Sitting next to the church in the most picturesque village in England, this ancient, handsome cottage is packed with historical interest

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

Fresh, simple country charm - pretty rooms with enchanting river views, freshly baked bread for breakfast... Beautiful, fragrant gardens

An 1820s beach house just 50 metres from the pretty sands and a first-floor deck for al fresco meals with stunning views over the water

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

Up, up and away to this stunning cottage perched 1400 feet high in the National Park with big skies, grand walks and much comfort indoors

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

A vibrant open-plan space with a wild garden, river for swimming, splashing or fishing and the chance to spot kingfishers and red squirrels

Beautiful views over Bantry Bay from this thoughtfully restored house with stylish rooms, gardens and woodland – a wonderful escape

Come down to the Meon Valley and be (very gently) nudged towards a better way of living - a Sawday's Community Champion

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

In a leafy, peaceful part of Frome - a very civilised bolthole for two. A big garden is yours to share, friendly owners live next door

A perfectly renovated farmhouse in the grounds of a delightful château deep in the Normandy countryside, with a lovely walled garden

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

A privately-owned cottage, full of interesting things, on tranquil farmland within the NT Stackpole Estate a 20-minute walk to the coast

A 1750s farmhouse with a comfortable, informal feel resting in woodland. You're near to iconic tourist spots but hiding in the quiet woods

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)