Historic, indulgent, atmospheric – and the Contessa is so warm. Vineyards, restaurants, operas, walks...La dolce vita on Slovenia's border

Music evenings, pop-up theatre nights and great food at the Sash brasserie. You’re just a stroll from shops and bars

A real gem set back from the hustle and bustle but perfectly placed to explore the city's many charms

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

Restored 18th-century farm building surrounded by countryside, with a good pub a short walk away and Lake Windermere a ten-minute drive

A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

Elegant 19th-century château deep in the Dordogne forest promises seclusion, serenity and an unhurried, sun-soaked escape.

Enjoy the wine festival, cycling and hiking in spring and early summer, the truffles in November, and warm hospitality all year round

A bright and spacious cottage set against a backdrop of woodland for days spent happily reading by the wood-burner or lunch on the sun deck

Gaze over sublime vistas, refresh in the plunge pool, cook up a barbecue treat. A Provençal studio, simply furnished and deeply relaxing

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

For families and friends, foodies, surfers and lovers of southern Spain’s historic, vibrant Costa de la Luz

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

An 18th-century stone cottage sitting in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Nature-lovers and walkers will be well pleased and so will their dog

Tucked down a private driveway, this restored 19th-century farm building offers superb breakfasts, well-dressed beds and a beautiful garden

Refurbished police HQ in the centre of Bristol, minutes from the bus station, shops and pretty harbourside - a Sawday’s Community Champion

A beautiful old building with generous windows, arched doorways and opulent interiors in the glorious countryside by a fairy tale château