Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food

Return to warming fires after hiking in Ireland's highest mountains. Two traditional cottages on the outskirts of pretty Killorglin

Great gulps of ozone will engulf you at this architect-designed 1960s beach house - light, bright and sparkling, just like the ocean

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

B&B as it should be. Home-cooked breakfast in an Aga-warmed kitchen, a comfortable bedroom with garden views, a beach you can walk to

A cool little inn lost in beautiful hills, child- and dog-friendly, with happy staff and award-winning food

Historic 19th-century maison de maître, perfect for a gathering of friends, within walking distance of the old town’s charms

Escape your cares here, move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the sea from your own swimming platform

Comfortable bolthole for 2–6 in the heart of the city. Shops and restaurants on the doorstep, a short drive from the coast and South Downs

Chichester, blessed with a stunning natural setting, is great for a city break - and this Georgian coach house the perfect bolthole for 2

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape

A pretty stone single-storey house, now renovated beautifully into a comfortable hideaway with wonderful views to woodland and river

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

An elegant townhouse made up of two apartments on a lively piazza a short stroll from the sea. Live like a local in pretty Monopoli

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

There's a lovely relaxed feel to this rather grand house, garden, ponds and orangery. Ashley and Amanda are easy-going hosts