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

A peaceful retreat in an unspoilt woody corner of Sussex. Bring dogs and children for fabulous walking on the South Downs Way

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Wooded, lakeside retreat for 1 or 2 – big windows, huge terrace, wood-burner, wide screen. The Jurassic coast a cross-country walk away

A place of peace in the hills and a view-filled base for exploring by bike or for experiencing Reiki, meditation, yoga and more

Deep French countryside, fine hospitality from true nature lovers, fantastic bedrooms and delicious dinners in an outbuilding

An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

Gorgeous small hotel perfectly placed for the magical Dales - stylish bedrooms, open fires, lovely staff and pretty gardens all wait

An oast house B&B surrounded by countryside and with a blooming garden; walk to the village pub, drive to nearby stately castles

An 18th-century listed cottage in a pretty terrace with a private courtyard garden and pond, just a short walk from the high street

A restored Dordogne farmhouse with a dash of Scandi flair - heated pool, bucolic views, and beautifully designed bedrooms

An open-plan kitchen, sunny terrace and fruitful gardens shine at this private hillside villa. From here, it's easy to ski, swim or sunbathe