A cosy bolthole near Paris's best museums, monuments and churches. A peaceful sleep and simple buffet breakfast set you up for sightseeing

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms

Marvellously quirky bolthole right on Lyme Regis seafront with stunning views; perfect for beach combers and boutique browsers

An old sporting lodge in Argyll renovated with sensitivity – fish in the river, gaze at the night skies, climb Ben Udlaidh

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

Feel very private in this light and bright B&B room with your own patio and pleasing views over garden and countryside

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

A gorgeous setting for this elegant Bordelais house sitting handsome on top of the hill and surrounded by vines, woodland and valley views

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

For wine lovers and foodies discovering the 'Tuscany of Bordeaux'. Elegance, serenity, history, and a delightfully epicurean hostess

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

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

Sweep through vast wrought iron gates to this elegant Grade I listed Georgian country house with a swimming lake, yoga studio and sauna

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

An 18th-century beamed inn with tasty food, pretty bedrooms and a large garden just a ten-minute drive from Chichester

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

The village is tiny, the bar is lively, the food is delicious. The Cotswolds are at your feet and you’re encouraged not to lift a finger