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 beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

A 16th-century characterful gem right on the harbourside, serving excellent food at reasonable prices and with pleasant bedrooms

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

Two rural retreats up a shared drive for gatherings of friends and family who enjoy the great outdoors and good food from the Meikleour Inn

For lovers of tranquillity and simple pleasures with a private pool, tennis court, stunning views and forty acres to explore

Contemporary boathouse for all the family. Find rock pools, a shingle beach and plenty of ozone in the salty Cornish air

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

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

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

Comfortable apartment steeped in Breton history, in a beautifully renovated gabarier’s house overlooking the marine estuary

A privilege to be able to stay within the famous gardens of magnificent Château de Courances. The painter's village of Barbizon is nearby

This architect-designed passive style house sits just behind the sand dunes at Waxham beach, one of Norfolk’s most lovely beaches

Warm interiors, pretty bedrooms and excellent breakfasts – good value in a very handy central spot

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

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

This shuttered, stone maison in Gascony on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims' route is a joy for families to spend time together