A period manor and pretty rooms in old stables: a quiet base for Pas-de-Calais and Picardie. Madame loves the house, animals, story-telling

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

Unusual and exciting ex-Forestry Service station, now a contemporary eco lodge with huge windows and terraces for the views

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

An immaculately restored old inn with generous bedrooms, great food, ale and wine. Locals love it as much as those who make it a destination

A light and bright 1900s holiday home for family holidays by the sea, with a large enclosed garden and a short hop to beach and shops

A thoughtful cottage, full of warmth and cheer with lovely art and delicious pops of colour. Come for beautiful walks and much wildlife

Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère

A converted 18th-century chapel in the heart of Bruton with an all-day restaurant, in-house bakery, wine store and south-facing terrace

Furniture from home-grown wood, reclaimed tiles - beautiful. The Jurassic Coast is near, Bridport's antiques, too. Cycle, walk, spot birds

Great design along with much comfort and warmth an hour from Inverness airport, but a world away from the city and with stunning views

A beautifully restored cottage and extra wing for 3 - 4 on Bodmin Moor for families, outdoor types and lovers of real countryside – dogs can come too

Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

Relaxed, friendly bistro in the heart of Frome with boutique bedrooms above. Open all day - continental breakfasts and a classic French menu