A small yet elegant place for couples or small groups to enjoy the open countryside, rest, join a cooking course or book a massage

You’ll fall in love with this ancient mas in a corner of paradise… climbing roses scent the air, chic open spaces are flooded with light

Stay just two kilometres from Siena's medieval gates with views over vineyards, lovely interiors, good food and pleasant gardens

Fragrant gardens full of fruit trees, a lovingly renovated house just a few minutes’ walk from the village, and excellent breakfasts

Elegant house deep in the countryside with wild garden, dreamy pool, and bags of vintage charm. A promise of peace and perfect solitude

One of five cottages on the Wern Estate, all comfort and charm, with a garden for kids, rockpools at Black Rock Sands and a mountain railway

Ease through a beautiful wrought iron gate to a courtyard and an elegant 1700s creamy stone holiday house, part of the château estate

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and Cévennes at the door

In the heart of the East Sussex countryside, a fun community inn, with rustic-historic bedrooms, scrumptious food, and a great welcome for dogs

Mont Blanc looms large over this alpine chalet in quiet Les Tines, a stone’s throw from Chamonix and miles of mountain trails

Unwind in a hammock, in the pool, in a balconied rose-coloured bedroom – meander local markets, pick a pepper, cook up a feast and have fun

Once a lofty edifice for music recitals, now an original place to stay - with stained-glass windows, a bed on a stage and wild gardens

A 1980s Catalan mas built in a traditional style, with garden and pool, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards near the Spanish border

An interesting historic townhouse filled with art and antiques, in the old part of Amantea, near shops, restaurants and beach

A pretty upside-down cottage, formerly a dovecote, lovingly restored with sustainability the focus

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

A wonderfully maintained Grade II listed country house in the Brecon Beacons with extensive gardens and panoramic views of the Usk Valley

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?