Come to this cosy barn down a winding lane for a back-to-nature escape: hike the Black Mountains, splash in the stream, gaze at the views

Charming, simple and elegant B&B with a lovely garden and kind owners in an area renowned for its good wine and food

Taste the wine, plunge into the granite pool, play billiards in the library, linger outdoors as swallows swoop – eat delicious local dishes

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

With stunning coastal views and family farm surroundings, these cottages are bright and roomy; plus wood-burning stoves and indoor pool

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

A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

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

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

A lofty, spacious feel to this converted barn with stunning views over rolling hills, swooping swallows in summer and an honesty farm shop

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

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

In the heart of beautiful Siena, it's just like staying with a friend, as hostess Paola chats whilst preparing local produce for breakfast

Traditional Provencal farmhouse with a large garden and a swimming pool. Historic villages with markets and great restaurants close by

Three comfortable stone houses clustered around the owners' home. Glorious views spread out below you across rolling countryside

An authentic, charming and spacious home with garden, pool and lake, deep in the Dordogne valley and decorated with uncluttered elegance

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space