A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

A big friendly farmhouse basking in light, with terraces, vineyards, pool and views to several horizons, good for family gatherings

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

The sort of inn we all love – open fires, original beams, ancient flags, tasty food, with lovely bedrooms thrown in for good measure

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

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

A tempting trio of retreats with unlimited access to exceptional gardens, and a welcome homemade cream tea. Come as a pair, or a small group

An intimate cottage in deepest Cheshire, perfect for exploring Roman Chester, walking or relaxing in the garden

On the doorstop, Dovedale, Buxton, Chatsworth House... Come home to snooker, books, logs, a patio with views and masses of lovely space

Charming cottage surrounded by acres of wildflower meadows: drive to Newport in 15 minutes, walk the Pembrokeshire coastline

A 18th-century house with pool in a small town with friendly owners and a tropical garden of banana, fig and, of course, frangipani

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Large, unpretentious and very comfortable family house in splendid isolation with swimming pool, tennis court and well-tended gardens

Peaceful cottage in the heart of Derbyshire, perfect for couples and families, with a pretty garden and gorgeous valley views

Light-filled house full of modern art and antique finds with stunning gardens and a pool. The best of Provence is on your doorstep

Your own cosy apartment in the once arty, now classy Latin Quarter. An elegant, romantic and peaceful bolthole for 2

Once a coach house, now a split-level place to stay – you can walk to the river and it's just a short hop to central London

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus