This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle with private garden and surrounding parkland

Four pretty cottages with private terraces, a shared garden and muted interiors inspired by Norfolk’s landscapes. A short drive to the coast

A rustic haven in Vouvray wine country: bask on sun beds near the elegant pool, cosy up to the wood-burner, relax in your beautiful bedroom

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

Two elegantly renovated spaces with wonderful views, lots of activities and large gardens for making memories with family and friends

Come for a huge dollop of peace and quiet in gorgeous countryside. Take long walks, enjoy the views, return to much comfort and space

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

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

Fresh, inviting bedrooms with leafy garden views and a pretty church next door. Moffat's spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall nearby

Perthshire country house with contemporary touches. Deer, red squirrels, tawny owls... and the river Tay glints way below through the trees

A small, family-run boutique hotel sitting right at the foot of Etna with wonderful views, garden, pool and ambrosial Sicilian breakfasts

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

Lovely views over the river Anglin from the large windows of this old industrial-like building, once used for honey production on the estate

A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

A traditional Breton stone cottage, two minutes from the sea, with a large, leafy garden and glamping with activities in the summer months