A serene retreat, deep in forested hills with lovely gardens, the river rushing through and a very comfortable, calming and spacious house

An elegant 1890 home in vibrant Bembridge for birdwatching, beaches, wildlife and a Roman villa

Two homely gîtes sleeping 4 and 2 in rural farm country. Walk to the bakery; drive 15 minutes to Saint-Malo and riverside restaurants

An immaculate restoration, a peaceful green setting, a lovely serene bedroom, and historic Holt a stroll away…  all set for a romantic stay!

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Three tranquil apartments in the Ria Formosa nature reserve with a stunning natural pool, near to a village and sandy beaches

A period manor and pretty rooms in old stables: a quiet base for Pas-de-Calais and Picardie. Madame loves the house, animals, story-telling

Cross the river Dart on the old stone bridge to find a tranquil cottage for five, with an orchard garden overlooking the old church tower

Fringing Tuscany countryside and fun Montone, an authentic Umbrian mansion with Slow Food, lavender fields, apartments and pool. Pure Italy

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

This cosy little house with garden and orchard is near to one of France's best trout fishing lakes and has double-height ceilings

A very special design-led garden apartment on the ground floor of an elegant 1835 house on one of the prettiest crescents in the city

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

On its own wooded estate, a special manor house of character. Art on the walls, maps and wellies to borrow, gardens to romp in, super views

Classic crofter’s cottage with a minimalist chic makeover - soft colours, designer lighting - surrounded by peace; a romantic hideaway

Former blacksmith’s workshop in a chocolate-box corner of the New Forest, where clematis climbs the trellis and all you hear are the birds

Steps from the sea in get-away-from-it-all scenery – half an hour’s walk from St Ives’ arty heart. Sleeps 4 with pull-out beds for 2 more

Come for Michelin-starred Irish food, cooked with flair – not fuss – for comfort and to connect with the extraordinary Burren landscape