White-painted beams, wonky white walls and your own parking spot fairly nearby. You're near the harbour and subtropical gardens

Stay in the very first holiday let in the history of this lovely little hamlet of nine houses, with a superb sailing club and a decent pub

High on a hill in the Tyne Valley, undisturbed except by birds singing and the wind whistling; views swoop down to a magical landscape

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

Historic, indulgent, atmospheric – and the Contessa is so warm. Vineyards, restaurants, operas, walks...La dolce vita on Slovenia's border

In the Welsh Marches, down winding lanes, a delightful refurbished hop pickers' house - romantic bolthole for 2. Friendly owners, too

Remote off-grid cottage 1400 feet above sea level in Northumberland National Park, with incredible night skies

Sustainably built Suffolk retreat with plenty of space for friends and family to properly unwind - a steam room seals the deal

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food

A grand-looking stone building with fabulous views across the Derwent Valley from the terrace and garden – find quirky rooms and great food

Enjoy convivial gatherings from this Georgian country house with acres of land, gardens and woodlands just a short hop from Durham

An 1800s former watermill, now elegantly converted to give B&B rooms plus a self-catering cottage in the Côte d'Opale, superb for walking

Wide views over the trees to the glittering loch and the hills beyond will mesmerise; interiors are calm, uncluttered and generous

Wander down a pebble path to this large, light holiday home near La Rochelle. Eco-friendly, accessible to all, and perfectly peaceful

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too