A true country classic set beside the road in a quiet spot with stunning views to the South Downs, great food and very comfortable bedrooms

Immaculate Cotswold beauty with great food, welcoming staff, handsome rooms and a sun-trap terrace, plus countryside walks from the door

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

Come for big skies, loch views, much wildlife, acres of forest and a charming wood-clad cottage from which to explore such a remote spot

A contemporary rooftop room in a warmly civilised B&B filled with books and lovely things – stunning view too

A very tranquil spot with views of rolling countryside, the East Mendip Way on the doorstep and good pubs within walking distance

This small hotel with pool has elegant communal spaces, spoiling bedrooms, kind staff, delicious food and panoramic mountain views

An iconic Cotswold pub, restored to perfection, with a cracking bar, elevated pub food and some super-smart bedrooms in pub and extension

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

A wonderfully comfortable light-filled house with long views, a sandy beach to walk to, fabulous walking and wildlife and a superb kitchen

Lawns, paths and walnut trees, rolling views in every direction... a serene place to stay in every season. Sweet luxury for a big family!

A lovely old cottage in the cliffside village of St Lawrence. Watch boats sail by from the terrace, soak in an antique bath with sea views…

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

Homely furnishings and 17th-century charm at this estate on the Severn, whose owners are mad about horses and give you fine home produce