Artistic souls will like it here, and those who enjoy shared meals & getting to know other people in dramatic countryside; Arezzo is 40 km

Gather family or friends and fall in love with this gorgeous house, beautiful garden, glimmering Ullswater and stunning countryside

Starry skies, wild beauty and total peace are yours in these sustainable, solar-powered eco-lodges

Charming cottage surrounded by acres of wildflower meadows: drive to Newport in 15 minutes, walk the Pembrokeshire coastline

A romantic retreat with a pool in the heart of the wild and wonderful Lot valley - come for bracing hikes, river swims and stunning views

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

Cosy and comfortable eco cottages near to sleepy Sidmouth, where grown-ups can relax and children can play safely in the gardens

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

A gorgeously tranquil place to escape to and fall in love with the Périgord's medieval villages, valleys, wines, markets and artisan farms

Feel right at home in a thatched farmhouse on South Pool Creek, with cottage garden views, great breakfasts and a good local pub

Two peaceful olive grove farmhouses, a shared pool with incredible views, hours of hiking along beautiful trails, Pisa and Lucca nearby

Heaps to do on-site: organic farm shop & café, cookery & cheese-making courses, farm tours. A brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds too

A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

An oast house B&B surrounded by countryside and with a blooming garden; walk to the village pub, drive to nearby stately castles

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

Well-positioned winery for the whole of the Bordeaux region. Or stay put and learn about the Duhamels’ super organic Cotes de Bourg wines

A nicely priced inn on Shaftesbury's high street with a warm contemporary style and some excellent food – fine local walking waits