A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

A light, bright, Georgian coaching inn with super-efficient staff, lovely terrace, sumptuous rooms and excellent, seasonal food

Cakes from the host & eggs from the hens. Bring a party, bring the dogs, and soak up the history from a very fine house in the Cotswolds

An 1820s beach house just 50 metres from the pretty sands and a first-floor deck for al fresco meals with stunning views over the water

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

Grand, elegant, sumptuous – a bucolic bolthole for happy holidays in much comfort, with stunning green views to lake and deer park

Beautiful cottages, donkey rides, a popular pool and restaurants to walk to. Dutch Peter knows all the walks in this heavenly valley!

This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

A heartwarming 250-year-old pub with roaring fires in the flagged bar, attractive bedrooms and a special welcome for children and dogs

Warm interiors, pretty bedrooms and excellent breakfasts – good value in a very handy central spot

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Classic crofter’s cottage with a minimalist chic makeover - soft colours, designer lighting - surrounded by peace; a romantic hideaway

One of the loveliest houses in a very lovely village. Pretty rooms have parquet floors and white walls, the food is a delight

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

A chalet-with-everything: great mountain style, space and comfort with views of Mont Blanc, a sauna and bubbling hot tub

Airy villa for four overlooking Lake Como. Stunning views, private sunny terrace - a peaceful communal garden to wander too

A serene retreat, deep in forested hills with lovely gardens, the river rushing through and a very comfortable, calming and spacious house