An 18th-century cottage for four on a working sheep farm: walk the Pentland Hills, get the bus to Edinburgh for culture

Come to this delightful house, a marriage of old stones and modern furniture, for pure remote air, great outdoor sports and fine dining

This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

A delightful holiday home for a big family or group of close friends. Children and dogs can charge about safely, you can unwind completely

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An elegant medieval manor in the Loire with spiral stone staircases, mullioned windows, jaunty turrets and a fairytale suite just for you

Light-filled retreat full of character and vintage finds, with handmade touches and farm-fresh produce on your doorstep

Blissful tranquillity - yet an easy drive from St Paul de Vence (legendary haunt of Matisse and Picasso) and 10km from the Riviera

A sculptor's studio, flooded with light, converted into a restful holiday home surrounded by glorious countryside, near Totnes

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

Stone farmhouse on a country estate, family-run for centuries. Views of the towered gatehouse, pool and tennis court, a walk to the river...

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

Just one hour from London, this remarkable house sits on a unique family-owned Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

A 300-year-old cottage and a secluded, magical setting next to the longest sea loch in the UK, for walkers, dreamers and nature lovers

Tucked down a private driveway, this restored 19th-century farm building offers superb breakfasts, well-dressed beds and a beautiful garden

Orchards and ducks, open fires, deep comfort in glorious Wiltshire countryside. Courtyard bedrooms and lovely big kitchen too

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe