Scandi-Scottish cabin with views across the Kyle of Lochalsh, within walking distance of a cracking pub - a Sawday's Community Champion

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

Charming cottage in the Peak District National Park for hill walking, cycling and bird watching, or simply unwinding amid much beauty

Simply furnished, tasteful rooms - perfect for a country getaway! Enjoy coastal views at breakfast or explore the village.

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

A confident style for this mid-19th-century house, with a Mediterranean garden, elegant terrace and pool, a stroll from the historic centre

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

Premier cru vineyards at the door, an original wine cellar for tastings, and a heated pool with vineyard views

Smart, spacious house for 12 with great views over the family vineyard - arrange a tasting, walk the Cotswold Way, cycle the canal towpath

One of England's oldest coaching inns, full of history and wonky floors, on a Surrey market town's high street

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and the Cévennes at the door

A striking 200-year-old coaching inn in a sleepy village with a classic, traditional pub feel, superb food and wines, pretty bedrooms

A charming gite tucked into acres of ancient parkland, with an outdoor kitchen and deer wandering by at dusk

Charming 4-star gîte in an 11th-century castle in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Spectacular views, leafy terrace and wild swimming nearby

Historic 19th-century maison de maître, perfect for a gathering of friends, within walking distance of the old town’s charms

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything