Rustic, quirky and layered with history, this is an exquisite slice of traditional Sicilian life, with welcoming and generous hosts

Come for peace, space and much comfort in this nifty house with gorgeous views over acres of vines from the terrace and pool

Charming farm cottage in a meadow next to ancient woodland and with breathtaking views. A haven for bird-watchers and walkers

Choose the atmospheric early Georgian house or the garden bedrooms, all have views, Paul's welcome is genuine and his dinners delicious

A stunning setting in acres of citrus groves for this lovely old farm with 16th-century roots, a big pool, hammocks and a restaurant

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

Bright, cosy cottage off the beaten track between the South Hams and Dartmoor, with good pubs nearby and an en suite ground-floor bedroom

A richly atmospheric elegance infuses this fire-warmed inn. Venison from the park, crab from Cromer, walkers and dogs happy in the bar

Groups will love this 18th-century winemaster’s house and tower. There’s a hillside infinity pool, valley views and a private boulodrome

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

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?

A delightful mix of old and new in a conservation village with a four-acre garden that attracts all the local birds. Guests love it here

An impressive manor house set in gentle rolling countryside ten miles from Oxford with a delightful garden, warm hosts and organic breakfast

A very peaceful, family-run hotel on the shores of Lake Garda with rose and jasmine-scented gardens for summer dinners by candlelight

An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter

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

Historic 19th-century maison de maître, perfect for a gathering of friends, within walking distance of the old town’s charms

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog