The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

An impressive manor house set in gentle rolling countryside ten miles from Oxford with a delightful garden, warm hosts and organic breakfast

Near Vosges mountains, a happy homely hotel surrounded by woods and flower-filled meadows with friendly hosts. Deliciously peaceful

An old sporting lodge in Argyll renovated with sensitivity – fish in the river, gaze at the night skies, climb Ben Udlaidh

A charming, warm and intimate hotel tucked away on a side street just minutes from the Ponte Vecchio, with a view-filled rooftop restaurant

Cool, airy villa with Lake Como glistening below. Beautiful terraces and garden, plunge pool - and chilled prosecco and cake to welcome you

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

An upmarket, very comfortable old stone village house with tasty breakfasts and a sunny courtyard full of colourful flowers

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

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

A celebration of all things Somerset in a thatched village opposite the church and close to National Trust Barrington Court and Gardens

A very comfortable and attractive 1820 gate lodge surrounded by mature trees on a family estate, in gently rolling countryside

A modern, architect-designed renovation of a 19th-century building, sitting in harmony with nature yet only a short drive from Bordeaux

Stylish apartment overlooking a vibrant market in the old city, with restaurants and historic attractions in easy walking distance

This old stone building, a former olive warehouse, is beautifully restored and sits on its own – a simple bolthole for rest and recuperation

A sculptor's studio, flooded with light, converted into a restful holiday home surrounded by glorious countryside, near Totnes