Stylish sustainability in star-hung Alicante with solar power, gorgeous rooms and a pool. Authentic breakfasts and dinners await

A rustic and elegant farmhouse retreat in Provence with a pool, vineyards and wildlife-filled pond – a launchpad for the Luberon

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

Independence at one end of the house with your own sitting room opening onto a courtyard garden. Good pub for food a few minutes' walk away

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

Outside a perfect bastide village, an elegant manoir for lazy days in the Dordogne, fabulous dinners and glorious gardens

Enjoy views of the South Downs from this converted milking parlour for 2 or 4 – fill up on the breakfast hamper and head out on long walks

Stunning Tuscan views over the Tiber valley from the gorgeous pool and gardens and very comfortable living spaces at this home-from-home

A charming renovated stone gîte only 15km from Bergerac with a large outdoor pool, pretty gardens and walks and cycle rides from the door

A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

Unwind in a hammock, in the pool, in a balconied rose-coloured bedroom – meander local markets, pick a pepper, cook up a feast and have fun

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus

Good restaurants, beach walks, a grand welcome for dogs: that’s Whitstable. Bring friends and stay in this smart house close to it all

Come to be cossetted in this 300-year-old Burgundy farmhouse with rose garden, sheltered pool and convivial Dutch owners

Remote off-grid cottage 1400 feet above sea level in Northumberland National Park, with incredible night skies

A cottage for two on a wonderfully eco wine school and vineyard. Gaze at magnificent views from your terrace

Built in 1518 to gaze across the Loire to Amboise and decorated with discreet elegance and respect for its history. Guests love it