Lawns, paths and walnut trees, rolling views in every direction... a serene place to stay in every season. Sweet luxury for a big family!

You’ll feel nicely independent in this spacious open-plan hideaway surrounded by colourful gardens and Corscombe valley views

A traditional stone bergerie high on a hill and surrounded by woods with east-facing views over the valley for stunning sunrises

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

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

An 18th-century cottage for four on a working sheep farm: walk the Pentland Hills, get the bus to Edinburgh for culture

Pops of colour and neon signs bring fun to this smart and warm family home near Brancaster beach

A large, light-filled house sitting very much on its own in the middle of the peaceful Eden Valley with masses of space inside and out

Eat in the sheltered, quirky, outdoor dining area, enjoy Madame's colourful garden in its village setting - ideal for those on a budget

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

A charming B&B in south Sardinia, near Cagliari: circled by palms and cypresses, overlooking sweet-smelling lemon & orange groves. Bliss

A beautifully restored annexe in a picturesque village in the heart of Suffolk. Take a camera - it's seriously picture-perfect around here

Immerse yourself in sentiment and romance at Valeria’s charming Veronese villa. The walls sing with framed opera programmes and music scores

A lovely big house with huge riverside gardens and an easy-going charm – a 15-minute walk from bookish Hay-on-Wye

Immerse yourself in 50 acres of peaceful countryside and the fine pool. Generous owners are on hand, Les Eyzies is just a few minutes' drive

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store