A smart B&B in the heart of Beaune sitting quietly in half a hectare of gorgeous gardens; you're well looked after by your charming hosts

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

Up in the Cévennes, this big, beautiful family house has superb views, a fine kitchen, lots of space and masses to do and see

A lovely big house with huge riverside gardens and an easy-going charm – a 15-minute walk from bookish Hay-on-Wye

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

Like staying in a family home, only with Henri III furniture and rolling green views. Energetic hosts cook, farm, hunt, chat over champagne

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

Glorious Elizabethan manor house lovingly furnished with exceptional art and antiques by its welcoming owners

Retreat to this sweet, peaceful cottage with suntrap courtyard garden enveloped in rolling hills just a short hop from the Jurassic Coast

Romantic cottage within 25 acres of fields, garden and orchard with fresh veg to pick, wellies for walking and animals roaming the farm

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

In the heart of beautiful Siena, it's just like staying with a friend, as hostess Paola chats whilst preparing local produce for breakfast

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

In the middle of the National Park and surrounded by the Coquet Hills, come for dark skies, fabulous walking and a very comfortable cottage