Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A beautifully renovated getaway set in glorious countryside near the Lakes. Strike out on walks from the door, relax in the woodland garden

Beautiful views over Bantry Bay from this thoughtfully restored house with stylish rooms, gardens and woodland – a wonderful escape

A serene retreat in a residential area of Ragusa, with the historic centre just a short distance. Enjoy pool, spa and gardens

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content

An 18th-century listed cottage in a pretty terrace with a private courtyard garden and pond, just a short walk from the high street

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

High in the heavenly hills is this very smartly converted farm building, with underfloor heating, much glass, wood and exposed brickwork

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

The perfect country cottage made of pretty Quercy stone, with generously sized rooms and outside dining with gorgeous rural views

Walkers, nature lovers, couples will love this eco-friendly cottage near Calgary beach: a breath of warmth in the beautiful back of beyond

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

You're on an ancient packhorse trail just a stone's throw from the coast. There's a timeless feel to this place and the peace is deep

One of Scotland’s coolest hotels waits at the end of a four-mile track - you find loch, mountain and sky, and Tom’s fabulous food

Immerse yourselves in the heather-clad peaks, moorland, glens and diverse wildlife of the magnificent Pentland Hills Regional Park

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome