Colourful coastal apartments and studios where you can be nicely independent, and enjoy a communal café and health club with Art Deco pool

Vibrant, artistic barn conversion in the heart of York, a five-minute walk from the Minster. Convivial place with helpful, friendly hosts

A pair of historic houses with far-reaching views of the Cotswold Hills and walks from the gate

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Stay in the very first holiday let in the history of this lovely little hamlet of nine houses, with a superb sailing club and a decent pub

A delightful home-from-home village house with large gardens and walks from the door – perfect for families

Three immaculate rooms in a 17th-century building; step out onto winding streets lined with trattorias, boutiques, fountains and monuments

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

This old stone building, a former olive warehouse, is beautifully restored and sits on its own – a simple bolthole for rest and recuperation

Three family friendly gites with a contemporary feel, a saltwater pool, national trails to wander and wellness retreats on offer

Find good taste, peacefulness and warm hospitality, steps away from the car-free Via Toledo, in the heart of the city

The holiday starts on the bumpy track along to this Arts & Crafts style modern house with plenty of space and a wrap-around garden

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

Philippe and Stéphanie give you delicious food and comfortable, colourful bedrooms in their ancient château with gardens and pool

Come for peace, space and much comfort in this nifty house with gorgeous views over acres of vines from the terrace and pool

Welcome to the delights of a 15th-century Breton manor house, a meandering river inhabited by otters, and hosts who adore what they do

A light-filled studio with a sweet private terrace on the estate of a 16th-century manor - river views, glorious gardens and pure peace

Chatty Madame is a superb cook, and her pretty house and garden in a quiet Yvelines village are equally delicious. Zip to Paris by train