Independence at one end of the house with your own sitting room opening onto a courtyard garden. Good pub for food a few minutes' walk away

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

You'll find comfortable rooms, great food and a lovely bar at this friendly inn – Heartbeat country, Castle Howard and Whitby all wait

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

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

In the heart of beautiful Siena, it's just like staying with a friend, as hostess Paola chats whilst preparing local produce for breakfast

A remote, rustic place for a digital detox - wildly romantic and perfect in summer with the doors open. Children can play in safety

A beautifully renovated lighthouse with stunning views from the lantern room. Pretty bedrooms, great walking and fabulous breakfasts

Gorgeous rooms and splendid breakfasts – for sybarites, history-lovers, cyclists and canoeists - bang in the middle of ancient Long Melford

For artists, walkers and peace seekers - authentic simplicity at this mountain hideaway with an infinity pool and breathtaking views

Sea views, fulsome breakfasts and plenty of fresh air on a traditional farm. A rustic treat: Southern Italian rural life at its best.

Find history and splendour in bucketfuls on this huge, friendly, wooded domaine. A winning combination of modern luxury and ancient peace

A delightful coastal house with lush courtyard gardens, masses of space, home office and terraces galore

A tucked-away and peaceful retreat from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne or simply to unwind and recharge

A modern take on an Iron Age roundhouse with stunning sea views in Scotland’s wild west, perfect for couples

An unbelievably stunning setting for this renovated 15th-century villa with garden on a hillside overlooking the famed Florence skyline

Traditional Provencal farmhouse with a large garden and a swimming pool. Historic villages with markets and great restaurants close by