A handsome little château perched on the edge of a verdant valley, with wonderful views, lots of space and a rambling garden

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

Sitting at the end of the estate's private driveway, this sandstone building has grand Italianate columns and comfortable interiors

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

A very pretty old converted cart shed at the end of a track on an organic farm, surrounded by wildlife, birds and animals in the fields

30 acres to explore, a heated pool and tennis court... historic château B&B, perfect for those seeking comfort and space in the Vendée

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

A lovely old cottage in the grounds of a Provençal mas with a delightful private courtyard, use of a large pool and a magnificent garden

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

A light, bright and peaceful 18th-century palazzo in a very quiet town, with a sea-view terrace, peaceful bedrooms and delicious breakfasts

A big old house with a lovely pool, surrounded by ancient olives just 3kms from the sea and deep in the heart of Bandol wine country

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Rooms in the house overlook the vineyard, the lodges are surrounded by it - check out the vines, then drink their wine with a good dinner

A serene retreat in a residential area of Ragusa, with the historic centre just a short distance. Enjoy pool, spa and gardens