An 18th-century converted barn with lofty beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, handmade oak windows and much art – pretty garden too

Hidden in a beautiful, timeless valley with gorgeous gardens, mellow stone bridge, views and rushing river, is a very special place to stay

A cluster of traditional farm buildings making up three holiday cottages in very attractive grounds with fruit trees, meadows and woodland

Ease through a beautiful wrought iron gate to a courtyard and an elegant 1700s creamy stone holiday house, part of the château estate

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food

Steps from the sea in get-away-from-it-all scenery – half an hour’s walk from St Ives’ arty heart. Sleeps 4 with pull-out beds for 2 more

Comfortable, understated, spotless and authentic – a modest family hideaway on Brittany’s stunning Crozon Peninsula (think Land’s End...)

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

Two lovely cottages with a fresh, modern style, private terrace, tranquil communal gardens with an orchard and pool

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court

A gem of a château in the wilds of Limousin with kind and thoughtful owners who are thoroughly immersed in this tranquil area

In her smart top-floor flat, perfectly situated between Montmartre and the Opéra Garnier, Rosemary does brilliant B&B

Two cottages for couples: one more traditional, the other fresh and modern, both comfortable and romantic and there's a good pub next door

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

An ancient farmstead in the Lombard style with up-to-date B&B rooms plus a garden, lake and museum all surrounded by quiet countryside

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

An eco renovation of an 1800s gamekeepers cottage, now a charming place for couples or families to immerse themselves in nature