A fabulous party spot with an outdoor covered eating area, a wood with fairy lights, fire pit, dark skies - and much comfort indoors

In four acres of garden and woodland (a child’s dream) a house and interlinking barn for 10 guests. Secluded but close to everything

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

Come for a spot of pampering and seriously good food at this smart townhouse B&B with spa, garden and pool in the heart of Abbeville

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact

Close to Saint-Jean-d'Angély, an elegant and spacious manor house with unfussy, comfortable interiors, bucolic views, big garden and pool

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

Vast house on an ancient Roman site with big terraced garden and pool. Grand yet homely, with air-con, spa and only 8 km to the city

Six cosy cottages for couples (babies and dogs welcome) on this gorgeous eco farm with enclosed gardens, a summer pool and treatments

Come for sumptuous bedrooms, fine dining, colourful gardens and charming staff at this smart hotel and restaurant

On the side of a hill in the little-known Marche, a happy young farmhouse with an elegant saltwater pool, and wonderful meals from Kelda

Big beautiful apartments in a serene setting in southern Tuscany, with pool. And courses for everyone - organised by one delightful family

A bright and spacious cottage set against a backdrop of woodland for days spent happily reading by the wood-burner or lunch on the sun deck

An adorable little 1800s cottage with a garden – simple, unpretentious and filled with the owner's colourful art on walls and lampshades

You have complete independence in your own wing beside the owner's house, with much space, a sparkling pool and balconies with views

A delightful eyrie surrounded by water, forest, wildflowers in spring and summer, views to distant islands - just a short stroll to Ullapool

A peaceful, beautiful place to wake up in and to return to after glorious walks, with no near neighbours apart from curious sheep