Deeply peaceful countryside retreat with exceptional food and wine laid on by Sam and Heather, your friendly hosts

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

Grade II-listed country hotel with lovely gardens and an excellent restaurant, a short walk from Ambleside and the top of Lake Windermere

In an outstanding area for lovers of food and wine, here are 3 beautiful boltholes in the Alto Douro, the oldest wine region in the world

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

A warm, gracious townhouse in a small town, run by delightful new hosts. Explore chateaux, canoe on the Loire... cycle to Angers!

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

A lovely gîte with cool lines and its own shady terrace plus pool, gardens, fountain and a relaxed family-friendly feel

Swing off the main road through the village, up into the hills along a narrow track and through a gate, observed by curious sheep

'Pinch me' views over Lake Como, a stony beach below, Varenna on your doorstep... these chic apartments are in an idyllic spot

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A rural farmhouse B&B with view-filled bedrooms, hearty breakfasts and walks from the door. The Dowies are generous hosts

Italian style marries Californian comfort, with views over hilltop towns, vineyards and the majestic Sibillini mountains beyond

Spacious rooms with lovely linen, plus top-notch food in a wonderful setting, this is the best A303 stopover for miles

B&B in the heart of Totnes with bright bedrooms and a sitting room, plus an enchanting garden with ponds and wildflower beds

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal