Gaze on Umbrian hills as the children play, watch the fireflies dance at night. Dine fabulously in Gubbio - or here. Sociable-family bliss

An elegant townhouse made up of two apartments on a lively piazza a short stroll from the sea. Live like a local in pretty Monopoli

Stay in a celebrated French author’s holiday home, beautifully restored and tucked among pines next to one of Brittany's loveliest bays

Friendly hosts, lovely log fires, delicious dinners, interesting antiques – and Frederick’s special tours of a WWI memorial site

Five beautiful and fully accessible cottages on an organic farm for restful retreats with family or friends – a Sawday's Community Champion

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

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

Secluded villa with glorious views, infinity pool and lovely gardens, a three-minute walk from one of Italy’s most beautiful villages

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

A truly special barn conversion, flooded with light and with its own decked outdoor space surrounded by bucolic countryside

An expansive and generous 13th-century Catalan farmhouse, restored with verve and colour in the Pyrenees - a wonderful spot for groups

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

A spacious farmhouse with a pool in the grounds of a stately château. Wander the walled garden, explore the countryside and pretty villages

A handsome Georgian townhouse pub in Newbury, with a name steeped in local lore and Donnington Castle just up the road

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

Two lovely cottages, packed with atmosphere, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley surrounded by nature