With a sauna in the woods and a Nordic bath by the lake, these carefully renovated farm buildings are a lovely slow-living retreat

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

A lake to fish, a terrace for evening sun and a choice of two spaces with a shared pool and games room, a short hop from pretty Auvillar

Three spacious manor apartments with views for big gatherings of family or friends. Walk to the beach or the pub, play tennis and croquet

A beautifully restored cottage and extra wing for 3 - 4 on Bodmin Moor for families, outdoor types and lovers of real countryside – dogs can come too

Your host runs home and B&B with effortless efficiency and you'll find shiny, spotless rooms to retreat to after a day's exploring

Go with the slow - homemade delights, no plastic anything, few mod cons - just relaxed humorous hosts and a beautiful place

Between Penzance and Helston and close to sandy beaches is a sweet space for four. Good for young families and all garden lovers

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

Hidden in a beautiful, timeless valley with gorgeous gardens, mellow stone bridge, views and rushing river, is a very special place to stay

A cosy cottage on a farm down a long winding track, wonderfully rural with footpaths across fields or along the canal

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Another humdinger of a hotel from a very talented team. Hand-picked art, effortlessly cool rooms, tasty local food, a sun terrace and events

Immerse yourself, luxuriously, in beautiful rural Picardy – mirabelle jam, peaceful parkland, walking in the hills – near historic Amiens

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

Refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients

Escape to mountains, sea and sky, simple rooms and lovely food. Walk, swim, read, write, nurture your soul