Luxurious living combines with bleating sheep and bells from the church next door - 4 fabulous retreats on the Cotentin Peninsula

In deep countryside, an expertly renovated 15th-century chapel on the banks of the Lot – a serene spot near vibrant towns

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

Warm interiors, pretty bedrooms and excellent breakfasts – good value in a very handy central spot

Beautifully designed timber cabins in the Black Mountains, right next to a lovely old inn serving good, honest food from their own farm

B&B in the heart of Totnes with bright bedrooms and a sitting room, plus an enchanting garden with ponds and wildflower beds

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 cool pub with smart rooms, English ales and Thai-inspired food. Farringdon tube is round the corner and you can walk to the Barbican

A lovely, long barn-style conversion with much space, stunning views across the spectacular bay and a secret beach to stroll to

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

A trulli hamlet immersed in nature, on the wilder side of Puglia with visits to white-washed hilltop towns and cooking with Nonna Maria

For families and friends, foodies, surfers and lovers of southern Spain’s historic, vibrant Costa de la Luz

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

A 17th-century Westmorland barn, fully renovated with a roomy living space and west-facing garden with views of High Street and Blencathra

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

For retreats, groups of friends, and big families: come to recharge the senses at this special and ancient house enveloped by wild gardens

A relaxed old countryside manor house with a huge garden to roam. It’s 2km to sandy beaches and Judith is close by if you need anything