Stay just minutes from the sea in colourful Donaghadee for wild swims, island visits, bird watching and coastal walks

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

A large and light house sitting by itself in lovely countryside with a big pool, maturing gardens and superb views up to Saignon on the hill

Eco-friendly B&B overlooking Lake Como with marvellous mountain and lake views. Heaps of space, generous hosts, a menagerie of animals

Slow down, discover the quieter side of the island - volcanic rocks, clear seas from hidden beaches and César Manrique's Jardín de Cactus

Style abounds in this exquisite Côte d'Azur family getaway, where lazy days are whiled away by the pool and in the quiet bird-filled gardens

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

Fringing Tuscany countryside and fun Montone, an authentic Umbrian mansion with Slow Food, lavender fields, apartments and pool. Pure Italy

This lovely, beamy, uncluttered Tuscan farmhouse with separate apartment is an elegant lodging on a vast fruitful estate with pool, and lovely owners

Gather family or friends and fall in love with this gorgeous house, beautiful garden, glimmering Ullswater and stunning countryside

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

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

In off-the-beaten-track Tuscany, 2 peaceful apartments in a former haybarn, both carefully renovated with antique furniture

3 lovely cottages in the heart of Cognac vines for cosy nights by the fire and summer barbecues by the pool

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside