Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

A cosy cottage on a farm down a long winding track, wonderfully rural with footpaths across fields or along the canal

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content

A romantic cottage for two in the Pentland Hills, with views for miles and your own private garden with a wood-fired hot tub

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

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 living is easy here: laze in the subtropical garden, float in the saltwater pool, let the kids play and meet other guests over dinner

A fine old 1890 homestead in the colonial style on a large estate, with a lovely pool, two lakes and delicious Portuguese food

An art-filled home poised above Hastings Old Town in a wonderfully private, peaceful spot and with a lush, tropical garden

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

Three beautiful spaces for a much-awaited gathering of friends and family. Share the glorious gardens, swim in the pool, create memories

The Gautiers have the finest sense of how to treat guests: dreamy bedrooms, fantastic food & the pool beneath the orange trees is a delight

An old farmhouse in a hilltop town deep in wine country, with a charming owner intent on ensuring you make the most of your stay

Three family friendly gites with a contemporary feel, a saltwater pool, national trails to wander and wellness retreats on offer

Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

A delightful holiday home for a big family or group of close friends. Children and dogs can charge about safely, you can unwind completely

A converted 19th-century church in the Northumberland National Park with beautiful stained-glass windows and a restored tower

A warm, comfortable and light-filled 1800s cottage with south-facing garden and absolutely wonderful views over the Kyles of Bute