Discover warmth, tranquillity and wonderful breakfasts behind the handsome old door of this luxurious small hotel in Lucca

A pretty stone single-storey house, now renovated beautifully into a comfortable hideaway with wonderful views to woodland and river

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

A lodge and a cottage on an ancient wine estate, thoughtfully and eco-consciously converted with private outdoor spaces and a saltwater pool

Generous, fun house, perfect for family gatherings. Head down the hill for sandy beaches or let kids and dogs run wild on the Purbeck coast

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food

Anglo-Irish meets Italian and Indian; the owners have peppered this charming home with furniture and artefacts from their broad travels

Bucolic bliss in the Scottish Borders. Stunning views, luxurious rooms, fantastic hosts who give you afternoon tea or sherry on arrival

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

Tranquil couple’s getaway with a shared pool, wonderful views, and lavender plants in every direction. The delightful owners are next door

A finely crafted staircase, a friendly owner next door, an Alpine garden to die for - groups large and small will love this old watermill

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

Great for comfort, beauty, character and home baking. Borrow vintage bikes to explore Cambridge: Christine knows it inside out

An old sporting lodge in Argyll renovated with sensitivity – fish in the river, gaze at the night skies, climb Ben Udlaidh

A big, rambling inn – welcoming and unpretentious with deep sofas, eclectic artwork, tasty food and exceedingly comfortable bedrooms

Two lovely old cottages, part of the 1700 stable block on the St Giles estate, with 5,000 acres to roam, for walkers and peace seekers

A wonderful country house, a unique wine story, very luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, infinity pool and restaurant