Sofas in front of the fire, English wines and local ales, ambrosial food and smart rooms, all a short stroll from Sissinghurst Castle

Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

Slow down! Swim, soak in the jacuzzi, taste Campanian cuisine and wine, explore the national park, pop to Agropoli's beaches... be pampered

Lovely big room in its own wing of a Victorian farmhouse. A peaceful spot with views across fields and an elegant drawing room

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

A very generous amount of space in this beautifully restored annexe with heated pool and outstanding views over the East Devon AONB

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

Two lovely cottages, packed with atmosphere, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley surrounded by nature

Walk, ride, bike or canoe, climb a mountain, head for Hay, then return to a comfortable bar, warm bedrooms and delicious food

Traditional house with a contemporary and imaginative interior; stroll to shops and restaurants, jump in the car to explore Provence

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

An elegant medieval manor in the Loire with spiral stone staircases, mullioned windows, jaunty turrets and a fairytale suite just for you

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

A beautifully renovated lighthouse with stunning views from the lantern room. Pretty bedrooms, great walking and fabulous breakfasts

Lodge and gardens – superbly designed, immaculate, fresh, eco friendly – rest in unspoilt Picardy. Anglo-French hosts take turns to cook

Friendly hosts, lovely log fires, delicious dinners, interesting antiques – and Frederick’s special tours of a WWI memorial site

Colourful coastal apartments and studios where you can be nicely independent, and enjoy a communal café and health club with Art Deco pool