Wow. The sort of place you long for on dreary days - inspired architecture, heavenly views, delicious home-cooked food, a lake for swimming

Lovely old house with award-winning restaurant and indoor swimming pool. Sleeps up to 18 so just the ticket for a big family gathering

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

Beautifully refurbished inn with good food, calming rooms and the South Downs all around. Chichester, Petworth and Goodwood are close

On the doorstop, Dovedale, Buxton, Chatsworth House... Come home to snooker, books, logs, a patio with views and masses of lovely space

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An 1800s former watermill, now elegantly converted to give B&B rooms plus a self-catering cottage in the Côte d'Opale, superb for walking

Fringing Tuscany countryside and fun Montone, an authentic Umbrian mansion with Slow Food, lavender fields, apartments and pool. Pure Italy

A delightful home-from-home village house with large gardens and walks from the door – perfect for families

A small yet elegant place for couples or small groups to enjoy the open countryside, rest, join a cooking course or book a massage

Families can unwind at this lovely old higgledy-piggledy farmhouse in typical southern Algarve style, with a big pool and lush greenery

In deep countryside, an expertly renovated 15th-century chapel on the banks of the Lot – a serene spot near vibrant towns

A light and bright 1900s holiday home for family holidays by the sea, with a large enclosed garden and a short hop to beach and shops

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

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

This old stone building, a former olive warehouse, is beautifully restored and sits on its own – a simple bolthole for rest and recuperation

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême