A dear little gingerbread-style house in the prettiest part of the estate with your own pontoon and boat on the edge of a shimmering lake

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

Location, location, location - you can't beat it, so look past the dated kitchen and bathrooms and enjoy this light, bright, coastal home

Near Mont St Michel, an 18th-century 'maison de plaisance' in historic grounds run by a charming family. Don't miss the table d'hôte!

A lake to fish, a terrace for evening sun and a choice of two spaces with a shared pool and games room, a short hop from pretty Auvillar

Deep in Burgundy's wine country, an elegant maison de maître sits in acres of gloriously private parkland

Set loose your inner castaway on your very own island with enthralling views and much wildlife a short boat ride from Skye

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

By a lake, enclosed by woodland - a contemporary house and barn, full of handmade furniture – laze in a hammock, walk the Jurassic Coast

A 200-year-old quintessential Umbrian farmhouse with pool, immersed in nature and with no immediate neighbours for lazy, peaceful days

The Test valley is a place of pilgrimage for fly fishermen, but this lovely country inn welcomes all with great food and lovely bedrooms

Three simple, traditional apartments in an ancient convent building with a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of the historic centre

Magical for nature lovers, with wraparound views to the coastline of Skye. Inside: warmth, luxury and not a whisper from the wildest gale

In the heel of Italy’s boot, a spacious converted village mill, surrounded by citrus groves. Culture abounds & you’re close to the coast

A 1750s farmhouse with a comfortable, informal feel resting in woodland. You're near to iconic tourist spots but hiding in the quiet woods

A large tranquil apartment with garden and pool surrounded by Tuscan countryside, just over half an hour's drive from Siena