Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

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 charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door

Welcome to an immaculate and historic retreat with private gardens, ten minutes from the Finistère coast (and oysters!)

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

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

Simple, stylish interiors at this restored cottage on a rural estate overlooking the river Tay, with farmland, forest and trails to discover

Charming cottage in the Peak District National Park for hill walking, cycling and bird watching, or simply unwinding amid much beauty

The largest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

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

An elegant manor house with pretty bedrooms, pool and large grounds. Nathalie looks after you with ease and sets you up with big breakfasts

Lovely big room in its own wing of a Victorian farmhouse. A peaceful spot with views across fields and an elegant drawing room

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Converted stables in the grounds of a manor house in a peaceful village just outside Banbury with lovely walking in the Cherwell Valley

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

A beautiful little house in a corner of the garden: walk for miles or just to the local pub, barbecue on the deck with its rural views

A fine country manor house on the edge of a village, peacefully surrounded by gardens and trees, and close to the D-Day landing beaches

A handsome old country manor house in the heart of the Loire castles surrounded by parkland, forests, lakes, small hamlets, vineyards and châteaux