Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

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

Converted stables in the grounds of a manor house in a peaceful village just outside Banbury with lovely walking in the Cherwell Valley

An idyllic hotel-restaurant in a postcard-pretty medieval village. Warm interiors, a varied menu of local produce, masses to see and do...

Near Southwold beach, bird reserves and Suffolk castles, a peaceful getaway with orchard, views and generous breakfasts. Good value

Welcome to a beautiful space for six in Sicily’s chocolate capital - baroque jewel Modica. Laze in the garden, dip into the pool

Groups will love this 18th-century winemaster’s house and tower. There’s a hillside infinity pool, valley views and a private boulodrome

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

This lovely, beamy, uncluttered Tuscan farmhouse with separate apartment is an elegant lodging on a vast fruitful estate with pool, and lovely owners

A big, beamed contemporary barn filled with light and surrounded by unspoilt countryside for a romantic retreat.

Sun-soaked stillness, saltwater dips and garden scents of fig and rosemary - slow days unfold between olive trees and a sky full of stars

Your own cottage on a wine estate in a very beautiful part of the South Downs, famed for world-class sparkling wines

Heaps to do on-site: organic farm shop & café, cookery & cheese-making courses, farm tours. A brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds too

A beautifully designed wooden lodge with hot tub on the deck, glass-front wood-burner, plenty of space and complete immersion in nature

Get to know Lisbon with ease from this generous and comfortable townhouse hotel bang in the middle of the city centre

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

Dine in the orangery on excellent cuisine, or take breakfast in bed with the shutters thrown wide. Simply delightful