Find history and splendour in bucketfuls on this huge, friendly, wooded domaine. A winning combination of modern luxury and ancient peace

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content

Characterful and family-friendly apartments on this lovely wine-country estate: great hosts, glorious grounds and pool, home-grown food

The high life at this smart winery. Cellar tours, infinity pool, and beach nearby, couples seeking privacy will love the whole experience

Rooms in the house overlook the vineyard, the lodges are surrounded by it - check out the vines, then drink their wine with a good dinner

Come for the utter silence and the rare beauty of this far north-westerly landscape, teeming with wildlife. An antidote to city life

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

Historic and impeccably presented apartment in charming Stockbridge, a stroll from shops, restaurants and Botanic Gardens

A lovely house set in 20 hectares with a park, two ponds, paths winding through and a pretty river. Delicious locally-sourced meals too

Come for an oasis of peace - no crowds in the National Park, just olive groves, mountain views and tranquil nature

Settle into an unhurried pace of life on the coast. Comfortable houses and an eco-friendly garden; yoga, massages and riding can be arranged

Everything is on the doorstep and you'll find much comfort at these smart self-catering apartments in the heart of the city

Escape your cares here, move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the sea from your own swimming platform

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

A very grand façade for this handsome Charente village house with a beautiful, peaceful garden, creamy stone walls and olive trees