It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

A hop from the Côte d'Azur is this elegant home: bring friends, explore the garden, curl up on the sofa, dip in the heated pool

A glorious château near Tours – authentic, huge fun, steeped in family history and surrounded by gorgeous gardens with a serene pool

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

A very thoughtful and peaceful house with a garden for happy holidays with family or friends, surrounded by glorious countryside for walks

In pure Herefordshire countryside, a medieval timbered house in a peaceful hamlet with kind, gentle Anita who bakes cakes for your arrival

A 300-year-old cottage and a secluded, magical setting next to the longest sea loch in the UK, for walkers, dreamers and nature lovers

Grand stone house set in tranquil parkland with a pool, potager and plenty of space for groups. Chickens and charm included

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

Strolling distance from the village of Seggiano, peace and beauty fill every corner of this ancient, view-filled retreat

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Buzzy and arty country estate with beautiful gardens, music venue, restaurant, bar, cinema & courses to join - a Sawday's Community Champion

A relaxed old countryside manor house with a huge garden to roam. It’s 2km to sandy beaches and Judith is close by if you need anything

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

Generous apartments in a 300-year-old farmhouse with beautiful grounds and a swimming pool

Sumptuous suites arranged around a sunny internal courtyard inside an ancient monastery - an intimate sanctuary for those who seek comfort

Tucked away in a tiny gem of a village and clustered around its own château, this delightful 17th-century building is a joy to discover