An elegant medieval manor in the Loire with spiral stone staircases, mullioned windows, jaunty turrets and a fairytale suite just for you

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

Four gîtes in the château’s vast barn, one in the tower. Magnificent mountain and valley views, and Sandrine’s regionally inspired meals

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Come to this charming hideaway cabin for two (plus one) facing Lac de Montriond for a back-to-nature escape near Morzine

Refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients

A pretty stone single-storey house, now renovated beautifully into a comfortable hideaway with wonderful views to woodland and river

A cheery farmhouse conversion for groups outside a village in a non-touristy part of Italy, close to scenic trails and medieval villages

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

A glorious retreat for nature lovers with a natural swimming pool, bikes to borrow and the timeless soundtrack of the water surrounding you

Step into the valley region from this beautifully restored 17th-century house surrounded by saltwater and freshwater canals and lakes

Plenty of restful, comfortable space indoors and out in the Mediterranean garden with its courtyard pool – restaurants to walk to

With incredible views across to distant hilltop towns, olive groves and buzzing bees, this elegant farmhouse has bags of charm

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people