Canoeing on the Tamar, valley walks galore, with the woodland garden a sea of daffodils in the spring. A magical self-catering hideaway

Location, location, location - you can't beat it, so look past the dated kitchen and bathrooms and enjoy this light, bright, coastal home

Unwind here in the rolling hills with the river bustling along, your own secluded garden and an unpretentious cottage full of character

Sleek modern interiors now grace this ancient building with architectural joys, a courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with views

A 200-year-old typical Mallorcan house with wooden beams, tiled floors, a view-filled garden and a big pool in beautiful Sóller

High-up, simple apartments, pools with fabulous views; kids play-things and donkeys, the glittering coast, Rapallo and Portofino down below

A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace

A private villa beautifully flanked by gardens bursting with fruit. Here you'll find real Spanish character, style and a sun-trap terrace

Three simple, traditional apartments in an ancient convent building with a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of the historic centre

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Burrowed into the olive groves of the lush Valle d’Itria, a restored masseria with five trulli, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely views

In a quiet, ancient country town – outdoor breakfasts and indoor style: trompe l’oeil decorations, frescoes, vaulted panelled ceilings

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Secluded stone farmhouse, fragrant gardens, a natural pool, and winding forest paths – the perfect off-grid Tuscan escape

A natural idyll made even better by friendly owners. Bask in the mountain views, explore astonishing Asturias, settle into the slow pace

Great gulps of ozone will engulf you at this architect-designed 1960s beach house - light, bright and sparkling, just like the ocean

Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, sustainability and slow food high up on the edge of a National Park

Elegant rooms behind a popular village pub with country walks from the door, and the spectacular Peak District and stately homes nearby