A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

Genuine hosts, fabulous food, a swimming pool and a private speedboat for exploring the coast; a sandy beach is a ten-minute walk away

A humdinger of a pub, hidden in a sleepy village in the Surrey Hills, oozing character and charm and with delicious food and comfy bedrooms

An elegant medieval manor in the Loire with spiral stone staircases, mullioned windows, jaunty turrets and a fairytale suite just for you

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

A delightful coastal cottage with far-reaching ocean views from almost every room, two gardens and a short hop to beach and Coast Path

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

A rural farmhouse B&B with view-filled bedrooms, hearty breakfasts and walks from the door. The Dowies are generous hosts

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

In a small town in Salento is a cool southern house of elegant simplicity, ideal for a large family, near to beaches & 45 minutes from Lecce

Dinner fresh from the garden with your creative hosts is an absolute delight. Roam unspoilt countryside, visit châteaux and vineyards galore

1800s coastal watchtower meets organic farm at a small hotel with a proud restaurateur and sea views from high mezzanine rooms

Take breakfast on the terrace, splash in the fabulous pool. A secluded, friendly, immaculate villa close to golf and surfing beaches

Simple and rustic, this early 1700s farmhouse has warmth and charm, surrounded by countryside in the Perche

Live out all your bohemian dreams at this arty villa, with garden and plunge pool, perched above the glittering Riviera.

In the National Park with all its glories (Ashbourne for antiques, Chatsworth for history, Bakewell for its market), a sweet village cottage

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.