Traditional family-run hotel with sitting rooms galore, award-winning food and Snowdon views. High teas and games room for children too

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

Wild and peaceful small hotel bordering National Park of Guadarrama. Listen to birdsong, hike in the sierra, spend the day in Segovia

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

This deeply peaceful retreat will soothe the soul; come to walk, bike, sail then back to a roaring fire and good book. A sublime spot

In the heart of the East Sussex countryside, a fun community inn, with rustic-historic bedrooms, scrumptious food, and a great welcome for dogs

Enjoy convivial gatherings from this Georgian country house with acres of land, gardens and woodlands just a short hop from Durham

Saint Emilion and Castillon both a hop away from a warm, wonderful barn with owners to match. Stylish, cosy and deep in organic vines

A beautiful renovation: light, bright and seemingly suspended over a lush valley with cool, contemporary interiors and stunning views

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

A stylish Sicilian farmhouse that feels like a home with hotel luxuries. Come for a generous welcome, lovely beaches and gorgeous local food

Hospitable Jorge and Clotilde love nothing more than sharing their colourful, chaotic old house with guests. The farm produce is fabulous

Once a coach house, now a split-level place to stay – you can walk to the river and it's just a short hop to central London

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

Minutes from old Ajaccio (a scenic cycle ride) is a charming small hotel with a stunning bay setting, and majestic mountains behind

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Come for a bright, roomy, uber-green and accessible larch-clad space with garden and pond in pretty countryside