Lodge and gardens – superbly designed, immaculate, fresh, eco friendly – rest in unspoilt Picardy. Anglo-French hosts take turns to cook

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

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

A handsome château filled with intrigue and interest on the edge of a Bastide town in Landes. Your charming host looks after you with aplomb

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

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

A perfect spot with views of rolling hills, sunflowers and vineyards. Enthusiastic hosts and heaps to do here - watch wildlife, bake, swim

A handsome little château perched on the edge of a verdant valley, with wonderful views, lots of space and a rambling garden

Gorgeous off-grid suites invite you to slow down surrounded by nature with long views and good food

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

A sylvan hideaway tucked into the hills of the Southern Alps, full of Provençal charm inside and out – Saint-Cézaire and the coast are close

1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. Alnwick is close and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes

This architect-designed passive style house sits just behind the sand dunes at Waxham beach, one of Norfolk’s most lovely beaches

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

An attractive, sympathetic barn conversion, full of light, pleasingly uncluttered and hidden down a lane in stunningly beautiful countryside

Thatched cottage perfect for families; surfing at Croyde, walks on Exmoor, sunny barbecues in the garden and cosying up by the wood-burner

Gorgeous thatched country cottage bolthole for two - perfect for a romantic escape - bring the pooch and explore Somerset