A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

A smart village local with original timber frames, a lively bar, elegant rooms and delicious food from the fields around you

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

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

A charming renovated stone gîte only 15km from Bergerac with a large outdoor pool, pretty gardens and walks and cycle rides from the door

Lavender shortbread and baked peaches for breakfast at this most artistic of homes. The courtyard with magnolia and orange trees is lovely

A welcoming country-house hotel that’s popular with locals and visitors alike - good food, stylish rooms and an airy restaurant wait

A seaside inn on Babbacombe Bay with views of sea and sky, rooms to feel happy in, a spa and homely, hearty dining

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

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

Comfortable home with wood fires, gracious bedrooms and convivial living rooms. The drive is full of blossom and daffodils in spring

An immaculate stable retreat surrounded by gardens near Canterbury. Two couples could spend an idyllic week here, or a family of 5

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

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

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

Hospitable Jorge and Clotilde love nothing more than sharing their colourful, chaotic old house with guests. The farm produce is fabulous

An elegant 1892 building, once the village school, now a very comfortable, colourful B&B with warm owners and delicious breakfasts