Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

Lovingly renovated farmhouse amid vines and sunflowers, deep in the Charente countryside - small pool in garden, beaches 45 minutes away.

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

Cosy cabin hideaway packed with vintage charm. Enjoy lovely orchard views and a rustic wood-fired bath under the apple trees

Swings, a terrace and pool in 2 acres ringed by fields and tranquility, and lakes and vineyards beyond. Family bliss in Quercy

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

A beautiful 18th-century manor house on a productive wine estate with an enticing garden, spa and pool by a nature reserve. Views soar

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

Gather the clans and just come. It's lovely here among acres of wildlife-filled grounds – a Sawday's Community Champion

A wonderful surprise inside this 1590 house sitting in a beautiful walled garden full of fruit trees, just off the High Street

An eco B&B (minus hair shirt) in the stunning Meon Valley surrounded by woodland and wildlife - a Sawday's Community Champion

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

Enjoy southern life in a charming palazzo in Trapani. Come for coastal drives and baroque basilica, hand-twirled pasta and fresh calamari

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

A beautifully restored townhouse in the heart of Amboise, steps from Leonardo da Vinci's last home and the great Château Royal

Victorian almshouse with architectural pedigree, sweeping countryside views and easy access to charming local towns