Come to the wild Cévennes to hike, ride, kayak down the Hérault river – or just revel in your pretty, generous house, pool and garden space

Cosy Lakeland stone barn in acres of peaceful countryside for walkers, wildlife lovers and those wishing for a retreat

Treat yourselves to some downtime at this lush, semi-tropical hideaway with big pool, delicious breakfasts and charmingly rustic bedrooms

Gaze on Umbrian hills as the children play, watch the fireflies dance at night. Dine fabulously in Gubbio - or here. Sociable-family bliss

A fine old house packed with grand old things above Portree Bay in the middle of Skye - homely bedrooms, some huge, are a treat

In an leafy quarter of central Milan, 2 inviting apartments run by generous Jane. Perfect for families and romancers

A 17th-Century Irish castle on the water’s edge. Watch the yachts from your bedroom, join local wine nights, discover the rich history

A beautiful villa with a medieval tower surrounded by formal gardens, gentle slopes of perfectly maintained vineyards and wooded hilltops

Cosy 17th-century cottage in a village inland from Wells-next-the-Sea and with easy access to north Norfolk's main attractions

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A stunning setting for this B&B - the village a thousand feet below you and views to both snow-capped Alps and Provence lavender fields

Victorian country house for 8-15 with gardens overlooking the Howgill Fells for happy reunions with family and friends

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

Grade II-listed country hotel with lovely gardens and an excellent restaurant, a short walk from Ambleside and the top of Lake Windermere

A handsome Grade II listed pub with rooms in the heart of one of England's best foodie towns

Hilltop farmhouse converted into a light and spacious, contemporary country house where vintage and modern happily mix. Stunning views, too

3 lovely cottages in the heart of Cognac vines for cosy nights by the fire and summer barbecues by the pool

After a day touring châteaux, return to this pretty, very comfortable cottage with private terrace and a garden filled with birdsong