Guests love the Henley - it’s nicely informal, and cute rooms, big views, and Martyn’s lovely food all hit the spot. Breakfast included too

Two peaceful spaces in a beautiful garden with a morning concert from the birds and a terrace for magical outdoor meals

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

Food grown, foraged and prepared with care, a carefully curated wine list, roaring fires and very comfortable bedrooms to sink into

Inviting, inspiring, and perfect for 4. Off the beaten track in little-known ‘Swiss Tuscany’ is a treat for foodies and walkers

It's quiet among the lavender plants... bees humming, sun shining. Splash in the shared pool, visit lovely villages, taste local wines

Three comfortable stone houses clustered around the owners' home. Glorious views spread out below you across rolling countryside

Throw open French windows to this sleek self-catering space, with off-street parking. Walk to the beach & the pub, visit historic Chichester

Hilltop château on the edge of a small village half an hour from Saint-Émilion, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and two lakes

A most enchanting and welcoming Provençal mas sitting in acres of private parkland with woods, meadows and a small lake for magical stays

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A hop from the coast and charming Alnwick, a gorgeous and supremely comfortable country escape for friends and families. Dogs welcome too

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

Charming cottage in a vast garden with a swimming pool and boule; walk to the nearest village, drive to Côte d'Azur in less than an hour

A country house, elegant and unstuffy, at the heart of a working Lazio olive farm. Lunch by the pool or unwind at the hot spring spa

A lovely old traditional mas, built around a courtyard with lots of outdoor space and rambling gardens for happy gatherings, and sunny days

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