Such lovely views from this light-filled flat, built in the 19th century – curl up with a book and gaze out to sea

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

An 18th-century limestone barn, now a quiet hideaway for a group of friends or family in a very rural spot surrounded by fields and woods

Charming, laid-back B&B in the foothills of the Algarve. All you hear are the birds, yet the beaches are a ten-minute drive

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

On the banks of the river Avon, a handy Park & Ride from Georgian Bath, this charming pub is hugely popular, and rightly so!

A rural haven in a lovely garden with comfortable bedrooms, brilliant breakfasts and bikes for hire – explore the Parque Natural

A beautiful old building with generous windows, arched doorways and opulent interiors in the glorious countryside by a fairy tale château

A luxurious springboard for the wineries, villages and treasures of south Tuscany in the magical Orcia valley - if you can bear to leave it!

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

The living is easy here: laze in the subtropical garden, float in the saltwater pool, let the kids play and meet other guests over dinner

A colourful place to stay, tucked into the courtyard of this stunning estate, with views across the Pennine fells, deer park and lake

Traditional house with a contemporary and imaginative interior; stroll to shops and restaurants, jump in the car to explore Provence

A sweet little gîte for two in the centre of a dreamy medieval village. Happily private but with loads to explore from your door

A very pretty Victorian gothic house of limestone and brick, sitting peacefully on the edge of the village, eight miles from foodie Ludlow

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

A warm family and starlit suppers in a grand estate by Soller, near wildflower walks and beaches. Citrus mingles with exotic fragrances

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter