Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

A stylish hotel, tucked away yet central, an unusually quiet base for exploring Rome just a three-minute walk from the tube station

Deep luxury, superb service and a wealth of delightful things to admire at this small hotel on a very quiet street in the heart of the city

Airy interiors, good local food and a blissful rural setting for this refurbished inn, popular with locals and with a happy, bustling vibe

View-filled apartments in Ortigia, the heart of Siracusa. Immerse yourself in the blue of the Ionian Sea; walk to culture, shops and restaurants

In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for three renovated houses, a delight for families

A gorgeous big old house on a farm in a very quiet part of Wiltshire - the undiscovered North Wessex Downs, filled with wildlife and an AONB

A grand old chartreuse, dating from 1649, with terrace, garden and pool surrounded by tranquil countryside and near a pretty village

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Traditional family-run hotel with sitting rooms galore, award-winning food and Snowdon views. High teas and games room for children too

Hospitable Jorge and Clotilde love nothing more than sharing their colourful, chaotic old house with guests. The farm produce is fabulous

A grand place for up to 12 adventurous souls and the young at heart: swim, bob in a boat, hike and cycle or simply revel in the greenery and peace

A confident style for this mid-19th-century house, with a Mediterranean garden, elegant terrace and pool, a stroll from the historic centre

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

Rustic farmhouse with two and a half acres of landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and views over the Pyrenees – the sunrises are amazing

For retreats, groups of friends, and big families: come to recharge the senses at this special and ancient house enveloped by wild gardens