A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

An artistic escape with a stunning kitchen in sleepy, gastronomic Lot – stroll to the village market and feast on local produce

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

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

Stylishly refurbished gastro inn on historic market square with gorgeous bedrooms, local ciders and some rather tasty food

Immerse yourself in sentiment and romance at Valeria’s charming Veronese villa. The walls sing with framed opera programmes and music scores

A dramatic house with stylish interiors – designed to bring the outdoors in so you feel wrapped in nature. Great for families or friends

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

A small, stylish hotel lost in the country with beautiful rooms, excellent food, fine walking and a river passing directly outside

Come on down to the farm and this wonderful eco conversion of an ancient piggery with heavily beamed ceilings and much warmth and comfort

Cosy, peaceful retreat not far from Hadrian's Wall. A real fire, tennis, BBQ, the Coast to Coast cycle route and hilly treks from the door

Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

Style abounds in this exquisite Côte d'Azur family getaway, where lazy days are whiled away by the pool and in the quiet bird-filled gardens

A dear little gingerbread-style house in the prettiest part of the estate with your own pontoon and boat on the edge of a shimmering lake

A treat in any season, a place to stir your soul, yield to nature and learn how to play again - with a pretty fine roost to come home to