Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

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

Come for home-baked bread, eggs from the hens, arrays of fresh fruit, and fabulous river views... your hosts do lovely B&B

Technically in Florence yet immersed in the Tuscan hills: easy comfort, country character, warm wonderful hosts, heavenly views

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space

A converted 19th-century church in the Northumberland National Park with beautiful stained-glass windows and a restored tower

Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, sustainability and slow food high up on the edge of a National Park

Perched on a hilltop in a nature reserve, two lovely places to stay. Hike and beach-hop all day before relaxing in the pool

Château apartments with a heated pool, parkland and a menagerie - Gold Beach and the British Normandy Memorial are on the doorstep

A gem of a house in a lovely unspoilt village with an intelligent, interesting owner who gives you delicious food and local wines

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

A beautiful little house in a corner of the garden: walk for miles or just to the local pub, barbecue on the deck with its rural views

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

Dine in the orangery on excellent cuisine, or take breakfast in bed with the shutters thrown wide. Simply delightful

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne