A hop from the coast and charming Alnwick, a gorgeous and supremely comfortable country escape for friends and families. Dogs welcome too

Wonderful views of the Cantabrian Sea, locally sourced food and fine bedrooms at a boutique hotel on the Asturian coast

Between Paris and Rouen, a handsome country house in Monet scenery. Cows graze, bedrooms soothe, friendships bud over bountiful breakfasts

An Italian farmhouse with soothing views, a scented garden and a big swimming pool where you can unwind in peace and comfort

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

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

Gorgeous thatched gîte in a stunning clifftop location with wonderful views across to Mont Saint Michel and the island of Tombelaine

A well-equipped cottage with a big beautiful garden and murmuring brook. Come for peace, wildlife, a welcome cocktail, and grand walking

A tucked-away and peaceful retreat from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne or simply to unwind and recharge

A sweet little gîte for two in the centre of a dreamy medieval village. Happily private but with loads to explore from your door

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Gaze over sublime vistas, refresh in the plunge pool, cook up a barbecue treat. A Provençal studio, simply furnished and deeply relaxing

Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

Bright, cosy cottage in a quiet Devon village – 4 miles from Totnes – with 2 good pubs nearby and an en-suite ground-floor bedroom

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

Towering 5 storeys above lively Palermo, a gracious B&B with sunlit rooms, lovely Sicilian hosts and breakfast in fine china on the terrace

This deeply peaceful retreat will soothe the soul; come to walk, bike, sail then back to a roaring fire and good book. A sublime spot

Come for a holiday with extras: children’s playground, babysitting, pool, truffle hunting, vineyard, olive grove tours and more