Magical sunshine-filled grounds with olive trees, palms, cacti and carob surround the charmingly-coloured stone of these 1750 farm buildings

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

A classic French beauty of a place; home to an engaging young family who love to entertain and look after you with great care

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

Fresh sea air, drowsy afternoons and nights of warmth and company against the backdrop of the sea in this big old house on Lyme Bay

A wonderfully maintained Grade II listed country house in the Brecon Beacons with extensive gardens and panoramic views of the Usk Valley

A rural farmhouse B&B with view-filled bedrooms, hearty breakfasts and walks from the door. The Dowies are generous hosts

Secluded villa with glorious views, infinity pool and lovely gardens, a three-minute walk from one of Italy’s most beautiful villages

Near Southwold - rich colours, fresh flowers and exotica! Fields for the dogs, walled gardens for you, logs, umbrellas, digital showers...

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

Part of the original Wensleydale creamery overlooking the river, with bustling Hawes and great walking country right on your doorstep

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

You have the whole North Wing of this beautiful old farmhouse with a private east-facing courtyard for early morning tea as the sun rises

Such lovely views from this light-filled flat, built in the 19th century – curl up with a book and gaze out to sea

Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender