A niftily converted barn with high vaulted ceiling sitting on a hill with wonderful views over a newly-created lake and the Stour Valley

This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

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

This grand house on the river Derwent oozes old-fashioned comfort – find traditional bedrooms, delicious food and an open fire

A remote, rustic place for a digital detox - wildly romantic and perfect in summer with the doors open. Children can play in safety

Inside, a grand cathedral ceiling, outside, wisteria-covered terrace and pretty pool. Atlantic sands, Cognac and La Rochelle are in reach

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

Two family and dog friendly retreats for lovers of the countryside, birdwatchers and those wishing to escape the crowds

Where sea and woodland meet, an inspiring and beautiful haven with estuary views; a gourmet’s delight and Honfleur down the road

Rooms are good value, breakfast is taken overlooking the garden and there's superb veggie food next door - a Sawday's Community Champion

A spoiling hotel for a properly grown up escape on the Chatsworth Estate. Bring your loved one and do as much or as little as you fancy

Your very own château in the Dordogne for big family get-togethers and special celebrations

On the side of a hill in the little-known Marche, a happy young farmhouse with an elegant saltwater pool, and wonderful meals from Kelda

A magical Scottish Baronial-style house with stunning valley views; stroll to good restaurants, explore the spectacular Borders

Beautiful views over Bantry Bay from this thoughtfully restored house with stylish rooms, gardens and woodland – a wonderful escape

A scented garden, delicious local delicacies and those coastal landscapes. This place is a sensory feast

Deliciously comfortable, hospitable, boutique B&B - in a secluded village within easy reach of Reims and the vineyards of Champagne

Comfortable, traditional, accessible and in the grounds of an old rectory with meadows and the river Frome nearby for summer dips