Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

Your host runs home and B&B with effortless efficiency and you'll find shiny, spotless rooms to retreat to after a day's exploring

Take a suite with champagne, strawberries and a tower, swim in the saltwater pool, eat a Castilian cocido - unwind in rural peace!

Small hotel in a hiker's paradise a short walk from Cómpeta with pool, spacious rooms, private terraces, breathtaking views and generous breakfasts

Find beauty and tranquillity on this historic Dordogne estate for up to fourteen - plus a feast of designer colour and a fine pool to share

Simple and rustic, this early 1700s farmhouse has warmth and charm, surrounded by countryside in the Perche

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

Birders will love escaping up here, golfers too - visit Hatfield House, Knebworth, Cambridge - come back to a good local pub and a comfy bed

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

Traditional family-run hotel with sitting rooms galore, award-winning food and Snowdon views. High teas and games room for children too

Pops of colour and neon signs bring fun to this smart and warm family home near Brancaster beach

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

You're beautifully looked after in this gorgeous Tuscan house. Come for Alpine walks, historic trails and wild nature all around

Good old-fashioned hospitality in a quiet Highlands cottage ringed by roses and roe deer. Forest and coastal walks, shortbread and tea

Two elegant village houses for big happy gatherings of friends and family with a yoga studio, spacious courtyard and glistening pool

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

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Luxurious living combines with bleating sheep and bells from the church next door - 4 fabulous retreats on the Cotentin Peninsula