Laze in the pool, nibble olives from the market, gaze over Provence. Inside, English meets classic French. Fabulous for families

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

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

Enter through an impressive stone arch to discover this 16th-century fortified manor house with a gorgeous communal dining and seating area

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and the Cévennes at the door

Spacious house with a big garden, a swimming pool and all home comforts; the beach and good restaurants are less than 10 minutes away

A cosy, very comfortable stone cottage with fine views across the valley, just a couple of miles from the southern tip of Ullswater

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A relaxed home-from-home feel at this Spanish house with old-fashioned charm, a big garden and pool and lovely views from every window

A cool little inn lost in beautiful hills, child- and dog-friendly, with happy staff and award-winning food

Traditional house in a rural part of the Algarve with a spectacular garden, a pool and a tennis court, and restaurants a short stroll

Elegant Italian style in a sensitively-restored villa with sweeping views over rolling hills and forests

An old-world inn full of colour, with open fires, cosy rooms, local food and the magnificent Northumberland National Park all around

A handsome little château perched on the edge of a verdant valley, with wonderful views, lots of space and a rambling garden

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends