A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

Close to Saint-Jean-d'Angély, an elegant and spacious manor house with unfussy, comfortable interiors, bucolic views, big garden and pool

Gloriously cool in summer, cosy in winter, a 365-day-a-year retreat. Just a 10-minute promenade along the beach into the fun heart of town

Characterful and family-friendly apartments on this lovely wine-country estate: great hosts, glorious grounds and pool, home-grown food

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

A fabulous old house filled with history, treasure and stories – now a colourful, larger-than-life hotel in the arty district of Belfast

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

A heartwarming 250-year-old pub with roaring fires in the flagged bar, attractive bedrooms and a special welcome for children and dogs

Sitting next to the church in the most picturesque village in England, this ancient, handsome cottage is packed with historical interest

A magnificent medieval tower in the grounds of an 18th-century château sitting in a dreamy valley. Come for superb gardens and architecture

A humdinger of a pub, hidden in a sleepy village in the Surrey Hills, oozing character and charm and with delicious food and comfy bedrooms

After a day touring châteaux, return to this pretty, very comfortable cottage with private terrace and a garden filled with birdsong

Created around a Georgian house, with lake, woodland and fields, this hotel and members' club offers great food, fresh air and much comfort

A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

After trekking Offa's Dyke, return to a cosy wood-burner stocked with logs and a sumptuous bed - you'll love this country retreat for two

In truffle, lavender and olive oil country, a dreamy wine château with terraced gardens, run by hosts whose happiness is infectious