Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

A sweet, very private-feeling annexe in the glorious South Hams with your own west-facing garden

This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building – come for golf, beaches, walks and bird-watching

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

Feel at ease in a lovely old townhouse filled with pictures and personality and including a separate loft apartment

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

A lofty, spacious feel to this converted barn with stunning views over rolling hills, swooping swallows in summer and an honesty farm shop

A peaceful, romantic village escape for couples, plus a babe-in-arms, attached to the welcoming owners' home in the Scottish Borders

A large cob and stone Devon farmhouse in a sheltered dip near to Rosemoor and the coast, with valley views over the garden and pond

A real treat to stay in this elegant 18th-century house with pampering bedrooms, gorgeous home-cooked food and stunning gardens with pool

A stylish base for those who want to explore the beautiful north – expect good food, stylish interiors and a pretty market town

Treat yourselves to a stay on one of the oldest wine estates in Provence and a family house from the 1740s, complete with antiques

Cosy 17th-century cottage in a village inland from Wells-next-the-Sea and with easy access to north Norfolk's main attractions

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

Suspended in a sea of trees, this sleek, serene hideout is all about the forest, stars, stillness, and space - a Sawday's Community Champion

A peaceful retreat in an unspoilt woody corner of Sussex. Bring dogs and children for fabulous walking on the South Downs Way

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design