Plenty of uncluttered easy space both in and out by the private pool - children love the freedom - great wine, food, and cycling country

A delightful coastal house with lush courtyard gardens, masses of space, home office and terraces galore

Four pretty apartments perfect for groups. A natural swimming pool, animals roaming and walking distance from a summer boat to the beaches!

Contemporary boathouse for all the family. Find rock pools, a shingle beach and plenty of ozone in the salty Cornish air

Tucked away privately in part of a spectacular listed manor house, this apartment has wonderful views across to Hartland and the sea

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

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

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

A cool pub with smart rooms, English ales and Thai-inspired food. Farringdon tube is round the corner and you can walk to the Barbican

What a setting! Gentle terraces, gardens, meadows and jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc - just metres from Courmayeur

A light, bright, art-filled space with private garden on a quiet residential street just a short walk from shops, markets and good food

Live like a local. Art lovers, book lovers and walkers will be happy here above an art gallery in the centre of town

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

Groups will love this 18th-century winemaster’s house and tower. There’s a hillside infinity pool, valley views and a private boulodrome

This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

Tiny, suite-in-the-sky, in shabby-chic style, with all you need cleverly tucked into one room. Plus heavenly terrace with city-wide views

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant