Once a coach house, now a split-level place to stay – you can walk to the river and it's just a short hop to central London

There's a lovely relaxed feel to this rather grand house, garden, ponds and orangery. Ashley and Amanda are easy-going hosts

A peaceful, beautiful place to wake up in and to return to after glorious walks, with no near neighbours apart from curious sheep

A superb palazzo in beautiful old Florence with 13 design rooms, a cocktail menu and breakfast in your room. Arty, stylish and near the Duomo

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

Leave the car, everything is walkable & buses are practically free. Visit restaurants, vineyards & markets from your lofty village bolthole

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

Stylish eco barns with generous hampers – Threshing Barn sleeps 8, Hay Barn 2. Close to village, beach & pub, with friendly owners close by

A newly built house facing the sea and surrounded by acres of land – perfect for swimmers, sailors, nature lovers and peace seekers

A lovely, unfussy and calming place to stay - independent souls will love the enchanting wild gardens and an annexe for extra folk

This fine old inn stands in blissful peace, a field or two back from the coastal path, with cosy rooms, delicious food and a rustic style

An enchanting spot above pretty old Sète, the fisherman’s summer retreat has garden corners for all, cool white rooms, loads of personality

A dog-friendly hotel with traditional bedrooms, excellent breakfasts & a cool bar set on a peaceful side street, minutes from the centre

A gloriously colourful converted byre with your own little courtyard, a garden with views and use of a Finnish sauna and cold plunge

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

A dear little cottage, full of interesting things, overlooking tranquil farmland on the Stackpole Estate just a 20-minute walk to the coast