A spiritual, rustic retreat for nature-lovers, writers, artists. In protected woodland, well away from bustle, close to the lapping river

Five beautiful and fully accessible cottages on an organic farm for restful retreats with family or friends – a Sawday's Community Champion

Starry skies, wild beauty and total peace are yours in these sustainable, solar-powered eco-lodges

Lively renovation for this 18th-century cottage built of local stone and with a large garden in Modbury. Totnes and sandy beaches are close

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

Welcome to a cosy, country-rustic bolthole for four, in a friendly, community village inn, with some of the best food in Shropshire

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

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

Three restful B&B apartments, unique and stylish with communal spaces, wellbeing and healing, delicious home-cooked food

A fortified castle in parkland, built mostly in the 1300s on the Montbazens plateau, near to the stunning Averyon gorges

Treat yourselves to a seamless stay in this 255-year-old manor house with dreamy gardens, sumptuous bedrooms, sparkling pool and spa

A lovely 19th-century stone mas with south-facing terrace, garden and pool for relaxed family holidays, just off the D99 in a small hamlet

Two peaceful olive grove farmhouses, a shared pool with incredible views, hours of hiking along beautiful trails, Pisa and Lucca nearby

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

Up in the Cévennes, this big, beautiful family house has superb views, a fine kitchen, lots of space and masses to do and see

An elegant manor house with pretty bedrooms, pool and large grounds. Nathalie looks after you with ease and sets you up with big breakfasts

A remote, rustic place for a digital detox - wildly romantic and perfect in summer with the doors open. Children can play in safety

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden