A glorious château near Tours – authentic, huge fun, steeped in family history and surrounded by gorgeous gardens with a serene pool

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

Lovely stone-built dog-friendly cottages with a pool in glorious, quiet surroundings near to lakes, mountains and wide sandy beaches

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

A great little place, hugely popular, with stylish bedrooms, lovely food, happy staff and a winning position on the river Wyre

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

A 200-year-old typical Mallorcan house with wooden beams, tiled floors, a view-filled garden and a big pool in beautiful Sóller

Come for peace, art, photography and go out for delicious food near Galicia’s ‘seafood coast’. One of Spain’s undiscovered gems

Round up family and friends and head for the glorious South Hams and this eco-friendly barn conversion for ten with extra cottage

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

Good old-fashioned hospitality in a quiet Highlands cottage ringed by roses and roe deer. Forest and coastal walks, shortbread and tea

Come for wide open countryside criss-crossed by a myriad of footpaths and this very comfortable, stylish and roomy retreat

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

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

A mid 1800s converted farmhouse and a cottage in a quiet hamlet with private gardens and lovely grounds, just 15 minutes from the coast

A chalet-with-everything: great mountain style, space and comfort with views of Mont Blanc, a sauna and bubbling hot tub

Come for very comfortable B&B suites with garden views in a converted 1880s barn with its own charming sitting and dining rooms

In the foothills of the Pyrenees, a rambling, romantic garden to lose yourself in, a large swimming pool, wildlife and vineyards all around