A peaceful spot for this beautifully restored old barn surrounded by lovely gardens and a sparkling pool on the banks of the Dordogne river

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

An adorable little 1800s cottage with a garden – simple, unpretentious and filled with the owner's colourful art on walls and lampshades

In the Welsh Marches, down winding lanes, a delightful refurbished hop pickers' house - romantic bolthole for 2. Friendly owners, too

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Come for a holiday with extras: children’s playground, babysitting, pool, truffle hunting, vineyard, olive grove tours and more

Gaze on Umbrian hills as the children play, watch the fireflies dance at night. Dine fabulously in Gubbio - or here. Sociable-family bliss

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

You're only a whisper away from history in this family-run château, where rose gardens, sumptuous bedrooms and generous breakfasts wait

Rural peace just an hour from London in your own gorgeous converted hay barn, ten minutes from Alton

Sofas in front of the fire, English wines and local ales, ambrosial food and smart rooms, all a short stroll from Sissinghurst Castle

Breakfasts with sausages from home-reared rare breed pigs, a big log fire and relaxed friendly hosts. Acres of garden and woodland paths

Round up family and friends and head for the glorious South Hams and this eco-friendly barn conversion for ten with extra cottage

Close to Saint-Jean-d'Angély, an elegant and spacious manor house with unfussy, comfortable interiors, bucolic views, big garden and pool

This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

A very tastefully restored old stone stable on a gloriously rural estate with woodland gardens, lake and a deer park

Between Penzance and Helston and close to surf beaches, a perfect place for two. For peace-seekers and lovers of mid-century design