A light and bright converted milking parlour in a rural idyll with a BBQ hut, a spa overlooked by horses and a shared hot tub

Gather family in this big, beautiful barn for treks on hidden trails and picnics in the wildflower meadow. Set your watch by the wildlife

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

Two peaceful spaces in a beautiful garden with a morning concert from the birds and a terrace for magical outdoor meals

On its own wooded estate, a special manor house of character. Art on the walls, maps and wellies to borrow, gardens to romp in, super views

A 200-year-old village house surrounded by vineyards. Light-filled interiors, lots of art, a garden and a pool

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

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Orchards and ducks, open fires, deep comfort in glorious Wiltshire countryside. Courtyard bedrooms and lovely big kitchen too

A luxurious 1920’s manor house with superbly stylish rooms, secluded gardens and a heated pool; close to the Picardy coast

Light-and-colour filled cottage with gardens and sea views on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, a short stroll from Chesil Beach

A stone building designed by Sir John Soane in the stable yard of this historic and beautiful estate with deer park and woodland gardens

Your very own château in the Dordogne for big family get-togethers and special celebrations

Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house has huge windows, white walls and designer furnishings. Blissfully remote

A 300-year-old cottage and a secluded, magical setting next to the longest sea loch in the UK, for walkers, dreamers and nature lovers

Delicious vegetarian cooking, a pool, lemon groves and hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains make a perfect escape near Cassibile

Spacious house with a big garden, a swimming pool and all home comforts; the beach and good restaurants are less than 10 minutes away