Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

Float in the infinity pool above the canyon, dine under the stars, revel in the silence, head to the Cavagrande di Cassibile Nature Reserve

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Stunning views from sunny bedrooms. Delightful lively hosts, good breakfasts with homemade jams, colour galore in the acre of garden

Wood-burners, water sports and wildlife at four cosy farm conversions a half mile from their own quay. Wild swimming and barbecues await

A fascinating place steeped in history and abuzz with prize-winning winery activity. Plus rustic cottages, golf, a restaurant and 2 pools

A warm, gracious townhouse in a small town, run by delightful new hosts. Explore chateaux, canoe on the Loire... cycle to Angers!

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Paradise for adventurers in Scotland’s wild Torridon Hills - loch views and luxury touches surrounded by water, woodland and wildlife...

Plenty of restful, comfortable space indoors and out in the Mediterranean garden with its courtyard pool – restaurants to walk to

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

A romantic retreat with a pool in the heart of the wild and wonderful Lot valley - come for bracing hikes, river swims and stunning views

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

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

A gorgeously tranquil place to escape to and fall in love with the Périgord's medieval villages, valleys, wines, markets and artisan farms

Stylish apartment overlooking a vibrant market in the old city, with restaurants and historic attractions in easy walking distance

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

A fortified castle in parkland, built mostly in the 1300s on the Montbazens plateau, near to the stunning Averyon gorges