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 beautiful little house in a corner of the garden: walk for miles or just to the local pub, barbecue on the deck with its rural views

This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building – come for golf, beaches, walks and bird-watching

Play boules in the garden, swim in the natural pool and enjoy Monica’s wonderful cooking served with local wines at this village farmhouse

Gracious Florentine hospitality, elegance and comfort, gazebo breakfasts, a flower-filled garden with pool and views of olive groves

Come for sumptuous bedrooms, fine dining, colourful gardens and charming staff at this smart hotel and restaurant

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

A serene restaurant-hotel on Chesil beach, with a perfect view of the big blue sea. How restorative can a hotel be?

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

Three beautiful spaces for a much-awaited gathering of friends and family. Share the glorious gardens, swim in the pool, create memories

Rural Andalusian retreat with bags of boho style promises wide-open skies, mountain vistas and fabulous meals prepared by your host

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

Well-positioned winery for the whole of the Bordeaux region. Or stay put and learn about the Duhamels’ super organic Cotes de Bourg wines