Comfortable and colourful villa, very much a family home, with glorious views, infinity pool and lovely gardens, just 3 minutes from town

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Stunning, spacious 3-storey converted mill with stylish bedrooms. Cook just-caught brown trout from the river, eat at a hand built oak table

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

Two lovely places to stay down by the shore of Clew Bay for much peace, space and modern comforts in a magical watery world

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

This fine old Dordogne house is run by well-travelled owners, has superb views and is a luscious mix of old charm and contemporary design

An unbelievably stunning setting for this renovated 15th-century villa with garden on a hillside overlooking the famed Florence skyline

Welcoming and friendly place in a non-touristy area of the city within walking distance of the centre and with a fabulous roof terrace

A light, spacious villa in the colonial style designed for easy indoor/outdoor living, with garden, pool and the beach just a short stroll

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe

An Art Deco hotel in Lisbon's heart – all wood, chrome and marble, trendy lights, period photos in the bar, and the funicular to Bairro Alto

A light and airy barn conversion, very comfortable and rural, sitting on a hill with views to the south overlooking the Stour valley

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