Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

Learn about local lore, taste the wines, bliss out in the garden and enjoy the company of Éric and Cathy, warm, humorous and talented hosts

Gather your loved ones and come for colourful, exuberant interiors, an absolutely gorgeous covered veranda and a pool with moveable floor

A grand-looking stone building with fabulous views across the Derwent Valley from the terrace and garden – find quirky rooms and great food

Lavender shortbread and baked peaches for breakfast at this most artistic of homes. The courtyard with magnolia and orange trees is lovely

Next to a glorious National Trust estate, an exceptional barn renovation, a honeymooners’ dream – and Marsden a stroll downhill

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

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

Dominating the village is this historic hotel... all frescoes, chandeliers, splendour at every turn. And a handsome pool, too

Lovingly renovated farmhouse amid vines and sunflowers, deep in the Charente countryside - small pool in garden, beaches 45 minutes away.

Wooded, lakeside retreat for 1 or 2 – big windows, huge terrace, wood-burner, wide screen. The Jurassic coast a cross-country walk away

Come to this delightful house, a marriage of old stones and modern furniture, for pure remote air, great outdoor sports and fine dining

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends