A gentle, calm, immaculate place for an all-season family stay, near wine tastings, castles, caves and canoeing. Everyone loves the Dordogne

Inside, a grand cathedral ceiling, outside, wisteria-covered terrace and pretty pool. Atlantic sands, Cognac and La Rochelle are in reach

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 stylish, canal-side inn – you get Sunday lunch, tow paths that lead into Edinburgh, then a pretty garden and cute rooms

A serene apartment for 2 in the old fisherman's quarter in Olhão, close to amazing beaches. A special place for nature lovers and foodies

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

A stylish mountain chalet under the watchful gaze of Mont Blanc, with a private chef, hot tub and sauna

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

A pretty little cottage in a holiday hamlet surrounded by fields, just a stone's throw from the coast and Binic for happy escapes

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

Come for the glorious Peak District and this rural independent pub, with roots in the 12th century, serene bedrooms and toothsome food

Peaceful converted barn on a remote working farm – pet the donkeys, wild swim and row on the lake, warm up around the wood-burner

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

A peaceful retreat with yoga and activities to restore and renew, in the Andalusia hills between Granada and the Mediterranean coast

A perfectly romantic and gorgeously restored bothy in a garden on a hillside by the sea, with grand views over the mountains of Skye

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

A very generous amount of space in this beautifully restored annexe with heated pool and outstanding views over the East Devon AONB

Bring boots, maps, your dog and an appetite for high places and deep comfort in this restored farm conversion