An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Lively renovation for this 18th-century cottage built of local stone and with a large garden in Modbury. Totnes and sandy beaches are close

High on a hill in the Tyne Valley, undisturbed except by birds singing and the wind whistling; views swoop down to a magical landscape

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

Sun-dappled walks along the romantic avenues, big bedrooms, breakfasts inside or out, a laid-back atmosphere and great markets nearby

A lovely old stone house with a covered veranda and sparkling pool in a small hilltop hamlet overlooking a lush forested valley

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

Welcome to a cosy, country-rustic bolthole for four, in a friendly, community village inn, with some of the best food in Shropshire

Deep in Burgundy's wine country, an elegant maison de maître sits in acres of gloriously private parkland

Spacious house with a big garden, a swimming pool and all home comforts; the beach and good restaurants are less than 10 minutes away

An immaculately restored cottage with a blissful sun room, private terrace, gardens, pool and orchard for a warm and peaceful hideaway

A smartly renovated village pub with rooms welcoming locals, visitors, families and dogs on a Staffordshire country estate

Lovely small hotel in quirky market town surrounded by miles of stunning country – pretty rooms, tasty food and fine ales wait

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

A majestic renovation of a Victorian 'model' farm with underfloor heating, open plan design, light bright lines and not a whiff of IKEA

High in Ávila's unspoilt nature is this stylish, eco-brilliant family hotel: mountains, massages, pool, organic dinners... a special escape

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton