An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Secluded stone farmhouse, fragrant gardens, a natural pool, and winding forest paths – the perfect off-grid Tuscan escape

Off-the-beaten track cottage promises peace and quiet, wild swimming and hikes in the hills. A world away from the urban jungle

Historic village inn with wonderful cooking and a Provençal-style courtyard garden; drive to the Jurassic Coast in half an hour

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

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

A deeply thoughtful conversion of an old Presbyterian church with wonderful watery views, much wildlife and plenty of space for joyful times

The Test valley is a place of pilgrimage for fly fishermen, but this lovely country inn welcomes all with great food and lovely bedrooms

A cracking English inn with open fires, great food, gorgeous rooms, happy staff, lovely gardens and well-kept English ales

Garden lovers will flock to this lovely B&B with two spacious suites and delicious breakfasts – a good spot by a quiet hamlet

A lovely old stone house with a covered veranda and sparkling pool in a small hilltop hamlet overlooking a lush forested valley

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

A small, stylish hotel lost in the country with beautiful rooms, excellent food, fine walking and a river passing directly outside

An 18th-century whitewashed cottage, characterful and comfortable and with a large private garden, just minutes from the coast by car

A striking 200-year-old coaching inn in a sleepy village with a classic, traditional pub feel, superb food and wines, pretty bedrooms

Burrowed into the olive groves of the lush Valle d’Itria, a restored masseria with five trulli, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely views

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool