A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

Deeply peaceful countryside retreat with exceptional food and wine laid on by Sam and Heather, your friendly hosts

A handsome house with breath-taking mountain views: perfect for summer holidays and walking in spring and autumn

The wow factor is set to eleven at this magnificent château steeped in French history and surrounded by acres of land (and a moat)

A magical medieval castello, gloriously gothic with tower, moat and ghost, fit for a Shakespearian play.

A pair of historic houses with far-reaching views of the Cotswold Hills and walks from the gate

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

A perfectly romantic and gorgeously restored bothy in a garden on a hillside by the sea, with grand views over the mountains of Skye

A trulli hamlet immersed in nature, on the wilder side of Puglia with visits to white-washed hilltop towns and cooking with Nonna Maria

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

A pleasure to stay in such a dreamy château surrounded by a beautiful terrace, elegant gardens and parkland, a lake, river and waterfall

A 17th-century townhouse sitting on a quiet side street with lots of original features and a west-facing patio screened by vines and lemons

A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

Spend restful days in a verdant garden, slip into the cooling pool, sip wine on your private balcony, stroll into arty Benissa

A tranquil and tucked-away feel for this terraced cottage with private patio, communal garden and plenty of room for six

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

A wonderfully maintained Grade II listed country house in the Brecon Beacons with extensive gardens and panoramic views of the Usk Valley