The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

Elegance and ease mark this gentle group of Loire-Valley buildings, with soft-textured interiors and the owners’ fine hospitality and food

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Come for peace, space and much comfort in this nifty house with gorgeous views over acres of vines from the terrace and pool

Canoeing on the Tamar, valley walks galore, with the woodland garden a sea of daffodils in the spring. A magical self-catering hideaway

A sparkling restaurant with stylish rooms well placed for exploring Pembrokeshire’s hills, coastal path and sandy beaches

Enjoy views of the South Downs from this converted milking parlour for 2 or 4 - fill up on the breakfast hamper and head out on long walks

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Bedrooms with terraces and views over St Michael’s Mount Bay. Explore the gardens; walk from the door to glorious beaches

Lavender shortbread and baked peaches for breakfast at this most artistic of homes. The courtyard with magnolia and orange trees is lovely

Guests love the Henley - it’s nicely informal, and cute rooms, big views, and Martyn’s lovely food all hit the spot. Breakfast included too

A well-equipped cottage with a big beautiful garden and murmuring brook. Come for peace, wildlife, a welcome cocktail, and grand walking

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

An 18th-century beamed inn with tasty food, pretty bedrooms and a large garden just a ten-minute drive from Chichester

A warm, inviting boutique hotel in Shrewsbury’s historic centre; potter about the medieval streets, relax in a sun-catching courtyard

A red-brick cottage and Shepherd’s hut in a magical garden with a cookery school and views over the South Downs

Up and away to a truly wild Welsh experience from this ancient stone house sitting on a ridge, with stunning valley and mountain views

Just below the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima, an agriturismo loved by sporty types and families, with wonderful food on site