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

Come for a bright, roomy, uber-green and accessible larch-clad space with garden and pond in pretty countryside

A traditional country house experience with plenty of space for big family get-togethers, on a very old estate with fascinating gardens

The privacy of a big terraced garden, a small decked pool and attractive, clutter-free rooms - close to harbour town bustle and restaurants

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

A lofty, spacious feel to this converted barn with stunning views over rolling hills, swooping swallows in summer and an honesty farm shop

Comfortable apartment steeped in Breton history, in a beautifully renovated gabarier’s house overlooking the marine estuary

In the glorious Howardian Hills, a homely cottage with an open fire for chilly nights and a lovely, country-style kitchen filled with light

A fin-de-siècle Franco-Scottish décor for this hospitable, entertaining B&B, in the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural quarter

Atmospheric English pub with rooms by the green with its duck ponds in a pretty village, with walking and cycling routes to join

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

Follow in Picasso’s footsteps and spin up to vibrant Sheffield for a night at this stunning hotel, where flawless bedrooms wait

Elegant house with sprawling gardens and space for family and friends, within walking distance of the coast

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town

Friendly hosts, lovely log fires, delicious dinners, interesting antiques – and Frederick’s special tours of a WWI memorial site