Towering 5 storeys above lively Palermo, a gracious B&B with sunlit rooms, lovely Sicilian hosts and breakfast in fine china on the terrace

Explore country markets, churches and châteaux - return to a gite in private parkland with an artist's studio on site, and a blissful pool

One of four wooden-clad off-grid cottages, sleek and calm indoors, high up in the Cheviot Hills and with stunning views over the valley

An 18th-century watermill with millrace and pond, now a smart B&B with a swimming pool and pretty gardens, run by charming English hosts

The old family house, all antiques, mementoes and period atmosphere, has fine big rooms and high-modern Italian showers. A lovely owner, too

A niftily converted barn with high vaulted ceiling sitting on a hill with wonderful views over a newly-created lake and the Stour Valley

A snug Snowdonia bolthole arranged around a vast boulder, once home to Victorian artists inspired by the setting. For romantic hikers

Quirky townhouse on the edge of the Peak District, with country walks from the door, plus shops, cinema, heritage centre, bistros and pubs

Welcoming B&B with the feel of a high-end hotel, set in the charming town of Ay; France's fabulous Champagne region is on your doorstep

A traditional country house experience with plenty of space for big family get-togethers, on a very old estate with fascinating gardens

A timeless landscape of open moorland and far-reaching views from this substantial 19th-century stone house, of which you have the rear wing

1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. Alnwick is close and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes

Magical for nature lovers, with wraparound views to the coastline of Skye. Inside: warmth, luxury and not a whisper from the wildest gale

Dark skies and extensive views from this romantic hideaway cottage. Walk down to the loch, snuggle up by the wood-burner… a cosy retreat

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

A Georgian townhouse full of character for an epic family and friend get-together. The best of Hay is a stroll away

An attractive converted stable with covered veranda, private garden and views over rolling countryside, minutes from the coast