A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

Classic coaching inn in a bustling village offers restful rooms, real ales and the Cotswolds on your doorstep

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

High in the Tuscan hills, at the end of an avenue of cypresses, surrounded by parkland and acres of olives... a 13th-century dream

Unwind here in the rolling hills with the river bustling along, your own secluded garden and an unpretentious cottage full of character

Sustainably built Suffolk retreat with plenty of space for friends and family to properly unwind (a steam room seals the deal)

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

A lovely big old farmhouse for gatherings of friends and family with your own indoor pool, sauna, gym and jacuzzi

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

A cosy, very comfortable stone cottage with fine views across the valley, just a couple of miles from the southern tip of Ullswater

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

An old-world inn full of colour, with open fires, cosy rooms, local food and the magnificent Northumberland National Park all around

An airy Estate Manager's House set in pretty grounds with a pool, orchard, barbecue and private terrace for long lazy days in the sun

Near lively Lyon, this handsome family house is perfect for a Zen-like escape with delicious vegetarian meals and well-travelled hosts

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

A sturdy, spacious house with stunning views over the garden and ocean, originally built in the 1800s as one of a row of Coastguard cottages

Blissful tranquillity - yet an easy drive from St Paul de Vence (legendary haunt of Matisse and Picasso) and 10km from the Riviera