Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

Return to warming fires after hiking in Ireland's highest mountains. Two traditional cottages on the outskirts of pretty Killorglin

Dreamy, languid beauty at this spacious, airy, arty house with garden and pool in typical Pugliese countryside

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

A perfect spot with views of rolling hills, sunflowers and vineyards. Enthusiastic hosts and heaps to do here - watch wildlife, bake, swim

Elegant B&B tucked down a quiet alleyway close to St Mark’s Square, with friendly hosts and a rooftop offering spectacular views of the city

A 15th-century Venetian palazzo, lovingly restored with stylish rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and a designer's insight into the city

A delightful mix of old and new in a conservation village with a four-acre garden that attracts all the local birds. Guests love it here

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

A rustic-chic bolthole with bird's eye views to gaze at from your bedroom and the beautiful garden, tucked in a quaint hamlet in Maremma

Explore country markets, churches and châteaux - return to a gite in private parkland with an artist's studio on site, and a blissful pool

Steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires, is this 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed

A gorgeous big old house on a farm in a very quiet part of Wiltshire - the undiscovered North Wessex Downs, filled with wildlife and an AONB

Gem-like in a deep park among meadows, a family-friendly château with 2 stylish cottages. Join the lovely owners for dinner, dip in the pool