In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for three renovated houses, a delight for families

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

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

Step through a door in an old wooden gate to discover a courtyard garden on the edge of town close to golden sands

Stylish, family-friendly hotel on the side of a peaceful Cotswold hill with big views, a choice of rooms and a 500-acre estate to explore

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

Immerse yourselves in nature on this estate with walled gardens, wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands - a Sawday's Community Champion

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

Beautiful B&B in idyllic setting, with natural salt water pool and plenty of relaxed communal spaces

Head down the Strood causeway and step back in time for a slice of Mersea Island's old-world charm: beaches, fresh oysters & a charming inn

Once a shooting lodge, this stand-alone big building was part of a medieval estate and you can still see the grassy mount and dungeon tower

An old sporting lodge in Argyll renovated with sensitivity – fish in the river, gaze at the night skies, climb Ben Udlaidh

A family-run restaurant with rooms with a gorgeous sunny terrace overlooking the bustling harbour and delicious food in two dining spaces

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food