Comfortable redbrick cottage with views on the Heydon Hall estate. It’s delightfully rural yet you can walk to the village pub for supper

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

A beautifully-restored Georgian farmhouse at the end of a lane, with ancient pastures and orchards filled with wildflowers and streams

A comfy cottage for two in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Aix with easy access to the city and a kind, attentive owner nearby

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

Classic-modern luxury, a charming young hostess and a peaceful setting – perfect for breakfast-lovers, wine buffs and all the family

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

In a small village on the borders, a Jacobean farmhouse luxuriously restored with lovely touches; the Brecon Beacons are close by

You have complete independence in your own wing beside the owner's house, with much space, a sparkling pool and balconies with views

Welcoming, dog-friendly pub with food to rave about, cracking countryside views and very comfortable bedrooms

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden

Glorious airy living space in this superbly restored barn, a terrace with long views and a pool across the garden - bikes to borrow too

Peaceful Georgian house with beautifully proportioned rooms, sumptuous meals, swimming and tennis. Dartmoor is on the doorstep

Charming B&B with lovely hosts, beautiful food, and hiking and cycling routes galore – plus balloon rides over stunning volcanic scenery

A beautifully renovated getaway set in glorious countryside near the Lakes. Strike out on walks from the door, relax in the woodland garden

Wild and peaceful small hotel bordering National Park of Guadarrama. Listen to birdsong, hike in the sierra, spend the day in Segovia