Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

Step into the valley region from this beautifully restored 17th-century house surrounded by saltwater and freshwater canals and lakes

Take up residence in central London, surrounded by good places to eat. You have your own vast open-plan living space, light and lovely

A charming B&B in south Sardinia, near Cagliari: circled by palms and cypresses, overlooking sweet-smelling lemon & orange groves. Bliss

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

A detached 1960s house in a fabulous position with beautiful views over the mountains and plenty of space for walkers and skiers

Relaxed country-chic worthy of a photo shoot at these beautifully turned-out apartments in deep countryside... gaze on heaven from the pool

A wonderful country house, a unique wine story, very luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, infinity pool and restaurant

A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

Stay in the grounds of a 19th-century château turned family home, where 500-year-old oak trees shade a glorious garden

A self-catering apartment in the wing of a traditional Burgundian winemaker's house in a tiny hamlet, surrounded by fields of vines

Chill under poolside palm trees or lose yourself in novels on super comfy armchairs. Funchal with its colourful markets is within easy reach

A light-filled, modern house with wonderful sea views through vast picture windows stretching all the way to St Kilda on clear days

In a leafy, peaceful part of Frome - a very civilised bolthole for two. A big garden is yours to share, friendly owners live next door

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

An oh-so-special B&B in Palermo's ancient heart. This city at the edge of Europe, with its Arab-Norman-Byzantine heritage, is fascinating

Ascot is a trot down the road and there's a really cosy, cottagey feel to this quaint 18th-century inn with great food and comfy bedrooms

A marvellous spot overlooking Rutland Water for this 1760 former hunting lodge with good seasonal British food and very comfortable bedrooms