A very special design-led garden apartment on the ground floor of an elegant 1835 house on one of the prettiest crescents in the city

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

Garden and mountain views from this pretty villa for two - Lake Como shimmers below. Pick up morning pastries in picturesque Mezzegra

Ascot is a trot down the road and there's a really cosy, cottagey feel to this quaint 18th-century inn with great food and comfy bedrooms

A 300-year-old cottage and a secluded, magical setting next to the longest sea loch in the UK, for walkers, dreamers and nature lovers

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

This is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests

In the heart of arts and craft town Chipping Campden, a beautifully decorated 17th-century house with a celebrated restaurant downstairs

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

A beautifully renovated getaway set in glorious countryside near the Lakes. Strike out on walks from the door, relax in the woodland garden

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

A beautifully renovated lighthouse with stunning views from the lantern room. Pretty bedrooms, great walking and fabulous breakfasts

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

Cuisine reigns supreme at this historic B&B. Play world-class golf, trek the Giant’s Causeway, plunder National Trust treasures

Next to a glorious National Trust estate, an exceptional barn renovation, a honeymooners’ dream – and Marsden a stroll downhill