Coffee served in silver cups & cakes are homemade in this duke’s palace, a throwback to the Moorish kingdom - a Sawday's Community Champion

Cosied up by the fire in your farmhouse high on the moor you’ll feel miles from civilisation, while Chatsworth is just minutes away

Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents

Explore the coastal paths on foot or by bike, or simply sunbathe next to the pool... Leafy gardens, comfortable rooms and excellent dinners

A super upside-down house perched on a cliff in bustling Saundersfoot with glorious views over the beach and the Atlantic

Hilltop château on the edge of a small village half an hour from Saint-Émilion, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and two lakes

Traditional accommodation and organic food; handy for Bari but set peacefully in the countryside near Toritto, famed for its almonds

In a small village on the borders, a Jacobean farmhouse luxuriously restored with lovely touches; the Brecon Beacons are close by

Amazing beaches, a pub you can hike to, a train to get you to Snowdonia... and your own remote cottage with stunning views

For retreats, groups of friends, and big families: come to recharge the senses at this special and ancient house enveloped by wild gardens

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

Come for stunning views down to the bay of La Herradura and this traditional, family-focused 1990s house on three floors

An attractive collection of mellow stone buildings with wonderful views over Monte Amiata and the Val d'Orcia for restful stays

In a leafy, peaceful part of Frome - a very civilised bolthole for two. A big garden is yours to share, friendly owners live next door

Between Florence and Siena, stay in one of five stylish apartments on a family-run agriturismo; they delight in sharing this slice of heaven

Stay on a secluded private estate by the sea - once the home of the brilliant French writer, Colette

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her