In the city of Trapani, at the foot of Mount Erice, a nobleman's villa with a warm heart and exotic gardens. A hop from the Egadi Islands

A spacious, luxurious family retreat, remote but close to Audierne. Watch surfers shoot the waves as seagulls wheel above

Your own cottage on a wine estate in a very beautiful part of the South Downs, famed for world-class sparkling wines

Come for history, wildlife and a stunning garden estate with acres to roam. Bring children and dogs too. Fabulous

Small and elegant family-run hotel with airy bedrooms, plenty of private spaces and a bus to take you to the centre of bustling Avignon

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

A stylish, thoughtful and impressive place for a family holiday, in a dreamy Charentais landscape with the odd sheep to keep you company

A rustic haven in Vouvray wine country: bask on sun beds near the elegant pool, cosy up to the wood-burner, relax in your beautiful bedroom

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

A striking cabin, drenched in light, with views over open countryside to the Sugar Loaf in the distance

2 super family apartments in the unspoilt Serre Chevalier valley, with a private chef if you’d like one, and delightful Pippa to welcome you

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

Hear the rooting of wild boar and the odd splash of the pool. For those who love fresh air, great food, and the sweet hills of Umbria

A gorgeously tranquil place to escape to and fall in love with the Périgord's medieval villages, valleys, wines, markets and artisan farms

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

Victorian country house for 8-15 with gardens overlooking the Howgill Fells for happy reunions with family and friends

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