Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

Modern comforts, traditional cosiness and a warm welcome. There are walks from the door, country houses to visit and a pub in the village

Close to the honeypots of Domme and Sarlat, a hideaway for 2 in an ancient French hamlet. The apartment is serene, the views are glorious

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

Rare as a bird, a proper old fashioned French inn on the side of the road in a sleepy village, a restoration project for the new owners

Beauty, charm and tranquillity an hour from Florence, on a bio-sensitive farm known for Chianina cattle and white truffles

Italian style marries Californian comfort, with views over hilltop towns, vineyards and the majestic Sibillini mountains beyond

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

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

Come for sublime Highland scenery, birds and wildlife, long walks and complete peace and tranquillity

White-painted beams, wonky white walls and your own parking spot fairly nearby. You're near the harbour and subtropical gardens

A marvellous spot overlooking Rutland Water for this 1760 former hunting lodge with good seasonal British food and very comfortable bedrooms

A vine-clad stone house hideaway for lovers, walkers, artists and hermits with a sweet veranda overlooking woodland down to the river

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden

A stylish timber frame eco build, clad with recycled steel and with an upstairs living space to make the most of the glorious sunsets

A cosy bolt hole near medieval Cartmel with woods, meadows and wildlife – great for walkers in this quiet part of the South Lakes

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