This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Light, bright and smartly decorated, this grown-up B&B is a calm retreat from the hectic whirl near charming Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight

An immaculately restored cottage with a blissful sun room, private terrace, gardens, pool and orchard for a warm and peaceful hideaway

Immerse yourself in 50 acres of peaceful countryside and the fine pool. Generous owners are on hand, Les Eyzies is just a few minutes' drive

20 minutes’ walk from Gordes and a hop from Aix, find grownup peace and minimalism for lovers of modern style and timeless Provence

Fall asleep to the sound of the sea in your dreamy thatched cottage, one of 6, right on the beach for those head-clearing walks...

An elegant hotel with wellness area, gym, gourmet restaurant, bar, bistro and 15 contemporary bedrooms decorated with Sicilian flair

A simple, artistic place to stay in beautiful countryside with an extra bedroom, sitting room and shower room in a separate building

Stunning design and buzzing community vibe. This pod is for 4 (+ 2) and the lower floor is fully accessible - a Sawday's Community Champion

A humdinger of a pub, hidden in a sleepy village in the Surrey Hills, oozing character and charm and with delicious food and comfy bedrooms

Citrus scents the air, loungers flank a spakling pool. Light, cool, simple rooms, vibrant hosts, garden and olive groves - divine food

Restored stone barn on the edge of Radnor Forest, with walking trails, glorious countryside views and lots of wildlife

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

Wooded, lakeside retreat for 1 or 2 – big windows, huge terrace, wood-burner, wide screen. The Jurassic coast a cross-country walk away

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

Explore woodlands, farmland and gardens, plunge into the heated pool, dine at Flora Restaurant at Trelowarren. This is civilized luxury

A stylish and characterful cottage which reflects the owners' love of vintage finds and a sunny, flower-filled garden with views to the sea