Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden

Delightful almshouse, steeped in history, in a peaceful churchyard setting with far-reaching countryside views

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

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

An enchanting hideaway with sensational views in a flowery English semi-wild country garden, near Sissinghurst and Great Dixter

Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house has huge windows, white walls and designer furnishings. Blissfully remote

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

Set off on blissful walks, trek home to crumpets and tea. There’s no better place to escape the 21st century than rural Devon

Stylish steading where clean architectural lines meet Scottish agricultural heritage with some mid-century magic in the mix

An old farm worker's cottage, niftily done up and nicely remote, with walking and fishing on the doorstep, four miles from Hadrian's Wall

Airy interiors, good local food and a blissful rural setting for this refurbished inn, popular with locals and with a happy, bustling vibe

Provençal charm floats through the ground floor of this 18th-century home in a vineyard near Lorgues. Walk, cycle, swim, enjoy the peace

Wend your way down steep paths to Durgan beach, explore the magic of Charles’s wonderful garden and feast on Caroline’s super breakfasts

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

On a sleepy hillside near Noto, the peace is profound at this country estate set in a modern property with a spa, gym and generous suites

All you'd hope for, and more! Enormous rooms, marvellous beams, majestic views and wines from their vineyard

Sumptuous suites arranged around a sunny internal courtyard inside an ancient monastery - an intimate sanctuary for those who seek comfort

On the edge of the South Downs, this smartly renovated pub with contemporary rooms serves seasonal home cooked food and a warm welcome