Tucked at the bottom of a long track and surrounded by a gorgeous natural landscape, is this generous end-slice of a 17th-century stone farm

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

A beautifully restored townhouse in the heart of Amboise, steps from Leonardo da Vinci's last home and the great Château Royal

A monastic grange full of grandeur with luxurious interiors to keep you comfortable. Enjoy a pool, gardens and Margate on the doorstep

One of England's oldest coaching inns, full of history and wonky floors, on a Surrey market town's high street

A serene B&B in the heart of the Côte d'Or Burgundy wine region; come for vineyard tours, cycling, sightseeing and gourmet extravaganzas

Enter through an impressive stone arch to discover this 16th-century fortified manor house with a gorgeous communal dining and seating area

Glorious views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw from this comfortable house. Art dotted about, a big table for chatty meals and a pretty garden

At the heart of fascinating Palermo, splendid aristocratic hosts welcome you to their historic family mansion filled with heirlooms

A light, bright, art-filled space with private garden on a quiet residential street just a short walk from shops, markets and good food

A wonderful surprise inside this 1590 house sitting in a beautiful walled garden full of fruit trees, just off the High Street

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

A gem of a house in a lovely unspoilt village with an intelligent, interesting owner who gives you delicious food and local wines

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Deep in undulating countryside, three pretty stone cottages with a shared, family-friendly saltwater pool and charming, generous owners

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

Submerge yourself in a magical landscape of sky, water and hills from this well-thought-out retreat, where silence reigns and peace is deep

A destination for epicurians who also want exquisite surroundings and comfortable bedrooms. A charming garden too with a very French feel