Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

This is a superb base to explore the island's glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, mountains, valleys and forests

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

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

Family-friendly B&B above the medieval hill village of Bargemon, with soothing minimalist interiors, a large garden and a swimming pool

In the beautiful Somerset hamlet of St Catherine, a cosy wooden cabin surrounded by fields and woods. Wonderful walks from the front door...

A surprisingly roomy interior for this pretty chocolate-box cottage in the middle of the village, just a ten-minute walk from Lulworth Cove

A delightfully quirky little hotel with a gorgeous hidden courtyard garden, just minutes from shops, restaurants and the beach

Lovely views from this converted farmhouse in peaceful Lot countryside, with terrace, sheltered pool and nine acres of grounds to explore

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

You are treated like nobility in this gorgeous Manoir, enveloped by the towering cliffs and Aurélia and Julien's generous hospitality

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Come for serene countryside, walks through bird-filled woods and this lovely old house with gracious hosts and very beautiful bedrooms

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

Come to this delightful house, a marriage of old stones and modern furniture, for pure remote air, great outdoor sports and fine dining

Round up family and friends and head for the glorious South Hams and this eco-friendly barn conversion for ten with extra cottage

A perfectly renovated farmhouse in the grounds of a delightful château deep in the Normandy countryside, with a lovely walled garden

Come for wide open countryside criss-crossed by a myriad of footpaths and this very comfortable, stylish and roomy retreat