Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Free-spirited travellers rejoice! A super house on a volcanic Sicilian island – hike, sail, dive & immerse yourself in local life

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

A cracking spot for this thatched and beamed 17th-century village inn with lovely gardens, just a half-mile stroll from Lulworth Cove

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

A laidback retreat, well placed for visiting some of the most popular Tuscan gems, with a sparkling pool, traditional meals & charming hosts

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

Cross an ancient stone bridge to a 1790s estate cottage, completely on its own down a little-used green lane and with the river rushing by

In off-the-beaten-track Tuscany, 2 peaceful apartments in a former haybarn, both carefully renovated with antique furniture

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

Minutes from old Ajaccio (a scenic cycle ride) is a charming small hotel with a stunning bay setting, and majestic mountains behind

A charming nook for two in pretty Barrington village with a foodie pub mere steps away and Somerset at your feet

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

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

A 1980s Catalan mas built in a traditional style, with garden and pool, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards near the Spanish border

Painting courses on request, gardens full of roses, a parasol’d terrace, a seductive pool… we love this welcoming, traditional hotel

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

Character and quirk in old and new design and furnishing – private terraces, a shared pool, great walking, cycling and wine-tasting