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

A handsome old country manor house in the heart of the Loire castles surrounded by parkland, forests, lakes, small hamlets, vineyards and châteaux

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

A light, bright, Georgian coaching inn with super-efficient staff, lovely terrace, sumptuous rooms and excellent, seasonal food

A 17th-century traditional Welsh longhouse in a very sheltered spot facing south and with a pretty garden surrounded by fields and meadows

Two family and dog friendly retreats for lovers of the countryside, birdwatchers and those wishing to escape the crowds

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

A lovely villa with masses of space, filled with modern art and near to walking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants

Two riverside properties with incredible views, for walkers, sailors, dogs... and self-caterers who aim to be spoiled rotten

Wisteria, clematis and roses clamber up this pretty stone barn conversion with its own big garden surrounded by mature trees and many birds

A picture-perfect village and a beautifully refurbished 17th-century inn with a cracking bar, stylish bedrooms and delicious pub food

An exquisite, serene B&B with sweeping views, tucked between hills, vineyards and meadows and the ancient remains of a Benedictine abbey

You have complete independence in your own wing beside the owner's house, with much space, a sparkling pool and balconies with views

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

Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food

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

A delightfully Lilliputian Georgian cottage with all mod cons at the end of a terrace just a short walk to shops, cafés and the beach

An organic farm near coast, village and Etna – super for families, done in simple good taste. Laze in the hammock, visit the coast...