Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents

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

A lovely old stone house with a covered veranda and sparkling pool in a small hilltop hamlet overlooking a lush forested valley

A stylish, canal-side inn – you get Sunday lunch, tow paths that lead into Edinburgh, then a pretty garden and cute rooms

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus

Up, up and away to this stunning cottage perched 1400 feet high in the National Park with big skies, grand walks and much comfort indoors

A scented garden, delicious local delicacies and those coastal landscapes. This place is a sensory feast

A sleek, light-filled, beautifully designed, minimalist space for 4 with wrap-around views from the living room and pool

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

Gather the clans and just come. It's lovely here among acres of wildlife-filled grounds – a Sawday's Community Champion

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

Welcoming, dog-friendly pub with food to rave about, cracking countryside views and very comfortable bedrooms

A smart red-brick country pub in the centre of the village with a farm shop, brewery, Wellness Barn, super food and three charming bedrooms

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

'Pinch me' views over Lake Como, a stony beach below, Varenna on your doorstep... these chic apartments are in an idyllic spot

Up the winding road to stillness, nature and a magical view. There’s glorious Gubbio to explore, and a log fire to come home to

A truly authentic place to stay on a Sicilian working farm with roaming hens, wheat fields, wild flowers and a distant view of the sea

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too