An elegant French château brimming with antiques and surrounded by landscaped lawns. Enjoy convivial dinners with the perfect host

Friendly inn in the middle of Sedbergh. Lots of bedrooms to choose from, suntrap picnic area, walks in the Yorkshire Dales on the doorstep

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

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 peaceful, beautiful place to wake up in and to return to after glorious walks, with no near neighbours apart from curious sheep

Winter fires, a summer pool, and gorgeous food all year round... Live slow in the hills of

Character and quirk in old and new design and furnishing – private terraces, a shared pool, great walking, cycling and wine-tasting

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

A hop from the coast and charming Alnwick, a gorgeous and supremely comfortable country escape for friends and families. Dogs welcome too

Another bright, beamed and history-filled place to stay on the smart Upton Cressett estate with walks from the door and much comfort within

Georgian country house with rustic charm and a home-from-home feel. In the heart of Wiltshire just outside historic town Bradford-on-Avon

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

A contemporary country-house hotel with a lovely spa and peaceful gardens - Sandringham and the north Norfolk coast are close

Come for sublime Highland scenery, birds and wildlife, long walks and complete peace and tranquillity

Retreat to a classically styled, elegant apartment for four - private and peaceful - in a characterful, super-central area of Rome

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

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape