Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

Come to stay in a lovely old house surrounded by an important garden created by three generations of brilliant women gardeners

The sort of inn we all love – open fires, original beams, ancient flags, tasty food, with lovely bedrooms thrown in for good measure

Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, sustainability and slow food high up on the edge of a National Park

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?

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

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

Your own cosy apartment in the once arty, now classy Latin Quarter. An elegant, romantic and peaceful bolthole for 2

Tucked away from the busy glamour of the Riviera, come and unwind, from two to twelve people, in a peaceful garden and stone farmhouse

A light-filled, modern house with wonderful sea views through vast picture windows stretching all the way to St Kilda on clear days

Close to Girona, with huge valley views! Cosy fires for cool days, shady corners for hot ones, lovely people, and the food a revelation

This architect-designed passive style house sits just behind the sand dunes at Waxham beach, one of Norfolk’s most lovely beaches

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

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

A very pretty old converted cart shed at the end of a track on an organic farm, surrounded by wildlife, birds and animals in the fields

You’re in Snowdonia National Park: cycle, hike, swim, climb & trampoline to your heart’s content. Come home to comfort, warmth, grand views

Stylish, family-friendly hotel on the side of a peaceful Cotswold hill with big views, a choice of rooms and a 500-acre estate to explore

You're beautifully looked after in this gorgeous Tuscan house. Come for Alpine walks, historic trails and wild nature all around