A vine-clad stone house hideaway for lovers, walkers, artists and hermits with a sweet veranda overlooking woodland down to the river

The view is pure Canaletto, the vibe is modern and laid back. Just minutes from all Venice’s best bits, but with far fewer tourists

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

Old beams and rich history: a dramatic setting for fireside chats, superb breakfasts (home-reared, baked, grown) - and Midsomer Murders

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

A cosy bolt hole near medieval Cartmel with woods, meadows and wildlife – great for walkers in this quiet part of the South Lakes

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

A very special place to stay, immersed in the architecture and history of the city as well as its traditions, culture, food and wine

Authenticity and originality combine at this family chateau with its panelled rooms, theatrical flourishes and charming candlelit dinners

A sylvan hideaway tucked into the hills of the Southern Alps, full of Provençal charm inside and out – Saint-Cézaire and the coast are close

Family-friendly hotel on Ullswater with a pool and a variety of bedrooms, some super-cool - swim in the lake, walk in the hills, eat well

Peaceful small hotel in a hiker's paradise a short walk from Cómpeta-Malaga with winter sunshine and endless views over mountains and sea

Former blacksmith’s workshop in a chocolate-box corner of the New Forest, where clematis climbs the trellis and all you hear are the birds

Take up residence in central London, surrounded by good places to eat. You have your own vast open-plan living space, light and lovely

Lodge and gardens – superbly designed, immaculate, fresh, eco friendly – rest in unspoilt Picardy. Anglo-French hosts take turns to cook

Stunning views from sunny bedrooms. Delightful lively hosts, good breakfasts with homemade jams, colour galore in the acre of garden

The wow factor is set to eleven at this magnificent château steeped in French history and surrounded by acres of land (and a moat)