Such a special place, right on the historic Georgian quay – a cosy, friendly place with dogs, children and families welcome in all parts

At the heart of fascinating Palermo, splendid aristocratic hosts welcome you to their historic family mansion filled with heirlooms

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

A lovely big house with huge riverside gardens and an easy-going charm – a 15-minute walk from bookish Hay-on-Wye

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

Beauty, charm and tranquillity an hour from Florence, on a bio-sensitive farm known for Chianina cattle and white truffles

Your own cottage on a wine estate in a very beautiful part of the South Downs, famed for world-class sparkling wines

A lovely 1910 village house, deep in sleepy countryside, with delightful owners, delicious home cooking and a pretty garden for lazy days

Welcoming, dog-friendly pub with food to rave about, cracking countryside views and very comfortable bedrooms

Come down to the Meon Valley and be (very gently) nudged towards a better way of living - a Sawday's Community Champion

Books, meadow flowers, a rocking chair by a cosy fire at this treasure-trove cottage of beautiful things - down tiny lanes in west Cork

A 16th-century timbered riverside inn with a relaxed, rustic feel, garden cabin rooms with views and fresh seasonal and homegrown food

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round