Two elegant village houses for big happy gatherings of friends and family with a yoga studio, spacious courtyard and glistening pool

Atmospheric English pub with rooms by the green with its duck ponds in a pretty village, with walking and cycling routes to join

A glorious spot in the Wolds for a big family get-together in style, with your very own indoor heated pool, sauna, games and hot tub

Beautifully restored house with a literary history, no neighbours and private access to a sandy bay beyond the pines

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

Welcome to a dreamy fortified castle, once owned by French royalty, the perfect place to stay for history lovers and comfort seekers

Spacious rooms and a cosy apartment a stone’s throw from Avignon’s historic sights. Retire to the heated pool after a busy day sightseeing

An expansive and generous 13th-century Catalan farmhouse, restored with verve and colour in the Pyrenees - a wonderful spot for groups

A beautifully renovated getaway set in glorious countryside near the Lakes. Strike out on walks from the door, relax in the woodland garden

This friendly, Scottish island B&B has the Atlantic at the end of the garden and air so clean the lichen grows like beards from the trees

An elegant 18th-century manor in the market town of Malesherbes, sitting behind its own walls and with mature gardens for a peaceful retreat

Burrowed into the olive groves of the lush Valle d’Itria, a restored masseria with five trulli, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely views

Garden lovers will flock to this lovely B&B with two spacious suites and delicious breakfasts – a good spot by a quiet hamlet

A Georgian townhouse full of character for an epic family and friend get-together. The best of Hay is a stroll away

Lovingly renovated farmhouse amid vines and sunflowers, deep in the Charente countryside - small pool in garden, beaches 45 minutes away.

A beautiful old building with generous windows, arched doorways and opulent interiors in the glorious countryside by a fairy tale château

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too