A 15th-century courtyard hides a petite contemporary apartment – a fabulous base from which to explore the city and all its treasures

Glorious Elizabethan manor house lovingly furnished with exceptional art and antiques by its welcoming owners

A simple, artistic place to stay in beautiful countryside with an extra bedroom, sitting room and shower room in a separate building

A hammock by the pool, dinner under the stars, Andalucian nature (wild boar, birds, olives) all around. Chatty English hosts charm all

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Charming, laid-back B&B in the foothills of the Algarve. All you hear are the birds, yet the beaches are a ten-minute drive

Superb rural views, excellent hiking and generous bedrooms. Cristina and Alec take good care of guests - the food is delicious

Come for a village feel, rural peace and boundless Portuguese countryside at this charming whitewashed home with a super terrace with views

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

Deep luxury, superb service and a wealth of delightful things to admire at this small hotel on a very quiet street in the heart of the city

An Edwardian villa with stunning views, polished floors, cosy fires and child-friendly garden a short walk from lovely Portmeirion

There's a lovely welcome at this manoir near the sea with its family-friendly room arrangements (cottages, kitchens) and its outdoor pool

Wood-burners, water sports and wildlife at four cosy farm conversions a half mile from their own quay. Wild swimming and barbecues await

In truffle, lavender and olive oil country, a dreamy wine château with terraced gardens, run by hosts whose happiness is infectious

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A tranquil and tucked-away feel for this terraced cottage with private patio, communal garden and plenty of room for six

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away