Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

Swim with frogs in the freshwater pool, breakfast in the sunshine, play boules by moonlight. Châteaux don't get much more rural

Delightful B&B on a working farm, generous hosts welcome you with tea and homemade cake. Bring a piece of furniture and give it a facelift!

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

Garden and mountain views from this pretty villa for two - Lake Como shimmers below. Pick up morning pastries in picturesque Mezzegra

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

Sitting next to the church in the most picturesque village in England, this ancient, handsome cottage is packed with historical interest

Lovely old house with award-winning restaurant and indoor swimming pool. Sleeps up to 18 so just the ticket for a big family gathering

In the shadow of a Norman château on the Cherbourg Peninsula, a cosy house for three with private parking and restaurants outside the door

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

Cross an ancient stone bridge to a 1790s estate cottage, completely on its own down a little-used green lane and with the river rushing by

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

A handsome château filled with intrigue and interest on the edge of a Bastide town in Landes. Your charming host looks after you with aplomb

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

Painting courses on request, gardens full of roses, a parasol’d terrace, a seductive pool… we love this welcoming, traditional hotel

A grand spot with superb Peak District views for this secluded, immaculate conversion of a handsome stable block - spacious and light