Elegant stable cottage in the heart of Northumberland, with lush gardens and cosy interiors. Explore castles, coast and countryside

A renovated barn, part stone, part wood, resembling the tobacco barns of the area with beautiful grounds surrounded by farmland

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

Superb, all-organic agriturismo built of straw bales and offering wonderful home-grown natural food, a delightful family, great walking

Gardeners will be very happy staying in this generous, comfortable B&B surrounded by stunning gardens with year-round interest

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

Come to walk, cycle, fish and hunker down in style in front of the wood-burner - sleep in deep comfort in a lovingly converted barn

You're overlooking the main square in medieval Umbertide from this cosy, second-floor apartment, so you'll feel very much like a local

A dramatic transformation of an old shepherd's cottage deep on a remote hillside in Perthshire farmland with masses of space and light

A large cottage by the walled garden on a peaceful estate with oodles of space for big gatherings and views over a lake and mature trees

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

Wisteria, clematis and roses clamber up this pretty stone barn conversion with its own big garden surrounded by mature trees and many birds

A thoughtful conversion of an old farm barn with beautifully-beamed interiors - a flawless, rural escape for romantics and dreamers

A relaxed hilltop escape with good food, a pretty garden and fine views of the Dales and the river Wharfe – bring your dog too

Fringing Tuscany countryside and fun Montone, an authentic Umbrian mansion with Slow Food, lavender fields, apartments and pool. Pure Italy

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well

Great for gatherings of family and friends: fine views, a good big kitchen, games room and pool; nearby caves and castles to explore