A smartly renovated 250-year-old brick and flint built inn, tucked away in a sleepy village beneath the glorious South Downs

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

Two lovely cottages, packed with atmosphere, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley surrounded by nature

A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace

A big, homely farmhouse on the Umbria/Tuscany border for family holidays filled with sunshine, outdoor frolics and good food

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

Utter peace in a simple, beautiful space with a sculpture garden to wander, an art studio to visit and walking and cycling on Dartmoor

You’re in the heart of untamed countryside here, beside the river Oise, welcomed by friendly hosts who cook and care for you

A listed townhouse with 16th-century roots in lovely little Wells with a pretty garden, just a short walk to the magnificent cathedral

At the foot of the Cambrian Mountains, an ancient whitewashed cottage with cosy, light-flooded interiors – a perfect rural bolthole for two

Come to be inspired - by the buildings, the art, the concept and the rich history. You should be very comfortable too, and well fed

A contemporary rooftop room in a warmly civilised B&B filled with books and lovely things – stunning view too

A flawlessly restored palazzo in the oldest part of town opposite an ancient monastery, with peaceful courtyard and a terrace with views

Delicious food, stylish bedrooms and very helpful staff come hand in hand at this buzzing little inn that stands on the river Avon

Two family-friendly gites with gardens and a big pool, surrounded by corn fields and sunflowers, ideal for a larger family to take together

Rural bliss at the end of the lane: a cottage for 2 with wine and local biscuits in the hamper and farmers’ markets within a 5-mile drive

A big warm, generous, house for a large group with a fenced garden and stunning views into the far distance. Child and dog friendly

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden