Music evenings, pop-up theatre nights and great food at the Sash brasserie. You’re just a stroll from shops and bars

A swish and very generous eco barn with a wood-fired hot tub and a view-filled deck close to fabulous walking in the Dales or the Lakes

A neat, recently restored townhouse on three floors in sleepy Panicale with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

Find gilded mirrors, rich brocades, Fragonard toiletries and an unexpected roof terrace at this 6-bedroom guest house near St Mark’s Square

Bedrooms are gorgeous, the wild ocean is close, and the people of Galicia are friendly and caring. You’ll pick up the same vibe here

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

A hammock by the pool, dinner under the stars, Andalucian nature (wild boar, birds, olives) all around. Chatty English hosts charm all

Sink into the folds of a secret Umbrian valley fringed with young vines and olives. Discover an ancient church and farmhouse, transformed...

Birdwatchers and artists delight: acres of peaceful land, close to some of Cornwall’s finest galleries – and the sea

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

An intimate cottage in deepest Cheshire, perfect for exploring Roman Chester, walking or relaxing in the garden

You’ll eat well here, among locals who love the food. The village is quiet, the rooms serenely modern. A great base for a holiday en famille

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Immerse yourself, luxuriously, in beautiful rural Picardy – mirabelle jam, peaceful parkland, walking in the hills – near historic Amiens

A characterful old farm small hotel with a happy range of animals and a cool pool, in a wildly lovely spot near the coast and hilltop Vejer

A little gem tucked on a rural Northumbrian estate with other cottages. The rugged coast and lovely Alnwick make for super day trips