Log fires smoulder, rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious and there's bags of character at this old village pub – once a cider house

A privilege to be able to stay within the famous gardens of magnificent Château de Courances. The painter's village of Barbizon is nearby

An inviting B&B on a terraced Fulham street: greats hosts, a big, tranquil suite and continental breakfast in the courtyard on sunny days

Bring boots, maps, your dog and an appetite for high places and deep comfort in this restored farm conversion

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

Friendly touches everywhere, terrific food and drink, smart bedrooms above the sparkling bar – dogs and children welcome

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building – come for golf, beaches, walks and bird-watching

A wonderful green getaway with wrap-around views of Norfolk nature; walk Weavers’ Way, birdwatch at Blakeney, enjoy the coast at Cromer

A sleek, light-filled, beautifully designed, minimalist space for 4 with wrap-around views from the living room and pool

Italian style marries Californian comfort, with views over hilltop towns, vineyards and the majestic Sibillini mountains beyond

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

Three luxurious apartments sleeping up to 10 people altogether, set within an elegant Georgian manor house in the Wye Valley AONB

A big, beamed contemporary barn filled with light and surrounded by unspoilt countryside for a romantic retreat.

Gite retreats in château grounds - welcoming and wonderful for young families. Build castles in the sandpit, make friends around the pool

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

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too