Birders will love escaping up here, golfers too - visit Hatfield House, Knebworth, Cambridge - come back to a good local pub and a comfy bed

An 18th-century coaching inn right in the heart of an old Welsh drovers' town, with award-winning food and the Brecon Beacons rising behind

Welcome to the delights of a 15th-century Breton manor house, a meandering river inhabited by otters, and hosts who adore what they do

Atmospheric English pub with rooms by the green with its duck ponds in a pretty village, with walking and cycling routes to join

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

A 15th-century hotel and spa with beamed lounges and two restaurants, standing proudly on the high street

Between Paris and Rouen, a handsome country house in Monet scenery. Cows graze, bedrooms soothe, friendships bud over bountiful breakfasts

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

An eco renovation of an 1800s gamekeepers cottage, now a charming place for couples or families to immerse themselves in nature

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

Come for a sense of complete peace surrounded by country and coast with wonderful interiors to boot – a bolthole for two (plus two)

Cottages, rooms and apartments on an historic 18th-century family estate with gorgeous gardens, a shared pool and a view-filled terrace

Come for pristine beaches, long walks to Barbate, sea views, whale watching trips and serene suites

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

Citrus scents the air, loungers flank a spakling pool. Light, cool, simple rooms, vibrant hosts, garden and olive groves - divine food

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

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

An old chapel, smartly and sustainably converted, with a hot tub to soothe tired limbs after country walks through fells and dales