Dine wonderfully on farm-fresh food and grandma's recipes; cookery classes too! And views, a pool, farm animals, sunsets, a warm family...

Bring family or friends to this beautiful 16th-century stone manor house standing in a tiny hamlet in the heart of the Dordogne

A really well thought-out escape for a small family with children. A big garden, pool, petanque court and play barn for indoor fun

Go with the slow - homemade delights, no plastic anything, few mod cons - just relaxed humorous hosts and a beautiful place

Come for the utter peace and quiet in this cosy cottage with amazing views and private walks to explore on the Bodnant Estate

Premier cru vineyards at the door, an original wine cellar for tastings, and a heated pool with vineyard views

Strolling distance from the village of Seggiano, peace and beauty fill every corner of this ancient, view-filled retreat

A lovely little bolthole to return to after days out exploring pretty Cotswold villages and walking in an AONB straight from the door

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

Charming, vivacious hosts make you feel welcome at this splendid 16th-century home. Cooking classes, wine pairing and excellent regional food

Refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients

Delicious vegetarian cooking, a pool, lemon groves and hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains make a perfect escape near Cassibile

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

An old farm worker's cottage, niftily done up and nicely remote, with walking and fishing on the doorstep, four miles from Hadrian's Wall

A beautiful villa with a medieval tower surrounded by formal gardens, gentle slopes of perfectly maintained vineyards and wooded hilltops

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

Swim in the pool overlooking vineyards, try the wines and oil made onsite, get cosy by log fires or head to the nearby beach

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