High above Lisbon, this small but elegant former palace offers stunning views, stylishly rustic rooms and a dreamy, sun-trap patio

A warm retreat in a charming Sussex backwater, with a changing menu of fabulous food, and well-furbished bedrooms upstairs

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

Friendly owners settle you in to this cool, creatively styled barn. Perfect for groups & families with big pool & garden

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

Grand Scottish home with stunning views & a tea-and-shortbread welcome. Historic castles, local festivals, golf, East Lothian beaches abound

A charming white-washed house with a pool & lovely hillside views from the terrace: sleep out here under a star-studded sky on warm evenings

An unbeatable position on Rutland Water, a Michelin star in the restaurant, a roaring fire in the bar and a swimming pool in the garden

A great find if you want to be close to all the action but nicely tucked away. Friendly pub downstairs, cool bedrooms up, Soho 20 minutes

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

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

Come with friends for a cookery course, or with the kids, and enjoy the creative feel of the place - and the food! Venice 40 mins by train

A glorious retreat for nature lovers with a natural swimming pool, bikes to borrow and the timeless soundtrack of the water surrounding you

An adorable whitewashed crofter's cottage on the Wern Estate with pretty gardens, a bird-filled woodland and glorious walks from the door

A country idyll in the hills. Only 15 mins from Faro, but all is peaceful: dip in the pool, sip a cocktail in the shade, book in for dinner

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

Romantics will love this small converted hut-on-a-hillside surrounded by pines and olives with stunning views over the old town and the sea