Stay on a secluded private estate by the sea - once the home of the brilliant French writer, Colette

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

A sweet bolthole for two and a babe-in-arms or pooch in friendly, foodie Ramsbottom with walks straight into woods and moors

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

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

A family-run 1700s thatched Inn in a rural hamlet with super food, a grand team to look after you and picnic benches in a pretty garden

Chat long with gentle hosts over home-grown dinners; see stars above, walks, rivers and wildlife all around. Rustic comfort in rural Burgos

Charming cottage surrounded by acres of wildflower meadows: drive to Newport in 15 minutes, walk the Pembrokeshire coastline

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

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

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

Characterful mansion in west Wales set in 10 acres of greenery with a lake; glorious beaches and good restaurants are a short drive away

A traditional country house experience with plenty of space for big family get-togethers, on a very old estate with fascinating gardens

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

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

Portraits, paintings and a historic look-out tower, pool, gardens and delicious breakfasts... San Fabiano captures everyone’s heart

Utter peace and quiet, a pool with a view, sunsets over the Cévennes and outdoor adventures on the doorstep - a hidden gem in the Gard

A taste of old Italy in this off-the-beaten-track rustic house on three levels, exquisitely restored and with elegant designer furnishings