Good restaurants, beach walks, a grand welcome for dogs: that’s Whitstable. Bring friends and stay in this smart house close to it all

A beautiful old farmhouse, carefully renovated with great authenticity and charm, surrounded by other farm buildings and a walled garden

Set loose your inner castaway on your very own island with enthralling views and much wildlife a short boat ride from Skye

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

A luxurious 1920s manor house with superbly stylish rooms, secluded gardens and a heated pool; close to the Picardy coast

Former pear-press cellar, now a swish bolthole with magical mountain views. In the village centre, 15-minutes’ drive to the Paradiski slopes

An attractive converted stable with covered veranda, private garden and views over rolling countryside, minutes from the coast

Discover warmth, tranquillity and wonderful breakfasts behind the handsome old door of this luxurious small hotel in Lucca

Traditional house with a contemporary and imaginative interior; stroll to shops and restaurants, jump in the car to explore Provence

Escape to your own barn. Brimming with beams and natural colours - surrounded by peaceful lavender-filled gardens and corn fields

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

Elegant house with sprawling gardens and space for family and friends, within walking distance of the coast

A small, family-run boutique hotel sitting right at the foot of Etna with wonderful views, garden, pool and ambrosial Sicilian breakfasts

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

A former tobacco barn and an annexe with outdoor kitchen and courtyard, near good places to eat for relaxed days at the beach

Come for a sense of complete peace surrounded by country and coast with wonderful interiors to boot – a bolthole for two (plus two)

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

In the gardens of a laid-back country house, a barn with books, games, faded rugs and a grand piano – a treat for convivial families