Gracious hosts pamper guests in their family mansion, with a wellness spa, fire-warmed lounge and four-course meals from a talented chef

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

An 18th-century beamed inn with tasty food, pretty bedrooms and a large garden just a ten-minute drive from Chichester

Wonderful views over medieval Gubbio from this rural stone farmhouse with pool, cottages and apartments sitting in lush gardens

Rustic charm and homely hospitality – this 12th-century hideaway in a medieval village is perfect for slow days, wine and wandering

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

Fresh sea air, drowsy afternoons and nights of warmth and company against the backdrop of the sea in this big old house on Lyme Bay

Come for a holiday with extras: children’s playground, babysitting, pool, truffle hunting, vineyard, olive grove tours and more

The view is pure Canaletto, the vibe is modern and laid back. Just minutes from all Venice’s best bits, but with far fewer tourists

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

A stylish base for those who want to explore the beautiful north – expect good food, stylish interiors and a pretty market town

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

Elegant house with sprawling gardens and space for family and friends, within walking distance of the coast

One of four wooden-clad off-grid cottages, sleek and calm indoors, high up in the Cheviot Hills and with stunning views over the valley

Between Florence and Siena, stay in one of five stylish apartments on a family-run agriturismo; they delight in sharing this slice of heaven

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well