A vine-clad stone house hideaway for lovers, walkers, artists and hermits with a sweet veranda overlooking woodland down to the river

Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

A light, bright, art-filled space with private garden on a quiet residential street just a short walk from shops, markets and good food

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

Find good taste, peacefulness and warm hospitality, steps away from the car-free Via Toledo, in the heart of the city

A cool little inn lost in beautiful hills, child- and dog-friendly, with happy staff and award-winning food

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

Spacious house with a big garden, a swimming pool and all home comforts; the beach and good restaurants are less than 10 minutes away

Rooms with rooftop and mountain views, luxurious in their simplicity, heavenly breakfasts out on the terrace, and a cultured, caring owner

Ease through a beautiful wrought iron gate to a courtyard and an elegant 1700s creamy stone holiday house, part of the château estate

Provençal charm floats through the ground floor of this 18th-century home in a vineyard near Lorgues. Walk, cycle, swim, enjoy the peace

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

A fabulous country boozer, revamped in style with a buzzy atmosphere, great food and welcoming bedrooms - good walking countryside too

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Drink a toast to your good fortune as you gaze across to Elba from a vast free-standing bath. You breakfast on the view-filled terrace

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

Come for deep beds, real fires, Scottish breakfasts, a generous welcome, great walking, cycle tracks and grand lochside views