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

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

A perfect spot with views of hills, forest and vines, below the beautiful village of Castelnau de Montmiral. Walks, wildlife, wine tours...

Come to this cosy barn down a winding lane for a back-to-nature escape: hike the Black Mountains, splash in the stream, gaze at the views

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

Remote barn in the middle of Northumberland National Park with views for miles, wonderful walking trails and clear starry skies

Be spoiled in this large stone house, with sumptuous bedrooms, thoughtful breakfasts and a verdant garden, just minutes from the city

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

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

Beautifully restored medieval hall house – perfect for big family gatherings, with separate cottage, replica steam train and secluded garden

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

An 18th-century beamed inn with tasty food, pretty bedrooms and a large garden just a ten-minute drive from Chichester

Enfolded in gentle Dorset hills and surrounded by trees, a perfect wooden hut for 2 near beaches, River Cottage HQ and many beautiful walks

The farm is up its own track with wake-up Cheviot views over pine forests and fields of sheep. Luxurious bedrooms, large airy living space

A great place for relaxing in hidden corners or by the pool, and for parties. The dinner experiences in the vineyard are delightful and guests are truly cherished

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

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion