A flawlessly restored palazzo in the oldest part of town opposite an ancient monastery, with peaceful courtyard and a terrace with views

Lovely small hotel in quirky market town surrounded by miles of stunning country – pretty rooms, tasty food and fine ales wait

Cross an ancient stone bridge to a 1790s estate cottage, completely on its own down a little-used green lane and with the river rushing by

Two riverside properties with incredible views, for walkers, sailors, dogs... and self-caterers who aim to be spoiled rotten

A wonderful surprise inside this 1590 house sitting in a beautiful walled garden full of fruit trees, just off the High Street

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

Follow in Picasso’s footsteps and spin up to vibrant Sheffield for a night at this stunning hotel, where flawless bedrooms wait

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

Gather the clans and just come. It's lovely here among acres of wildlife-filled grounds – a Sawday's Community Champion

In a quiet, ancient country town – outdoor breakfasts and indoor style: trompe l’oeil decorations, frescoes, vaulted panelled ceilings

Three comfortable stone houses clustered around the owners' home. Glorious views spread out below you across rolling countryside

Free-spirited travellers rejoice! A super house on a volcanic Sicilian island – hike, sail, dive & immerse yourself in local life

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

Bask in the beautiful Basque country at this friendly B&B in the village, with family-run restaurant for delicious suppers

History, tranquillity and genuine warmth in a beautifully restored medieval château, deep in the heart of the countryside