A real gem set back from the hustle and bustle but perfectly placed to explore the city's many charms

A gorgeous house, beautifully refurbished in contemporary style, with chic interiors and a swimming pool in a sublime English garden

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

Pomegranates, persimmon and figs, the waft of rosemary on the air... we love this old 'mas' 25km from Gordes, in sweet sunny Provence

History, tranquillity and genuine warmth in a beautifully restored medieval château, deep in the heart of the countryside

A beautiful little house in a corner of the garden: walk for miles or just to the local pub, barbecue on the deck with its rural views

Thoughtful red brick barn conversion on a working farm. Peaceful, practical and within easy reach of outdoor activities

Come for pristine beaches, long walks to Barbate, sea views, whale watching trips and serene suites

Traditional and modern, verging on the opulent. Find a stone-flagged tap room for walkers, top modern food and Chatsworth-perfect bedrooms

Comfortable, traditional, accessible and in the grounds of an old rectory with meadows and the river Frome nearby for summer dips

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

Retreat to a classically styled, elegant apartment for four - private and peaceful - in a characterful, super-central area of Rome

Five beautiful and fully accessible cottages on an organic farm for restful retreats with family or friends – a Sawday's Community Champion

Smart, spacious house for 12 with great views over the family vineyard - arrange a tasting, walk the Cotswold Way, cycle the canal towpath

A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

A serene B&B in the heart of the Côte d'Or Burgundy wine region; come for vineyard tours, cycling, sightseeing and gourmet extravaganzas

A lovely 1910 village house, deep in sleepy countryside, with delightful owners, delicious home cooking and a pretty garden for lazy days

Two cottages for couples: one more traditional, the other fresh and modern, both comfortable and romantic and there's a good pub next door