An Italian farmhouse with soothing views, a scented garden and a big swimming pool where you can unwind in peace and comfort

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

A captivating place for couples and families with fabulous views, pool and foodie hosts. River water sports, markets and vineyards near

Shed your urban cares here with a gorgeous living space, woods and meadows to wander and stunning views of The Black Mountains

A modern, beautifully refurbished inn set in smart gardens, overlooking the village pond and surrounded by Hampshire hills for grand walks

A grand yet very homely place with tasty home cooking and 200 acres to explore. Play golf, sail, cycle – wonderfully informal

Come with friends for a cookery course, or with the kids, and enjoy the creative feel of the place - and the food! Venice 40 mins by train

Spend restful days in a verdant garden, slip into the cooling pool, sip wine on your private balcony, stroll into arty Benissa

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

Surrounded by vines and swept by sea breezes, two lovely, simple gîtes with a gorgeous shared pool and a courtyard for boules

A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

Come here in the summer (it’s closed Nov-April except by arrangement) for candlelit dining, chintzy bedrooms, long views over the park...

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

Two family-friendly gites with gardens and a big pool, surrounded by corn fields and sunflowers, ideal for a larger family to take together

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Inside, a grand cathedral ceiling, outside, wisteria-covered terrace and pretty pool. Atlantic sands, Cognac and La Rochelle are in reach

20 minutes’ walk from Gordes and a hop from Aix, find grownup peace and minimalism for lovers of modern style and timeless Provence

Beautifully designed timber cabins in the Black Mountains, right next to a lovely old inn serving good, honest food from their own farm