A big, beamed contemporary barn filled with light and surrounded by unspoilt countryside for a romantic retreat.

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

A light-filled, modern house with wonderful sea views through vast picture windows stretching all the way to St Kilda on clear days

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Authenticity and originality combine at this family chateau with its panelled rooms, theatrical flourishes and charming candlelit dinners

Atmospheric manor with heaps of history, sumptuous bedrooms, a cornucopia of quirky finds, an open-hearted host – it’s a treat to stay here

Straight out of a fairy tale, a rustic cottage by a babbling brook: a magical escape for couples, the craggy coast in easy reach

Rural Andalusian retreat with bags of boho style promises wide-open skies, mountain vistas and fabulous meals prepared by your host

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

A bright and airy 50s townhouse in a residential suburb with large, light bedrooms and a sparkling pool – cycle into gorgeous countryside

A charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door

A converted Victorian schoolhouse with a glorious oak bar, an impressive selection of gins, hearty food and attractive bedrooms

For escapists, wannabe writers and lovers of rural bliss: two boho hideaways for two (four at a squeeze) in this lush corner of Galicia

In the city of Trapani, at the foot of Mount Erice, a nobleman's villa with a warm heart and exotic gardens. A hop from the Egadi Islands

There's a lovely welcome at this manoir near the sea with its family-friendly room arrangements (cottages, kitchens) and its outdoor pool

A lovely, rambling old house for family gatherings with an extra cottage for bigger groups, a gorgeous garden and hilltop villages nearby

Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees