A lovely, spacious 1830s house in the heart of arty Westport with nearly an acre of garden, an apple orchard and the river running past

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A sophisticated and friendly Basque beauty overlooking the Bay of Biscay, in Txakoli vineyard country – prepare to be thoroughly spoilt

Light, bright and smartly decorated, this grown-up B&B is a calm retreat from the hectic whirl near charming Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight

Come to walk, cycle, fish and hunker down in style in front of the wood-burner - sleep in deep comfort in a lovingly converted barn

Glorious views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw from this comfortable house. Art dotted about, a big table for chatty meals and a pretty garden

Take your pick from guided horse-trekking to grand banqueting at this traditional château; drive to explore WWI history and the lovely coast

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

Bask in the beautiful Basque country at this friendly B&B in the village, with family-run restaurant for delicious suppers

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

A cosy bolthole near Paris's best museums, monuments and churches. A peaceful sleep and simple buffet breakfast set you up for sightseeing

A rare treat to stay in this lovely stone farmhouse in the Durham Dales with acres of private farmland and magical interiors by Rita Konig

Beautifully restored house with a literary history, no neighbours and private access to a sandy bay beyond the pines

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

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side-by-side al fresco baths make it romantic for two

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

Inspiring scenery for this lavender farm near a Provençal village. Rustic eco-friendly cottages, a hump-backed bridge, a hammock by the pool