A stately retreat, an oasis of calm and beauty. Picnic on the lawns, enjoy a glass of home-produced prosecco beneath a centuries-old tree

Three family friendly gites with a contemporary feel, a saltwater pool, national trails to wander and wellness retreats on offer

A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A classic French beauty of a place; home to an engaging young family who love to entertain and look after you with great care

Pristine and elegant rural farmhouse with sophisticated interiors and lovely owners who go the extra mile to make your stay special

You're beautifully looked after in this gorgeous Tuscan house. Come for Alpine walks, historic trails and wild nature all around

A gentle, calm, immaculate place for an all-season family stay, near wine tastings, castles, caves and canoeing. Everyone loves the Dordogne

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

Remote and rural, this cosy cottage is a slice of Welsh heaven, with plenty to do and see just a short drive away

Retreat to a classically styled, elegant apartment for four - private and peaceful - in a characterful, super-central area of Rome

Two cottages for couples: one more traditional, the other fresh and modern, both comfortable and romantic and there's a good pub next door

Spacious rooms with lovely linen, plus top-notch food in a wonderful setting, this is the best A303 stopover for miles

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

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains