A big old house with a lovely pool, surrounded by ancient olives just 3kms from the sea and deep in the heart of Bandol wine country

Come for sumptuous bedrooms, fine dining, colourful gardens and charming staff at this smart hotel and restaurant

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

Remote wartime research station turned stylish retreat with knockout views, wild walks and a front-row seat to the weather

Deep in Calvados near vibrant Caen, a cider barn with stylish bedrooms, quirky objets, a bar in the salon. Charming hosts welcome families

A magnificent Victorian clock tower on a peaceful, bird-filled estate with a garden, gorgeous views across the park and activities to join

Deep in undulating countryside, three pretty stone cottages with a shared, family-friendly saltwater pool and charming, generous owners

A nicely priced inn on Shaftesbury's high street with a warm contemporary style and some excellent food – fine local walking waits

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

For escapists, wannabe writers and lovers of rural bliss: two boho hideaways for two (four at a squeeze) in this lush corner of Galicia

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

Dreamy, divine and close to Borghetto, a romantic escape for nature lovers, city folk... with swans, geese, herons and frog chorus

Just the ticket if you want to escape from the hurly-burly and wind down with fresh air, good food, walks in nature and sublime views

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design