Eco-friendly B&B overlooking Lake Como with marvellous mountain and lake views. Heaps of space, generous hosts, a menagerie of animals

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

Come for stunning views down to the bay of La Herradura and this traditional, family-focused 1990s house on three floors

Wow. The sort of place you long for on dreary days - inspired architecture, heavenly views, delicious home-cooked food, a lake for swimming

This lovely, beamy, uncluttered Tuscan farmhouse with separate apartment is an elegant lodging on a vast fruitful estate with pool, and lovely owners

A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

Welcoming, dog-friendly pub with food to rave about, cracking countryside views and very comfortable bedrooms

You'll feel at home in this immaculate yet cosy 1800s brick and pantile cottage with a pretty patio and stunning views across the Lincolnshire Wolds

Modern comforts, traditional cosiness and a warm welcome. There are walks from the door, country houses to visit and a pub in the village

A light-filled, modern house with wonderful sea views through vast picture windows stretching all the way to St Kilda on clear days

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

Superb rural views, excellent hiking and generous bedrooms. Cristina and Alec take good care of guests - the food is delicious

A warm, inviting boutique hotel in Shrewsbury’s historic centre; potter about the medieval streets, relax in a sun-catching courtyard

A light-filled studio with a sweet private terrace on the estate of a 16th-century manor - river views, glorious gardens and pure peace

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