A birdwatchers’ paradise in heavenly valley setting with friendly hosts and delicious seasonal cooking. Explore national park from the door

Come for a spot of indulgence, with seriously good food and wine, oodles to do in the courtyard, great bedrooms and a cool spa for a splurge

A big, beamed contemporary barn filled with light and surrounded by unspoilt countryside for a romantic retreat.

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

An idyllic hotel-restaurant in a postcard-pretty medieval village. Warm interiors, a varied menu of local produce, masses to see and do...

Modern comforts, traditional cosiness and a warm welcome. There are walks from the door, country houses to visit and a pub in the village

A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace

Blissful views to vineyards and mountains from this faithful reproduction of a 16th-century manor. Eat well, hike, bike, sauna and swim

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

A modern, architect-designed renovation of a 19th-century building, sitting in harmony with nature yet only a short drive from Bordeaux

Manor house in the grounds of a quintessential 18th-century French château with pretty gardens and lots of space just 3kms from Bayeux

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

A magical chateau set in the forested hills of Burgundy with lovely rooms, peaceful walks, home cooking and a merry welcome

The smallest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Come on down to this working farm for delicious organic food, an on-site sourdough bakery and crisp bedrooms in a pretty farmhouse

A wonderful place to stay whether you enjoy golf or not, with big skies, sea views, sumptuous bedrooms, delicious food and attentive staff

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

Simple country cottage living on a working organic farm. Bring your hiking boots or bikes, stride out from the door