A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace

A stylish Sicilian farmhouse that feels like a home with hotel luxuries. Come for a generous welcome, lovely beaches and gorgeous local food

Château apartments with a heated pool, parkland and a menagerie - Gold Beach and the British Normandy Memorial are on the doorstep

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

Birders will love escaping up here, golfers too - visit Hatfield House, Knebworth, Cambridge - come back to a good local pub and a comfy bed

Stay just two kilometres from Siena's medieval gates with views over vineyards, lovely interiors, good food and pleasant gardens

Everything you need is here: a wood-burner for winter, a pool and spacious terraces for summer, and peace and beauty all year round

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe

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

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

A sleek space designed with the majestic surroundings in mind. You have your own private barbecue area and a shared large garden

A grand piano to play and a delicious bed to sink into, at this cool, arty bolthole near Frome. For those who love spaciousness and peace

Come to the wild Cévennes to hike, ride, kayak down the Hérault river – or just revel in your pretty, generous house, pool and garden space

A listed townhouse with 16th-century roots in lovely little Wells with a pretty garden, just a short walk to the magnificent cathedral

High in Ávila's unspoilt nature is this stylish, eco-brilliant family hotel: mountains, massages, pool, organic dinners... a special escape

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk