Plenty of uncluttered easy space both in and out by the private pool - children love the freedom - great wine, food, and cycling country

Chat long with gentle hosts over home-grown dinners; see stars above, walks, rivers and wildlife all around. Rustic comfort in rural Burgos

A much-loved Tuscan villa restored to elegance: dinner on the terrace, frescoes, rose garden, a small spa…and Florence a 20-minute drive

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

10 minutes from La Rochelle, a place of peace and style. From scrumptious breakfasts to a splash in the pool, your hosts are eager to please

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

A pool, pines, and hosts that give you figs from their garden! Stroll to a pizzeria through the olive groves, return to 2 lovely apartments

Sheep's Head Way is reputedly one of the best walks in Ireland. Come back to roaring fires, a Rayburn, art and style – terrific restorations

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

You'll feel relaxed in this big light-filled house with plunge pool and outdoor cinema; walk along the river with Portugal on the other side

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

A vibrant open-plan space with a wild garden, river for swimming, splashing or fishing and the chance to spot kingfishers and red squirrels

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs

A serene retreat basking above the Algarve with sea views from the garden and pool, and charming Moorish details

Stylish seaside inn with stunning salt marsh views from a decked terrace, delicious food, wine and ales and sea-breezy modern bedrooms

Beautifully restored historical building in the heart of Vichy with a fabulous pool and spa, just steps away from the famous Opera House