Characterful mansion in west Wales set in 10 acres of greenery with a lake; glorious beaches and good restaurants are a short drive away

A soothing, deeply romantic bolthole with simple interiors and its own little private garden, next to a winery and surrounded by vineyards

A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

A grand yet very homely place with tasty home cooking and 200 acres to explore. Play golf, sail, cycle – wonderfully informal

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

A family retreat high above the river Dordogne and deep in woodland - with heated pool, games room and village restaurants a stroll away

A small yet elegant place for couples or small groups to enjoy the open countryside, rest, join a cooking course or book a massage

A restful space with a pretty garden in a quiet Derbyshire village - the pub a short stroll away and Chatsworth near

Come for Goodwood and good fun - simple, relaxed old farmhouse style with quirky touches, a lovely garden and long views

Cool, airy villa with Lake Como glistening below. Beautiful terraces and garden, plunge pool - and chilled prosecco and cake to welcome you

Like staying in a family home, only with Henri III furniture and rolling green views. Energetic hosts cook, farm, hunt, chat over champagne

A honey-stone 1800s house, sitting pretty in acres of fields and woodlands, with a pool, lovely gardens and a separate cottage next door

Come to be wrapped by wind and waves from this unique nest with an outdoor bath facing west - nature lovers and adventurers will be seduced

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

Glorious airy living space in this superbly restored barn, a terrace with long views and a pool across the garden - bikes to borrow too

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient trullo - come here for raw beauty and long views

Cosy and comfortable eco cottages near to sleepy Sidmouth, where grown-ups can relax and children can play safely in the gardens

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden