Up the drive flanked by grazing horses, to a warm welcome from the housekeeper and a great fire in the hall. Perfect for family gatherings

A stunning château with huge rooms, pretty balconies with views, peaceful garden. Super owners, excellent dinners - and child-friendly too

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

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

Generous apartments in a 300-year-old farmhouse with beautiful grounds and a swimming pool

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

Four gîtes in the château’s vast barn, one in the tower. Magnificent mountain and valley views, and Sandrine’s regionally inspired meals

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

Ascot is a trot down the road and there's a really cosy, cottagey feel to this quaint 18th-century inn with great food and comfy bedrooms

A hilltop setting for this ancient fortress with an illustrious past. You stay in apartments or farmhouses inside or outside the walls

An airy Estate Manager's House set in pretty grounds with a pool, orchard, barbecue and private terrace for long lazy days in the sun

Two elegantly renovated spaces with wonderful views, lots of activities and large gardens for making memories with family and friends

A large tranquil apartment with garden and pool surrounded by Tuscan countryside, just over half an hour's drive from Siena

A traditional coaching inn dating from the 18th century with good food served in private and public dining rooms on the Wellington Estate

Exceptional generosity reigns at this complex of 5 excellent, colourful holiday apartments, with pool and meals, on the Sorrento Peninsula

Swing off the main road through the village, up into the hills along a narrow track and through a gate, observed by curious sheep