A great base from which to explore beautiful Pembrokeshire - walk by the coast, take to the hills, check out ancient St Davids

Moments from Chamonix, a sweet chalet with pretty gardens in sun or snow under a backdrop of Mont Blanc – perfect for the adventurous

Delightful almshouse, steeped in history, in a peaceful churchyard setting with far-reaching countryside views

In four acres of garden and woodland (a child’s dream) a house and interlinking barn for 10 guests. Secluded but close to everything

A niftily restored, open-plan, beamed hayloft, just the ticket for romantics, with gorgeous views of fields and open countryside

A beautiful 18th-century manor house on a productive wine estate with an enticing garden, spa and pool by a nature reserve. Views soar

A majestic renovation of a Victorian 'model' farm with underfloor heating, open plan design, light bright lines and not a whiff of IKEA

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

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

A boutique hotel on the edge of Arcachon Bay. A natural pool, zen gardens, contemporary Eastern-style interiors, and good food await

A perfectly restored medieval borgo on twin Chianti hilltops, with lavender fields, honey bees and clear views to the Apennines

Come for a sense of complete peace surrounded by country and coast with wonderful interiors to boot – a bolthole for two (plus two)

Old meets new seamlessly here: ancient stone, lofty beams, good comfort, wood-burner, Jacuzzi/spa and space to relax in the designer garden

Escape your cares here, move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the sea from your own swimming platform

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

A serene apartment for 2 in the old fisherman's quarter in Olhão, close to amazing beaches. A special place for nature lovers and foodies

Come for the rural charm of this cottage. Green as far as the eye can see, near a village surrounded by rivers. Wellies essential