Walkers, bikers, families and nature fans will love staying with ever-helpful Joan and Montse in this secluded but not too remote valley

Rare as a bird, a proper old fashioned French inn on the side of the road in a sleepy village, a restoration project for the new owners

Designed with style and comfort, peaceful, sophisticated and serene with countryside views. And you have your own lovely pool

Come for peace, art, photography and go out for delicious food near Galicia’s ‘seafood coast’. One of Spain’s undiscovered gems

For lovers of tranquillity and simple pleasures with a private pool, tennis court, stunning views and forty acres to explore

Retreat to this sweet, peaceful cottage with suntrap courtyard garden enveloped in rolling hills just a short hop from the Jurassic Coast

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

Wooded, lakeside retreat for 1 or 2 – big windows, huge terrace, wood-burner, wide screen. The Jurassic coast a cross-country walk away

Rural bliss at the end of the lane: a cottage for 2 with wine and local biscuits in the hamper and farmers’ markets within a 5-mile drive

A detached 1960s house in a fabulous position with beautiful views over the mountains and plenty of space for walkers and skiers

In peaceful walled gardens, this former convent is a quiet retreat just a stone’s throw from the Riviera coast and the best of Tuscany

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

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

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

Warm interiors, pretty bedrooms and excellent breakfasts – good value in a very handy central spot

Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food