Sofas in front of the fire, English wines and local ales, ambrosial food and smart rooms, all a short stroll from Sissinghurst Castle

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

Just the ticket if you want to escape from the hurly-burly and wind down with fresh air, good food, walks in nature and sublime views

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for three renovated houses, a delight for families

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

A Victorian house on a 5000 acre estate, snazzily renovated and tucked down a track with a private lake, in the quieter part of Cumbria

Another bright, beamed and history-filled place to stay on the smart Upton Cressett estate with walks from the door and much comfort within

11 rooms yet huge personality: travel mementoes, bright colours, local breakfasts... in a fun market town under the Cotswold escarpment

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

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

Cast yourselves away to this beautiful island and a bright, spacious apartment with a rooftop terrace bang in the middle of the town square

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

Close to sandy beaches between Penzance and Helston, three places to stay with characterful interiors and freshly baked scones waiting

Delight awaits at every turn - rustic-chic apartments, stylish interiors, organic olive groves to roam. The hacienda is steeped in history

Gather family in this big, beautiful barn for treks on hidden trails and picnics in the wildflower meadow. Set your watch by the wildlife

A 17th-century Grade II listed inn, bustling with a mix of visitors and locals, friendly staff, very comfortable rooms and scrumptious food