A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

A mid 1800s converted farmhouse and a cottage in a quiet hamlet with private gardens and lovely grounds, just 15 minutes from the coast

Designed with style and comfort, peaceful, sophisticated and serene with countryside views. And you have your own lovely pool

A stunning veranda wraps itself around the house: doze off in a wicker armchair or sip a drink at dusk as the sun melts into the valley

A much-loved family home filled with warmth and characterful interiors overlooking Loch Alsh where dolphins and seals frolic

This classy, refurbished village pub is the community hub, chock-full of locals and a popular destination for foodies. Lovely bedrooms too

A privilege to be able to stay within the famous gardens of magnificent Château de Courances. The painter's village of Barbizon is nearby

In a chocolate-box village just an hour on the train, and a short hop in a taxi, from London is this foodie inn with pretty bedrooms

Light-filled retreat full of character and vintage finds, with handmade touches and farm-fresh produce on your doorstep

A truly authentic place to stay on a Sicilian working farm with roaming hens, wheat fields, wild flowers and a distant view of the sea

A proper old-fashioned inn dating from the 1600s with beamed ceilings, low doorways and winding staircases up to comfortable bedrooms

A grand spot with superb Peak District views for this secluded, immaculate conversion of a handsome stable block - spacious and light

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

A vibrant open-plan space with a wild garden, river for swimming, splashing or fishing and the chance to spot kingfishers and red squirrels

View-filled, beautifully converted and toasty warm, this old donkey shed is perfect for walkers, cyclists, peace-seekers and lovers

Tea in the summerhouse, breakfast by the fire, fresh flowers all around this warm family home. Step out to historic Shrewsbury high street

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too