A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

A grand old Georgian building with a big old welcoming atmosphere, roaring fires, delicious food, ales and wine, warm and calming bedrooms

An ancient stone cottage on an organic winery with vines as far as the eye can see, chickens wandering, horses grazing and huge open skies

Artistic souls will like it here, and those who enjoy shared meals & getting to know other people in dramatic countryside; Arezzo is 40 km

It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

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

Wisteria, clematis and roses clamber up this pretty stone barn conversion with its own big garden surrounded by mature trees and many birds

A lovely little bolthole to return to after days out exploring pretty Cotswold villages and walking in an AONB straight from the door

A beautiful old building with generous windows, arched doorways and opulent interiors in the glorious countryside by a fairy tale château

A spiritual, rustic retreat for nature-lovers, writers, artists. In protected woodland, well away from bustle, close to the lapping river

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Hospitable Jorge and Clotilde love nothing more than sharing their colourful, chaotic old house with guests. The farm produce is fabulous

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

Close to sandy beaches between Penzance and Helston, three places to stay with characterful interiors and freshly baked scones waiting

Vibrant, artistic barn conversion in the heart of York, a five-minute walk from the Minster. Convivial place with helpful, friendly hosts

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

Simple and rustic, this early 1700s farmhouse has warmth and charm, surrounded by countryside in the Perche

Return to warming fires after hiking in Ireland's highest mountains. Two traditional cottages on the outskirts of pretty Killorglin