A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

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

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

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

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

Refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients

Escape to the edge of the Atlantic. Find airy rooms and good food served from terraces overlooking the ocean - all with a green conscience

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

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

Rural bliss at the end of the lane: a cottage for 2 with wine and local biscuits in the hamper and farmers’ markets within a 5-mile drive

Charming, vivacious hosts make you feel welcome at this splendid 16th-century home. Cooking classes, wine pairing and excellent regional food

An open-plan kitchen, sunny terrace and fruitful gardens shine at this private hillside villa. From here, it's easy to ski, swim or sunbathe

Two grand stone houses in tranquil parkland with a heated pool, potager and plenty of space for groups. Chickens and charm included

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

A lovely, long barn-style conversion with much space, stunning views across the spectacular bay and a secret beach to stroll to

A dog-friendly hotel with traditional bedrooms, excellent breakfasts & a cool bar set on a peaceful side street, minutes from the centre

A lovely gîte, once a hunting lodge, with two private terraces overlooking the manicured gardens of an 1830s manor house

Historic village inn with wonderful cooking and a Provençal-style courtyard garden; drive to the Jurassic Coast in half an hour