Family-friendly lakes retreat steeped in local history. Acres of wild country to get lost in and a splendid bar to help find yourself again

A most enchanting and welcoming Provençal mas sitting in acres of private parkland with woods, meadows and a small lake for magical stays

Such lovely views from this light-filled flat, built in the 19th century – curl up with a book and gaze out to sea

Gather the clans and just come. It's lovely in this 17th-century traditional Welsh longhouse and you have acres of wildlife-filled grounds

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

Come for big skies, loch views, much wildlife, acres of forest and a charming wood-clad cottage from which to explore such a remote spot

Immaculate apartments with private patios and well-equipped kitchens share oleander-bright gardens and a chlorine-free pool

Chat long with gentle hosts over home-grown dinners; see stars above, walks, rivers and wildlife all around. Rustic comfort in rural Burgos

Close to Girona, with huge valley views! Cosy fires for cool days, shady corners for hot ones, lovely people, and the food a revelation

Come for wide open countryside criss-crossed by a myriad of footpaths and this very comfortable, stylish and roomy retreat

Fragrant gardens full of fruit trees, a lovingly renovated house just a few minutes’ walk from the village, and excellent breakfasts

Three clean and bright barn conversions surrounded by a wildflower meadow, winding canals and burbling rivers near Henley in Arden

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden

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

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

A smart stone house with huge gardens and a barrel sauna nestled in a valley between mountains and sea - perfect for lovers of the outdoors

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind