A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

Spacious rooms with lovely linen, plus top-notch food in a wonderful setting, this is the best A303 stopover for miles

Art-inspired B&B in a former silkworm factory. Swim in the eco-pool, feast on delicious food, explore Avignon, Arles and Roman ruins

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

Superbly comfortable house with beamed rooms, lovely views, club-like morning room, antiques, terrace, pool, fitness centre and lily pond

Live out all your bohemian dreams at this arty villa, with garden and plunge pool, perched above the glittering Riviera.

A serene retreat basking above the Algarve with sea views from the garden and pool, and charming Moorish details

A trulli hamlet immersed in nature, on the wilder side of Puglia with visits to white-washed hilltop towns and cooking with Nonna Maria

João & Ana Luisa's stunning cottages superbly blend contemporary and traditional styles. Vineyards, beaches and restaurants are all close

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

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden

Friendly owners settle you in to this cool, creatively styled barn. Perfect for groups & families with big pool & garden

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

Come for wide open countryside criss-crossed by a myriad of footpaths and this very comfortable, stylish and roomy retreat

Cosy 17th-century cottage in a village inland from Wells-next-the-Sea and with easy access to north Norfolk's main attractions

Two peaceful spaces in a beautiful garden with a morning concert from the birds and a terrace for magical outdoor meals