The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

Achingly trendy, a design-lover's dream with infinity pool, wine on the terrace, pampering spa and a sunny bay at your feet – stunning

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

Simple rooms on a spotless farm, delightful hosts, delicious fruit tarts at breakfast on Sundays. The perfect stopover en route to Calais

The farm is up its own track with wake-up Cheviot views over pine forests and fields of sheep. Luxurious bedrooms, large airy living space

A smooth, contemporary space with far-reaching views, plenty of light and high ceilings for nature lovers, walkers, artists and dreamers

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

A chilled, family-friendly hotel on a sandy surfing beach with huge views and a sensational pool with sustainability at its heart

Stay in the very first holiday let in the history of this lovely little hamlet of nine houses, with a superb sailing club and a decent pub

A foodie and friendly reinvigorated old pub, with floor to ceiling estuary views. Bring the dog and hit the coastal path

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

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

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A smartly renovated village pub with rooms welcoming locals, visitors, families and dogs on a Staffordshire country estate

A lovely villa in the Sóller valley close to stunning beaches, secret coves and a dramatic mountain range. Mallorca never fails to seduce

Rustic farmhouse with two and a half acres of landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and views over the Pyrenees – the sunrises are amazing