Come to walk, cycle, fish and hunker down in style in front of the wood-burner - sleep in deep comfort in a lovingly converted barn

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

Stay just two kilometres from Siena's medieval gates with views over vineyards, lovely interiors, good food and pleasant gardens

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

Be warmly welcomed by your knowledgeable hosts at this eco-conscious lodge for four in the Dordogne. Immerse yourself in all things wine

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

Old meets new in Benoit’s charming villa with courtyard pool, breakfasts to linger over and all the fun of La Baule on the doorstep

A treat of a place in a vibrant suburb, a short tram ride from central Manchester. The ultimate combination of art and cool design

B&B in the heart of Totnes with bright bedrooms and a sitting room, plus an enchanting garden with ponds and wildflower beds

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

Come to be thoroughly cosseted and nurtured in this ancient Presbytery surrounded by rolling countryside with views of the Dordogne river

A lovely listed cottage, just stumbling distance from a good pub in a quiet village surrounded by spectacular walking and cycling country

Set off on blissful walks, trek home to crumpets and tea. There’s no better place to escape the 21st century than rural Devon

All you'd hope for, and more! Enormous rooms, marvellous beams, majestic views and wines from their vineyard

An upmarket, very comfortable old stone village house with tasty breakfasts and a sunny courtyard full of colourful flowers

Up and away to a truly wild Welsh experience from this ancient stone house sitting on a ridge, with stunning valley and mountain views

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three