A bright and airy 50s townhouse in a residential suburb with large, light bedrooms and a sparkling pool – cycle into gorgeous countryside

A rare treat to stay in this lovely stone farmhouse in the Durham Dales with acres of private farmland and magical interiors by Rita Konig

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

You'll feel relaxed in this big light-filled house with plunge pool and outdoor cinema; walk along the river with Portugal on the other side

Light-filled house full of modern art and antique finds with stunning gardens and a pool. The best of Provence is on your doorstep

Cross an ancient stone bridge to a 1790s estate cottage, completely on its own down a little-used green lane and with the river rushing by

Eco-friendly B&B overlooking Lake Como with marvellous mountain and lake views. Heaps of space, generous hosts, a menagerie of animals

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

Close to Hexham's centre, a quietly charismatic Victorian home with fresh flowers, homemade bread, sunny courtyard and a friendly little dog

Surrounded by its vineyards, a Tuscan villa for a memorable, stylish treat of a stay - a sophisticated décor and opulence at every turn

A truly authentic place to stay on a Sicilian working farm with roaming hens, wheat fields, wild flowers and a distant view of the sea

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens

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

A Regency farmhouse sitting in a wrap-around garden with views to mountain and sea for wonderful walking, cycling and swimming

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Pristine and elegant rural farmhouse with sophisticated interiors and lovely owners who go the extra mile to make your stay special