In four acres of garden and woodland (a child’s dream) a house and interlinking barn for 10 guests. Secluded but close to everything

You'll find comfortable rooms, great food and a lovely bar at this friendly inn – Heartbeat country, Castle Howard and Whitby all wait

A handsome house with breath-taking mountain views: perfect for summer holidays and walking in spring and autumn

An incredible living museum, dedicated to the history of Sicily and the arts. Stay in the main house or in a cottage in the fecund garden

With breathtaking views of the hills above Nice, a splendid villa with big bedrooms, shimmering infinity pool, and generous, fun owners

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A delightful holiday home for a big family or group of close friends. Children and dogs can charge about safely, you can unwind completely

This deeply peaceful retreat will soothe the soul; come to walk, bike, sail then back to a roaring fire and good book. A sublime spot

A bright comfortable retreat in an enviable spot - riverside walks, Botanic Gardens and all the hip eateries of Stockbridge on your doorstep

A converted 18th-century chapel in the heart of Bruton with an all-day restaurant, in-house bakery, wine store and south-facing terrace

A wonderfully comfortable light-filled house with long views, a sandy beach to walk to, fabulous walking and wildlife and a superb kitchen

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

Sweep through vast wrought iron gates to this elegant Grade I listed Georgian country house with a swimming lake, yoga studio and sauna

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space

Stunning views from sunny bedrooms. Delightful lively hosts, good breakfasts with homemade jams, colour galore in the acre of garden

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

Friendly touches everywhere, terrific food and drink, smart bedrooms above the sparkling bar – dogs and children welcome