High up and with splendid views of the estuary and harbour, this roomy apartment is a very comfortable base for seaside holidays

This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

Experience the pleasures of traditional Tuscan living with fabulous food and fine wines from the family vineyard

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Thoughtful red brick barn conversion on a working farm. Peaceful, practical and within easy reach of outdoor activities

A delightful holiday home for a big family or group of close friends. Children and dogs can charge about safely, you can unwind completely

Near Southwold - rich colours, fresh flowers and exotica! Fields for the dogs, walled gardens for you, logs, umbrellas, digital showers...

On a farmstead near Ronda where views stretch for miles are 2 houses, one old, one new, brilliant for families, sharing a fabulous pool

A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

Explore country markets, churches and châteaux - return to a gite in private parkland with an artist's studio on site, and a blissful pool

Three beautiful apartments (one with a pool) within a stunning Tavira townhouse, designed by Manuel Aires Mateus and with gorgeous landscaping

An elegant palazzo with three swish apartments in the heart of Baroque Salento with a glorious roof terrace, just steps from Piazza Salandra

A fine old 1890 homestead in the colonial style on a large estate, with a lovely pool, two lakes and delicious Portuguese food

Between Paris and Rouen, a handsome country house in Monet scenery. Cows graze, bedrooms soothe, friendships bud over bountiful breakfasts

Elegant 19th-century château deep in the Dordogne forest promises seclusion, serenity and an unhurried, sun-soaked escape.

A grand piano to play and a delicious bed to sink into, at this cool, arty bolthole near Frome. For those who love spaciousness and peace