A B&B in a WWF-protected botanical garden beside Lake Maggiore. Wander and explore, take a dip in the lake. This place invites you to unwind

Art-inspired B&B in a former silkworm factory. Swim in the eco-pool, feast on delicious food, explore Avignon, Arles and Roman ruins

Lovely slice of the Mediterranean with splendid rooms in deepest Cheshire. Sip an aperitif on the sunny terrace

Atmospheric English pub with rooms by the green with its duck ponds in a pretty village, with walking and cycling routes to join

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

A great base from which to explore beautiful Pembrokeshire - walk by the coast, take to the hills, check out ancient St Davids

Swim in the pool overlooking vineyards, try the wines and oil made onsite, get cosy by log fires or head to the nearby beach

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

Bask in the warmth of the owners at this chic 'maison de maître' in off-track Provence - 12km from lovely hilltop Gordes

Fall in love with this riverside village, lost in a valley in lower Normandy, and this sunny house for couples or families

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

A small top terrace can be booked for romantic evenings and you can lunch or dinner at the delightful floating restaurant

The views are sensational, the bedrooms full of charm and higgledy-piggledy beams. Sip Perigord Noir on the terrace and amble to the market

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

A fabulous position for this B&B in Trastevere’s fascinating heart and a very warm welcome from Marco and Gianna - guests love it here

A cosy, courteous, family-run hotel with ‘chocolatines’ and cherry jams at breakfast, Basque dishes at dinner, and gorgeous rolling views