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

A gorgeous inn lost in lush country with hammocks in the garden, sofas in the drawing room and lovely local food in the popular restaurant

An elegantly renovated coaching inn with inspired design, beautifully simple pub food, tempting ales and gloriously comfortable bedrooms

Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

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

Welcome to the delights of a 15th-century Breton manor house, a meandering river inhabited by otters, and hosts who adore what they do

A grand yet very homely place with tasty home cooking and 200 acres to explore. Play golf, sail, cycle – wonderfully informal

Stables turned into bright, comfortable holiday homes in countryside near Battle - for couples and families, whose dogs are very welcome too

Huge picture windows, oak floors, contemporary furnishings and stunning views. Pool, tennis court, gym and Jacuzzi too

Gardeners will be very happy staying in this generous, comfortable B&B surrounded by stunning gardens with year-round interest

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house has huge windows, white walls and designer furnishings. Blissfully remote

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

A large, pretty garden and cider orchards surround this neat-as-a-pin restored barn with an open-plan feel, high ceilings and exposed beams

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

Beautiful B&B in idyllic setting, with natural salt water pool and plenty of relaxed communal spaces

Remote barn in the middle of Northumberland National Park with views for miles, wonderful walking trails and clear starry skies

Bring the gang to this majestic maison fortifiée in pretty Périgord, where stone archways, secret corners and 15 acres are yours to explore