An open-plan kitchen, sunny terrace and fruitful gardens shine at this private hillside villa. From here, it's easy to ski, swim or sunbathe

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

A traditional croft house with far-reaching views to the Luskentyre estuary and Taransay for beaches, walks, wildlife and exploring

A sleek, light-filled, beautifully designed, minimalist space for 4 with wrap-around views from the living room and pool

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

A handsome château filled with intrigue and interest on the edge of a Bastide town in Landes. Your charming host looks after you with aplomb

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

A friendly rural town pub with smart rooms, locally inspired menus and Cheshire and north Wales to explore – bring the dog too

A large handsome 1800s manor, now a peaceful haven for free-range families and creative types on the edge of vibrant Richelieu in the Loire

Restored 18th-century farm building surrounded by countryside, with a good pub a short walk away and Lake Windermere a ten-minute drive

A lovely little bolthole for two on a gorgeous estate with restaurant, deli and superb gardens, sculpture walk and wildflower meadows

This old stone house has dreamy views, lovely gardens, big pool and all the ingredients for an unforgettable family holiday

A light, bright, Georgian coaching inn with super-efficient staff, lovely terrace, sumptuous rooms and excellent, seasonal food

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

Beautiful, fresh townhouse with spoiling touches just outside the city walls of Canterbury. Whitstable close by, eateries a walk away

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

By a bubbling brook in the Mendips, close to Bath and Bristol, a wonderfully revived and welcoming inn with smart rooms and scrumptious food

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?