Landscaped gardens, orchard and potager blend into Normandy countryside. Return from rural walks to a log fire and comfortable armchairs

Traditional family-run hotel with sitting rooms galore, award-winning food and Snowdon views. High teas and games room for children too

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

Laze in the pool, nibble olives from the market, gaze over Provence. Inside, English meets classic French. Fabulous for families

Cosy Lakeland stone barn in acres of peaceful countryside for walkers, wildlife lovers and those wishing for a retreat

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

An attractive collection of mellow stone buildings with wonderful views over Monte Amiata and the Val d'Orcia for restful stays

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens

Old meets new seamlessly here: ancient stone, lofty beams, good comfort, wood-burner, Jacuzzi/spa and space to relax in the designer garden

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

Two riverside properties with incredible views, for walkers, sailors, dogs... and self-caterers who aim to be spoiled rotten

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

Stylishly refurbished gastro inn on historic market square with gorgeous bedrooms, local ciders and some rather tasty food

A warm and colourful B&B with generous owners, elegant bedrooms and an outdoor pool, in the heart of a pretty town near Toulouse

Modern, timber-clad building attached to a Georgian stable block, for smooth lines, high ceilings and lots of light in glorious countryside