Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

Round up family and friends and head for the glorious South Hams and this eco-friendly barn conversion for ten with extra cottage

A warm, comfortable and light-filled 1800s cottage with south-facing garden and absolutely wonderful views over the Kyles of Bute

A light-filled studio with a sweet private terrace on the estate of a 16th-century manor - river views, glorious gardens and pure peace

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

An achingly elegant boutique hotel set in Mallorca's olives and orchards: candlelit organic dinners, infinity pool, a smart little bar...

A lovely gîte, once a hunting lodge, with two private terraces overlooking the manicured gardens of an 1830s manor house

Four bright and warm cottages with gardens, for families and friends, plus activities for children and endless walks for you and your dog

Steps from the sea in get-away-from-it-all scenery – half an hour’s walk from St Ives’ arty heart. Sleeps 4 with pull-out beds for 2 more

Tranquil couple's getaway with a shared pool, wonderful views, and lavender plants in every direction. The delightful owners are next door

Tradition and comfort on the border with Wales, a welcoming country-house hotel with warm rooms, pretty gardens and delicious food

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A charming B&B in south Sardinia, near Cagliari: circled by palms and cypresses, overlooking sweet-smelling lemon & orange groves. Bliss

A dog-friendly hotel with traditional bedrooms, excellent breakfasts & a cool bar set on a peaceful side street, minutes from the centre

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

A heated pool, charming B&B rooms and acres of beautiful grounds beside the Adour River - Bayonne and Biarritz are close

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms