Sheep's Head Way is reputedly one of the best walks in Ireland. Come back to roaring fires, a Rayburn, art and style – terrific restorations

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

Be spoiled in this large stone house, with sumptuous bedrooms, thoughtful breakfasts and a verdant garden, just minutes from the city

Sea views, fulsome breakfasts and plenty of fresh air on a traditional farm. A rustic treat: Southern Italian rural life at its best.

The views are green, both cottages are homely and comfortable and the gardens have direct access to the riverbank footpath for walks

This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building – come for golf, beaches, walks and bird-watching

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

A lovely old stone cottage in a group round a pretty courtyard, with your own private patio and seating area, on the Pink Granite Coast

Gorgeous rooms and splendid breakfasts – for sybarites, history-lovers, cyclists and canoeists - bang in the middle of ancient Long Melford

A lovely eco barn - your home from home; come for walks on the North Yorks Moors, world class cycling and cosy evenings by the wood-burner

Smart, spacious house for 12 with great views over the family vineyard - arrange a tasting, walk the Cotswold Way, cycle the canal towpath

Cosy, peaceful retreat not far from Hadrian's Wall. A real fire, tennis, BBQ, the Coast to Coast cycle route and hilly treks from the door

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

Live out all your bohemian dreams at this arty villa, with garden and plunge pool, perched above the glittering Riviera.

At these small hilltop apartments and studios near Cádiz, find history to delight you, massages to soothe you

A beautiful walled historical country house, surrounded by acres of farmland and citrus groves, with wine tastings and kind, charming owners

Your very own château in the Dordogne for big family get-togethers and special celebrations