A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and the Cévennes at the door

A fabulous old house filled with history, treasure and stories – now a colourful, larger-than-life hotel in the arty district of Belfast

A cosy cottage on a farm down a long winding track, wonderfully rural with footpaths across fields or along the canal

A large tranquil apartment with garden and pool surrounded by Tuscan countryside, just over half an hour's drive from Siena

A sweet bolthole around a courtyard on a smallholding, extremely comfortable, bright and spacious inside and with a communal garden

An elegantly renovated coaching inn with inspired design, beautifully simple pub food, tempting ales and gloriously comfortable bedrooms

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

The privacy of a big terraced garden, a small decked pool and attractive, clutter-free rooms - close to harbour town bustle and restaurants

A 15th-century Venetian palazzo, lovingly restored with stylish rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and a designer's insight into the city

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

A lucky break to stay here: part of a 1669 grade-II* listed Almshouse with modern interiors; leafy and quiet yet a short hop from the town

Two lovely cottages sleeping eight for very special holidays with a private beach, acres of land to explore and a welcome hamper of dreams

On the doorstop, Dovedale, Buxton, Chatsworth House... Come home to snooker, books, logs, a patio with views and masses of lovely space

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