Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

2 super family apartments in the unspoilt Serre Chevalier valley, with a private chef if you’d like one, and delightful Pippa to welcome you

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

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

Four beautiful bedrooms, acres of gardens and parkland, restaurant and café, tennis, outdoor pool and gym, a gallery and events. Just come

Fragrant gardens full of fruit trees, a lovingly renovated house just a few minutes’ walk from the village, and excellent breakfasts

A peaceful cottage for 2-4 between the Dales and the Moors, with swallows in the barn, an idyllic village, and a garden to explore

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Gracious hosts, a mix of 17th-century style and contemporary design with comfort in spades, just minutes from the Rialto Bridge and market

A pleasure to stay in such a dreamy château surrounded by a beautiful terrace, elegant gardens and parkland, a lake, river and waterfall

Charming cottage in a vast garden with a swimming pool and boule; walk to the nearest village, drive to Côte d'Azur in less than an hour

Come for the great outdoors and wrap-around views of Muncaster Fell and Scafell Pike from this warm, bright and spacious Passivhaus

A gem of a house in a lovely unspoilt village with an intelligent, interesting owner who gives you delicious food and local wines

Five tranquil apartments surrounded by Tuscan countryside just over half an hour's drive from Siena - hire them all for a group holiday

A deliciously cool loft hideaway set among tall sycamores in the grounds of the main house, with a New York Tribeca feel and much comfort

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

A big friendly farmhouse basking in light, with terraces, vineyards, pool and views to several horizons, good for family gatherings