Welcome to a dreamy fortified castle, once owned by French royalty, the perfect place to stay for history lovers and comfort seekers

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Lovely small hotel in quirky market town surrounded by miles of stunning country – pretty rooms, tasty food and fine ales wait

A small, family-run boutique hotel sitting right at the foot of Etna with wonderful views, garden, pool and ambrosial Sicilian breakfasts

A 15th-century courtyard hides a petite contemporary apartment – a fabulous base from which to explore the city and all its treasures

B&B as it should be. Home-cooked breakfast in an Aga-warmed kitchen, a comfortable bedroom with garden views, a beach you can walk to

A picture-perfect village and a beautifully refurbished 17th-century inn with a cracking bar, stylish bedrooms and delicious pub food

A wonderful old 1397 village inn, filled with history and character. Find gracious bedrooms, roaring fires, good food and a pretty garden

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

At the heart of fascinating Palermo, splendid aristocratic hosts welcome you to their historic family mansion filled with heirlooms

A beautifully curated 1910 architect-designed summerhouse, filled with light and stunning views, with gardens, grove and refreshing pool

Come for big skies, grand walking and hilly cycling. Style and comfort abound in this cottage set on the hillside with views to North Uist

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

A peaceful, beautiful place to wake up in and to return to after glorious walks, with no near neighbours apart from curious sheep

17th-century farmhouse full of colour and interest with friendly hosts and great breakfasts. Explore the Cotswolds - bring the dog too

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

Retreat to a classically styled, elegant apartment for four - private and peaceful - in a characterful, super-central area of Rome