Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

An airy Estate Manager's House set in pretty grounds with a pool, orchard, barbecue and private terrace for long lazy days in the sun

A splendid landing pad in gorgeous countryside with truly great food at the pub, lovely cottages and rooms over the village shop

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

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

Historic buildings by a turreted manor house, beautifully renovated to welcome large parties with grounds to roam and dreamy river views

A spacious, luxurious family retreat, remote but close to Audierne. Watch surfers shoot the waves as seagulls wheel above

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Loved by estate-workers, visitors, well-heeled locals, and walkers, this spruced-up pub is a friendly launchpad for Chatsworth

Swings, a terrace and pool in 2 acres ringed by fields and tranquility, and lakes and vineyards beyond. Family bliss in Quercy

A quirky, colourful house with views to the Aveyron river, green forests and stunning cliffs across the valley. A short stroll into town

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

Friendly hosts, lovely log fires, delicious dinners, interesting antiques – and Frederick’s special tours of a WWI memorial site

Fire up the BBQ, watch the sunsets, stroll to one of the best stretches of coastline in the world. Bliss for walkers, birders and escapees

A contemporary house with fabulous views in a quiet setting just steps away from the beach, shops and restaurants - the best of Galicia

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool