A stately retreat, an oasis of calm and beauty. Picnic on the lawns, enjoy a glass of home-produced prosecco beneath a centuries-old tree

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

Dark skies and extensive views from this romantic hideaway cottage. Walk down to the loch, snuggle up by the wood-burner… a cosy retreat

A scented garden, delicious local delicacies and those coastal landscapes. This place is a sensory feast

Philippe and Stéphanie give you delicious food and comfortable, colourful bedrooms in their ancient château with gardens and pool

Come for gloriously independent B&B in your own cosy retreat with a belter of a breakfast brought to your door and plenty of local walks

A neat, recently restored townhouse inside Panicale's medieval walls with plenty of space and everything within walking distance

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

Sitting at the end of the estate's private driveway, this sandstone building has grand Italianate columns and comfortable interiors

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

Four family-friendly self-catering casitas and an original cortijo in wildlife-rich acres near the sandy Costa de la Luz

Superb rural views, excellent hiking and generous bedrooms. Cristina and Alec take good care of guests - the food is delicious

A light, airy and comfortable barn conversion on a farm with stunning views over the Dorset/Devon border just five miles to the sea

A wisteria-laden pergola shades the sunny side of the farmhouse - in gentle olive country near the Sibillini Park, not far from the Adriatic

In peaceful Burgundy countryside, a beautifully restored farmhouse with B&B rooms, delicious regional food and an inviting pool

An impressive, south-facing bastide on three floors with a sunny pool, lovely garden and grounds that stretch to vineyards and garrigue