A fuss-free, informal place to stay with family - your own entrance straight from the garden and tasty breakfasts set up in a summer house

3 lovely cottages in the heart of Cognac vines for cosy nights by the fire and summer barbecues by the pool

A very swish 1610 house, thoroughly refurbished, in the heart of old Chichester with oodles of space and a surprisingly large garden

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

On the doorstop, Dovedale, Buxton, Chatsworth House... Come home to snooker, books, logs, a patio with views and masses of lovely space

A serene retreat, deep in forested hills with lovely gardens, the river rushing through and a very comfortable, calming and spacious house

Woodland retreat above Loch Tummel. Silence, sunsets and star-filled skies in a 70s bungalow that blends retro charm with modern comfort

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

A nicely priced inn on Shaftesbury's high street with a warm contemporary style and some excellent food – fine local walking waits

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

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

A snug Snowdonia bolthole arranged around a vast boulder, once home to Victorian artists inspired by the setting. For romantic hikers

Independent B&B in an ancient hamlet with modern interiors, immaculate bedrooms and a pleasant wooden terrace for sunny days

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

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

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