Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

Surrounded by delightful gardens, these gîtes are serene retreats from which you can discover the Dordogne, or gently unwind

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

Rare as a bird, a proper old fashioned French inn on the side of the road in a sleepy village, a restoration project for the new owners

A nature-filled estate for smart lodge holidays in rural peace with woods and coast to explore, onsite activities and yummy homemade meals

Come to be cosseted in this gloriously peaceful retreat among beautiful gardens with much old-fashioned charm and excellent food

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

A Grade II listed pub in pretty Amberley - tuck into innovative menus, explore West Sussex, retire to gorgeous bedrooms

Manicured exteriors surround this 18th-century hamlet, a cluster of restored buildings with nine apartments, restaurant, pool and small spa

A countryside escape for 2 near Chepstow with traditional interiors and cheery wood-burner. Not suitable for children but dogs very welcome

A rare treat, 700 metres above sea level and girdled by forests, waterfalls, chestnuts and olives, this is the place to come for solace

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

Dating back to 1892 and once the home of the town's mayor, this fine house sits in the centre of a pretty Andalusian town with much to offer

A truly special barn conversion, flooded with light and with its own decked outdoor space surrounded by bucolic countryside

A chilled, family-friendly hotel on a sandy surfing beach with huge views and a sensational pool with sustainability at its heart

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

A smart riverside inn with airy interiors that brim with character – old beams, open fires, well-kept ales and comfy bedrooms