A quirky hotel with enthusiastic owners in an authentic Andalucian town, just ten minutes up winding roads from Marbella

Characterful and family-friendly apartments on this lovely wine-country estate: great hosts, glorious grounds and pool, home-grown food

Good restaurants, beach walks, a grand welcome for dogs: that’s Whitstable. Bring friends and stay in this smart house close to it all

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

A peaceful spot for this beautifully restored old barn surrounded by lovely gardens and a sparkling pool on the banks of the Dordogne river

In a hamlet in the Loire countryside is a friendly estate with a family-sized gite, a shared saltwater pool and heaps of old-world charm

Take your pick from guided horse-trekking to grand banqueting at this traditional château; drive to explore WWI history and the lovely coast

A rural haven in a lovely garden with comfortable bedrooms, brilliant breakfasts and bikes for hire – explore the Parque Natural

Head inland for grand walking or to the glorious coast from this very pretty cottage with a private garden, suitable and safe for dogs

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

Secluded stone farmhouse, fragrant gardens, a natural pool, and winding forest paths – the perfect off-grid Tuscan escape

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

Swim with frogs in the freshwater pool, breakfast in the sunshine, play boules by moonlight. Châteaux don't get much more rural

A traditional country house experience with plenty of space for big family get-togethers, on a very old estate with fascinating gardens

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

Bountiful breakfasts, the warmest of owners and Breton adventures. Enjoy romantic ruins, quaint villages and delicious seafood suppers

The smallest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views