A fine country manor house on the edge of a village, peacefully surrounded by gardens and trees, and close to the D-Day landing beaches

Explore woodlands, farmland and gardens, plunge into the heated pool, dine at Flora Restaurant at Trelowarren. This is civilized luxury

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

A very peaceful, family-run hotel on the shores of Lake Garda with rose and jasmine-scented gardens for summer dinners by candlelight

Light-filled retreat full of character and vintage finds, with sparkling wine, cider and farm-fresh produce on your doorstep

A cosy cottage in the southern Eyri (Snowdonia) National Park with dogs welcome, beaches nearby and wonderful walking all around

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Airy interiors, good local food and a blissful rural setting for this refurbished inn, popular with locals and with a happy, bustling vibe

Come for Tudor beams, a sunny roof terrace and the bustle of Lewes in this beautifully restored coaching inn

This gloriously off-grid stone farmhouse surrounded by untamed nature will suit those who revel in taking life at a more measured pace

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

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

Float in the infinity pool above the canyon, dine under the stars, revel in the silence, head to the Cavagrande di Cassibile Nature Reserve

Rooms are good value, breakfast is taken overlooking the garden and there's superb veggie food next door - a Sawday's Community Champion