A beautiful old farmhouse, carefully renovated with great authenticity and charm, surrounded by other farm buildings and a walled garden

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

A tucked-away and peaceful retreat from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne or simply to unwind and recharge

Peaceful converted barn on a remote working farm – pet the donkeys, wild swim and row on the lake, warm up around the wood-burner

Walk, ride, bike or canoe, climb a mountain, head for Hay, then return to a comfortable bar, warm bedrooms and delicious food

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

Beautifully restored historical building in the heart of Vichy with a fabulous pool and spa, just steps away from the famous Opera House

Bask in the beautiful Basque country at this friendly B&B in the village, with family-run restaurant for delicious suppers

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

A substantial old house, originally built in 1836 and recently renovated, for grand special occasions with stunning views and a hot tub

A romantic little bolthole with a hot tub on the Penicuik Estate with well-thought-out interiors and dreamy views over pastures and woodland

Glorious boutique hotel on the Sorrento Peninsula with Michelin-starred restaurant and superb cellar to explore

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

A delightful mix of old and new in a conservation village with a four-acre garden that attracts all the local birds. Guests love it here

A small, stylish hotel lost in the country with beautiful rooms, excellent food, fine walking and a river passing directly outside

A traditional cottage in Polruan on the Fowey estuary with harbour and cove views and a tea shop and two pubs in the village

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