Take your time here. Lucy will take you round her wonderful garden, introduce you to her donkeys, and share her laid-back approach

At the foot of the Cambrian Mountains, an ancient whitewashed cottage with cosy, light-flooded interiors – a perfect rural bolthole for two

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

A very grand façade for this handsome Charente village house with a beautiful, peaceful garden, creamy stone walls and olive trees

What a surprise! Tucked into a row of tightly woven old cottages is this contemporary open-plan hideaway with huge windows and much flair

A rustic and elegant farmhouse retreat in Provence with a pool, vineyards and wildlife-filled pond – a launchpad for the Luberon

A beautiful old farmhouse, carefully renovated with great authenticity and charm, surrounded by other farm buildings and a walled garden

Weymouth Bay and Portland views, the sound of breaking waves… this wild remote place will blow your cobwebs away and restore your psyche

Two lovely cottages with a fresh, modern style, private terrace, tranquil communal gardens with an orchard and pool

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

A splendid supper à la carte (three courses) is included here, together with airy rooms and sweeping gardens. The Solway Firth is close

A very attractive stone building on a smallholding with all mod cons, a bedroom for stargazing, Guest Farm Shop and pretty communal gardens

An enviable hideaway on a cobbled street high on a hill, with stunning views next to Galileo's house, the Villa Bardini and gardens

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

At these small hilltop apartments and studios near Cádiz, find history to delight you, massages to soothe you

A smartly refurbished village pub with its own micro-brewery and a huge emphasis on cooking great food from a network of local suppliers

Hike down secret paths and along the Suffolk coast before a superb lunch or supper at this friendly inn; sweet bedrooms too

A light, airy and comfortable barn conversion on a farm with stunning views over the Dorset/Devon border just five miles to the sea