A tempting trio of retreats with unlimited access to exceptional gardens, and a welcome homemade cream tea. Come as a pair, or a small group

A hugely spoiling place to stay with gardens, plunge pool, hot tub and sauna - part of the village pub, farm shop, brewery and Wellness Barn

Enjoy warmth, comfort and some jolly good food at this family-run village inn with inviting bedrooms – a haven for weary walkers

Few inns can rival the scale or history of this one. Dogs doze by the inglenook, food is sourced from local suppliers, bedrooms are gorgeous

A B&B with a soul, walks to thrill the heart. In these peaceful hills northwest of Como, views challenge you to keep your eyes on the road

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

An old pub with a new lease of life: smart buzzy eatery downstairs and two bright, spacious apartments upstairs - just minutes from the Heath

An inspirational setting and an enthusiastic welcome from your hosts and their young family - lose your heart to its baroque beauty

Stay on a secluded private estate by the sea - once the home of the brilliant French writer, Colette

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

Generous, fun house, perfect for family gatherings. Head down the hill for sandy beaches or let kids and dogs run wild on the Purbeck coast

A very pretty old converted cart shed at the end of a track on an organic farm, surrounded by wildlife, birds and animals in the fields

Cosy 17th-century cottage in a village inland from Wells-next-the-Sea and with easy access to north Norfolk's main attractions

Hike the Wild Boar Fells, get cosy at home with books, games and DVDs, and meet the farm’s hens, cows and sheep

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden

Remote barn in the middle of Northumberland National Park with views for miles, wonderful walking trails and clear starry skies

A stylish timber frame eco build, clad with recycled steel and with an upstairs living space to make the most of the glorious sunsets

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens