A treat in any season, a place to stir your soul, yield to nature and learn how to play again - with a pretty fine roost to come home to

A heavenly setting for this very well-hidden cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and delightful pebble beach below

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

A flamboyant place! You're in the heart of this charming market town, just a hop from the river and a stroll from pretty squares and bistros

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

Beautifully refurbished inn with good food, calming rooms and the South Downs all around. Chichester, Petworth and Goodwood are close

Furniture from home-grown wood, reclaimed tiles - beautiful. The Jurassic Coast is near, Bridport's antiques, too. Cycle, walk, spot birds

Two family-friendly gites with gardens and a big pool, surrounded by corn fields and sunflowers, ideal for a larger family to take together

An attractive collection of mellow stone buildings with wonderful views over Monte Amiata and the Val d'Orcia for restful stays

Wrapped in fields and woods, this big traditional house has crisply furnished interiors and plenty of gadgets. Terraced gardens and pool too

An absolutely charming former cart shed, with a magnificent view of the moated château and the park, with private sauna and shared pool

Close to sandy beaches between Penzance and Helston, three places to stay with characterful interiors and freshly baked scones waiting

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

A gorgeous big old house on a farm in a very quiet part of Wiltshire - the undiscovered North Wessex Downs, filled with wildlife and an AONB

Thoughtful red brick barn conversion on a working farm. Peaceful, practical and within easy reach of outdoor activities

Four stylish Andalusian retreats surrounded by olive groves and almond trees, and a restaurant for wonderful, seasonal food

Pops of colour and neon signs bring fun to this smart and warm family home near Brancaster beach