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

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

Simple and rustic, this early 1700s farmhouse has warmth and charm, surrounded by countryside in the Perche

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

You have complete independence in your own wing beside the owner's house, with much space, a sparkling pool and balconies with views

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. Alnwick is close and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes

The South West Coast Path passes by this waterfront pub on the Teign estuary. Come for fresh bedrooms, classic dishes and excellent walking

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

Come for an exceptionally inviting 17th-century inn, a chocolate-box Cotswold village, excellent local food and ales, very comfortable rooms

Near vibrant market towns, this lovely cottage on a rural estate with views of Pen y Fan is a delicious escape from the hurly burly

Refined B&B in a pretty forest setting just north of the French Basque country, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and delicious food

Sit back and relax at this luxuriously elegant grand manor in the heart of the Dordogne with a concierge service to take care of everything

A joy for foodies, peace seekers and lovers of period architecture… note the Honduran mahogany banister with inlaid jet and pearl

You're only a whisper away from history in this family-run château, where rose gardens, sumptuous bedrooms and generous breakfasts wait

Bedrooms are gorgeous, the wild ocean is close, and the people of Galicia are friendly and caring. You’ll pick up the same vibe here

A stylish hotel, tucked away yet central, an unusually quiet base for exploring Rome just a three-minute walk from the tube station

Fresh, inviting bedrooms with leafy garden views and a pretty church next door. Moffat's spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall nearby