Stylishly simple cottage in the heart of the old fishing port of Méze, within easy stroll of seafood restaurants and sandy beaches

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

A peaceful, romantic village escape for couples, plus a babe-in-arms, attached to the welcoming owners' home in the Scottish Borders

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

Once a lofty edifice for music recitals, now an original place to stay - with stained-glass windows, a bed on a stage and wild gardens

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

Up in the hills, with Hay Bluff towering beside, this old stone house is sheltered in the valley with the brook rushing past to a waterfall

A serene riverside retreat on the Lot, with manicured gardens and a shared pool, tennis court and children's playground for socialising

Come for an authentic French village experience in this old stone house next to the church with glorious countryside for walks and cycles

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

A tranquil and tucked-away feel for this terraced cottage with private patio, communal garden and plenty of room for six

Beautifully restored house with a literary history, no neighbours and private access to a sandy bay beyond the pines

Gather loved ones and come for a family holiday with oodles of space, a gorgeous pool and a tropical garden with views of mountains and sea

A lovely modern Provençal house, light and welcoming, in a valley of vineyards and forest, tucked peacefully away from the coast

A 1750s farmhouse with a comfortable, informal feel resting in woodland. You're near to iconic tourist spots but hiding in the quiet woods

Generous simplicity and organic farm cooking in this rustic Tuscan farm with library, yoga, family apartments and natural lily-dotted pond