This shuttered, stone maison in Gascony on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims' route is a joy for families to spend time together

Unwind here in the rolling hills with the river bustling along, your own secluded garden and an unpretentious cottage full of character

A peaceful, harmonious house with roots in the 14th century, a glorious enclosed pool area and a huge amount of space for happy gatherings

Recharge and reconnect with your creative side in one of Ania's workshops; secret coves, wild swimming and coastal walks are all close

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

A renovated barn, part stone, part wood, resembling the tobacco barns of the area with beautiful grounds surrounded by farmland

Character and quirk in old and new design and furnishing – private terraces, a shared pool, great walking, cycling and wine-tasting

A solid 1704 farmhouse with a peaceful, welcoming feel on the edge of a small hamlet with two acres of gardens set in glorious countryside

A sustainably run 1902 farmhouse and its converted cattle shed in countryside close to a wonderfully wild stretch of the North Devon coast

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

A serene retreat in a residential area of Ragusa, with the historic centre just a short distance. Enjoy pool, spa and gardens

A perfectly romantic and gorgeously restored bothy in a garden on a hillside by the sea, with grand views over the mountains of Skye

A lovely 19th-century stone mas with south-facing terrace, garden and pool for relaxed family holidays, just off the D99 in a small hamlet

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

History, tranquillity and genuine warmth in a beautifully restored medieval château, deep in the heart of the countryside

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

There's a pared-back unforced elegance to this stone barn sitting quietly in its own grounds beside a cobbled courtyard awash with roses

Smart country inn in Constable country with lovely rooms and food - grab a picnic, hire a boat and drift along the river Stour