One of England's oldest coaching inns, full of history and wonky floors, on a Surrey market town's high street

A fine designer house and pool above the coastal hurly-burly and one of the loveliest coves in Spain, backing onto a nature park. Happy hols

A friendly family-run inn, ideal for foodies and dog-walkers who love their comforts. Peaceful, remote, but with Sherborne a short drive

A lovely, long barn-style conversion with much space, stunning views across the spectacular bay and a secret beach to stroll to

Gite retreats in château grounds - welcoming and wonderful for young families. Build castles in the sandpit, make friends around the pool

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Two lovely cottages, packed with atmosphere, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley surrounded by nature

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

A relaxed home-from-home feel at this Spanish house with old-fashioned charm, a big garden and pool and lovely views from every window

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

Welcome to a cosy, country-rustic bolthole for four, in a friendly, community village inn, with some of the best food in Shropshire

A picture-perfect village and a beautifully refurbished 17th-century inn with a cracking bar, stylish bedrooms and delicious pub food

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

Close to Hexham's centre, a quietly charismatic Victorian home with fresh flowers, homemade bread, sunny courtyard and a friendly little dog

Stunning Tuscan views over the Tiber valley from the gorgeous pool and gardens and very comfortable living spaces at this home-from-home

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

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