Ideal for families: pool, tennis and golf at the hotel with beach and yachting nearby. Comfortable bedrooms and a terrace for outdoor dining

A lovely, spacious 1830s house in the heart of arty Westport with nearly an acre of garden, an apple orchard and the river running past

Swim with frogs in the freshwater pool, breakfast in the sunshine, play boules by moonlight. Châteaux don't get much more rural

Style abounds in this exquisite Côte d'Azur family getaway, where lazy days are whiled away by the pool and in the quiet bird-filled gardens

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

A hop from St Mark’s Square, this long-standing hotel - a delightful family affair - could not be better placed for exploring Venice

Spacious house with a big garden, a swimming pool and all home comforts; the beach and good restaurants are less than 10 minutes away

Restored 18th-century farm building surrounded by countryside, with a good pub a short walk away and Lake Windermere a ten-minute drive

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Explore Le Marche, Italy's hidden gem, from this tranquil agriturismo tucked among olive groves and fields above the Adriatic coast

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

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

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

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

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

A lovely restored house on a farm beside a cluster of ancient buildings surrounded by lush forest and grasslands – a deeply rural spot

Delightful almshouse, steeped in history, in a peaceful churchyard setting with far-reaching countryside views

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)