A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

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

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

A hop from the Côte d'Azur is this elegant home: bring friends, explore the garden, curl up on the sofa, dip in the heated pool

Come for the utter silence and the rare beauty of this far north-westerly landscape, teeming with wildlife. An antidote to city life

Come here in the summer (it’s closed Nov-April except by arrangement) for candlelit dining, chintzy bedrooms, long views over the park...

A sweet little gîte for two in the centre of a dreamy medieval village. Happily private but with loads to explore from your door

Part of the original Wensleydale creamery overlooking the river, with bustling Hawes and great walking country right on your doorstep

In an leafy quarter of central Milan, 2 inviting apartments run by generous Jane. Perfect for families and romancers

In the glorious Howardian Hills, a homely cottage with an open fire for chilly nights and a lovely, country-style kitchen filled with light

A grand spot with superb Peak District views for this secluded, immaculate conversion of a handsome stable block - spacious and light

Treat yourselves to a seamless stay in this 255-year-old manor house with dreamy gardens, sumptuous bedrooms, sparkling pool and spa

A very attractive stone building on a smallholding with all mod cons, a bedroom for stargazing, Guest Farm Shop and pretty communal gardens

Outside a perfect bastide village, an elegant manoir for lazy days in the Dordogne, fabulous dinners and glorious gardens

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

Retreat to this sweet, peaceful cottage with suntrap courtyard garden enveloped in rolling hills just a short hop from the Jurassic Coast

A self-catering apartment in the wing of a traditional Burgundian winemaker's house in a tiny hamlet, surrounded by fields of vines