Set off on blissful walks, trek home to crumpets and tea. There’s no better place to escape the 21st century than rural Devon

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too

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

An elegant townhouse, built in 1830 and once the sous-préfecture for Rochefort, with spacious, light-filled rooms and a garden with pool

A lovely, rambling old house for family gatherings with an extra cottage for bigger groups, a gorgeous garden and hilltop villages nearby

Your own private suite in the wing of a traditional Burgundian winemaker's house in a tiny hamlet, surrounded by fields of vines

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

A cosy cottage on a farm down a long winding track, wonderfully rural with footpaths across fields or along the canal

A large cob and stone Devon farmhouse in a sheltered dip near to Rosemoor and the coast, with valley views over the garden and pond

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

Hidden in a beautiful, timeless valley with gorgeous gardens, mellow stone bridge, views and rushing river, is a very special place to stay

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

Charming trulli apartments promise rustic comfort and panoramic views (horses too). Perfectly placed for exploring the area

Near lively Lyon, this handsome family house is perfect for a Zen-like escape with delicious vegetarian meals and well-travelled hosts

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Ease into a slower way of life from this beautiful Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by vineyards in the valley below medieval Montepulciano

An attractive converted stable with covered veranda, private garden and views over rolling countryside, minutes from the coast

An old chapel, smartly and sustainably converted, with a hot tub to soothe tired limbs after country walks through fells and dales