In the heart of a starlight reserve in a protected natural park, three authentic cottages with walks from the door for immersion in nature

A newly built house facing the sea and surrounded by acres of land – perfect for swimmers, sailors, nature lovers and peace seekers

A striking modern villa tucked away off a small road above the Serchio valley with sparkling pool, gardens and Apuan mountain views

Vast house on an ancient Roman site with big terraced garden and pool. Grand yet homely, with air-con, spa and only 8 km to the city

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

Submerge yourself in a magical landscape of sky, water and hills from this well-thought-out retreat, where silence reigns and peace is deep

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

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

Come for sublime Highland scenery, birds and wildlife, long walks and complete peace and tranquillity

Come to be cossetted in this 300-year-old Burgundy farmhouse with rose garden, sheltered pool and convivial Dutch owners

A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

Lovely old manor house and clever garden with a relaxed, happy vibe and home-baked or homegrown treats on arrival and at breakfasts

A much-loved Tuscan villa restored to elegance: dinner on the terrace, frescoes, rose garden, a small spa…and Florence a 20-minute drive

A quintessential Grade II listed thatched cottage with glorious gardens near a 13th-century church and surrounded by rolling hills

On the outskirts of Marazion, this timber clad house perched above the sea is a super pad for romantic couples

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter