A peaceful, beautiful place to wake up in and to return to after glorious walks, with no near neighbours apart from curious sheep

Set off on blissful walks, trek home to crumpets and tea. There’s no better place to escape the 21st century than rural Devon

An old farm worker's cottage, niftily done up and nicely remote, with walking and fishing on the doorstep, four miles from Hadrian's Wall

A very special place to stay, immersed in the architecture and history of the city as well as its traditions, culture, food and wine

Tiny, suite-in-the-sky, in shabby-chic style, with all you need cleverly tucked into one room. Plus heavenly terrace with city-wide views

Elegant rooms behind a popular village pub with country walks from the door, and the spectacular Peak District and stately homes nearby

If houses could smile, this 1850 townhouse would be beaming - grand for groups, with four terraces, two living rooms and a plunge pool

A 17th-century stone mansion within the ancient walls of Avignon. Walk to cafes, watch the shows at the Festival, chat with convivial hosts

This is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

Sustainably built Suffolk retreat with plenty of space for friends and family to properly unwind - a steam room seals the deal

Foodies will love the irresistible cooking - along with local wine and a typically Tuscan setting. Bedrooms are pretty

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

Find a stunning entrance hall and quirky interiors at this colourful and comfortable 1890 olive mill sitting pretty in the National Park

A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

A modern, architect-designed renovation of a 19th-century building, sitting in harmony with nature yet only a short drive from Bordeaux

Come for plenty of space and wonderful views to the Pyrenees on clear days from this converted outbuilding in the grounds of a château