Glorious airy living space in this superbly restored barn, a terrace with long views and a pool across the garden - bikes to borrow too

A privilege to be able to stay within the famous gardens of magnificent Château de Courances. The painter's village of Barbizon is nearby

All you'd hope for, and more! Enormous rooms, marvellous beams, majestic views and wines from their vineyard

A charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door

Great for comfort, beauty, character and home baking. Borrow vintage bikes to explore Cambridge: Christine knows it inside out

Bring the family for a traditional Tuscan apartment holiday with a restaurant and pool on site, all surrounded by rippling green countryside

Be inspired by hilltop views, unwind in beamed rooms by huge fireplaces or scramble down to the beach for family adventures

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

Wonky floors and handmade beds in a restored coaching inn for 4, 6 or 8 - sociable evenings round the farmhouse table, walks from the door

Stay on a secluded private estate by the sea - once the home of the brilliant French writer, Colette

Come for dreamy river views, a lovely garden and this bolthole for two, beautifully renovated inside and out and with a private hot tub

A spacious, luxurious family retreat, remote but close to Audierne. Watch surfers shoot the waves as seagulls wheel above

A beautiful old farmhouse, carefully renovated with great authenticity and charm, surrounded by other farm buildings and a walled garden

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

Straight out of a fairy tale, a rustic cottage by a babbling brook: a magical escape for couples, the craggy coast in easy reach

Close to sandy beaches between Penzance and Helston, three places to stay with characterful interiors and freshly baked scones waiting

Big beautiful apartments in a serene setting in southern Tuscany, with pool. And courses for everyone - organised by one delightful family