17th-century farmhouse full of colour and interest with friendly hosts and great breakfasts. Explore the Cotswolds - bring the dog too

Encircled by wild dales and rugged fells, this spoiling cottage cocoons you in countryside peace with the added fun of a sauna in the garden

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

Come on down to this working farm for delicious organic food, an on-site sourdough bakery and crisp bedrooms in a pretty farmhouse

An exquisitely restored 1850s townhouse, steeped in history, with a sweet garden and within walking distance of the historic centre of Porto

Come for deep beds, real fires, Scottish breakfasts, a generous welcome, great walking, cycle tracks and grand lochside views

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

A converted Victorian schoolhouse with a glorious oak bar, an impressive selection of gins, hearty food and attractive bedrooms

A country idyll in the hills. Only 15 mins from Faro, but all is peaceful: dip in the pool, sip a cocktail in the shade, book in for dinner

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

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

A warm, inviting boutique hotel in Shrewsbury’s historic centre; potter about the medieval streets, relax in a sun-catching courtyard

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

Lovely views over the river Anglin from the large windows of this old industrial-like building, once used for honey production on the estate

A delightful retreat perfectly placed for walking, cycling and visiting some of the region’s most popular sights