Find shade under a cork tree, splash in the pool and wander the garden perfumed by citrus trees. Ideal for families and nature lovers

A heavenly setting for this very well-hidden cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and delightful pebble beach below

Spend restful days in a verdant garden, slip into the cooling pool, sip wine on your private balcony, stroll into arty Benissa

Beautiful light-filled eco-homes in Loch Lomond National Park – Scotland’s treasures are easily reached from here

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A fine country manor house on the edge of a village, peacefully surrounded by gardens and trees, and close to the D-Day landing beaches

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content

Wonderful views over medieval Gubbio from this rural stone farmhouse with pool, cottages and apartments sitting in lush gardens

There's a pared-back unforced elegance to this stone barn sitting quietly in its own grounds beside a cobbled courtyard awash with roses

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

Stay just two kilometres from Siena's medieval gates with views over vineyards, lovely interiors, good food and pleasant gardens

There's a lovely welcome at this manoir near the sea with its family-friendly room arrangements (cottages, kitchens) and its outdoor pool

Between Penzance and Helston and close to sandy beaches is a sweet space for four. Good for young families and all garden lovers

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

The sort of inn we all love - open fires, original beams, ancient flags, tasty food, with lovely bedrooms thrown in for good measure

This eco-friendly farmhouse in the hills of Fiesole is 10km from Florence. Good company, superb views of Tuscany, and food for the soul!