Great design along with much comfort and warmth an hour from Inverness airport, but a world away from the city and with stunning views

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

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

A gorgeous barn conversion in the heart of the High Weald with superb walking, only five miles from Tunbridge Wells

In the heart of a starlight reserve in a protected natural park, three authentic cottages with walks from the door for immersion in nature

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

A pair of historic houses with far-reaching views of the Cotswold Hills and walks from the gate

A lovely restored house on a farm beside a cluster of ancient buildings surrounded by lush forest and grasslands – a deeply rural spot

In an outstanding area for lovers of food and wine, here are 3 beautiful boltholes in the Alto Douro, the oldest wine region in the world

One of four wooden-clad off-grid cottages, sleek and calm indoors, high up in the Cheviot Hills and with stunning views over the valley

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Eschew the crowds for your own slice of bliss in this ancient hamlet with village green - self-catering with a hotel feel and dreamy pool

Italian style marries Californian comfort, with views over hilltop towns, vineyards and the majestic Sibillini mountains beyond

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

A heated pool, charming B&B rooms and acres of beautiful grounds beside the Adour River - Bayonne and Biarritz are close

An indulging stay - exquisite decor, cosy fire, honesty bar, champagne hamper... Wellies & Barbours to borrow for yomps in Dales or Lakes