Breakfasts with sausages from home-reared rare breed pigs, a big log fire and relaxed friendly hosts. Acres of garden and woodland paths

Perched in gorgeous gardens and with stunning views, this 18th-century presbytery has lovely rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant

Lavender shortbread and baked peaches for breakfast at this most artistic of homes. The courtyard with magnolia and orange trees is lovely

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

Elegant, charming home in leafy, peaceful garden - pâtisserie courses and good dinners. Champagne vineyards and historic Provins are nearby

A wonderfully simple and modern studio with stunning sea views in an almost Jurassic landscape, dotted with the owner's sculptures

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

A smartly renovated village pub with rooms welcoming locals, visitors, families and dogs on a Staffordshire country estate

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

An immaculate stable retreat surrounded by gardens near Canterbury. Two couples could spend an idyllic week here, or a family of 5

Come for hearty Lakeland adventures, pretty towns and villages, and a rather special stay in this warm and welcoming country inn

A rare treat to stay in this lovely stone farmhouse in the Durham Dales with acres of private farmland and magical interiors by Rita Konig

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

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

Woodland and fells encircle you, spa suites hang above water, food in the Michelin-starred restaurant is sublime – come for a real treat