offer you stylish bedrooms, swims in the heated pool, and wonderful dinners and wines. Cahors is only a 10-minute drive

Delightful almshouse, steeped in history, in a peaceful churchyard setting with far-reaching countryside views

1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. Alnwick is close and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes

Simple country cottage living on a working organic farm. Bring your hiking boots or bikes, stride out from the door

An 18th-century beamed inn with tasty food, pretty bedrooms and a large garden just a ten-minute drive from Chichester

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

A former tobacco barn and an annexe with outdoor kitchen and courtyard, near good places to eat for relaxed days at the beach

A delightfully Lilliputian Georgian cottage with all mod cons at the end of a terrace just a short walk to shops, cafés and the beach

Laze in the pool, nibble olives from the market, gaze over Provence. Inside, English meets classic French. Fabulous for families