A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs

Year-round Alpine fun at this peaceful home a short hop from the peaks with calm bedrooms, delicious breakfasts and mountain views

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

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

Log fires smoulder, rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious and there's bags of character at this old village pub – once a cider house

Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

An 18th-century limestone barn, now a quiet hideaway for a group of friends or family in a very rural spot surrounded by fields and woods

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

A fin-de-siècle Franco-Scottish décor for this hospitable, entertaining B&B, in the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural quarter

A cosy, courteous, family-run hotel with ‘chocolatines’ and cherry jams at breakfast, Basque dishes at dinner, and gorgeous rolling views

Comfortable home with wood fires, gracious bedrooms and convivial living rooms. The drive is full of blossom and daffodils in spring

A destination for epicurians who also want exquisite surroundings and comfortable bedrooms. A charming garden too with a very French feel

A neatly-converted old farmhouse on a quiet country lane with bright living spaces, heated pool, garden and hot tub just minutes from sandy beaches

In a commanding position surrounded by private land, this old manor house is excellently equipped and ideal for a big family holiday

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

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

Magical for nature lovers, with wraparound views to the coastline of Skye. Inside: warmth, luxury and not a whisper from the wildest gale

Secluded country house hotel with gracious rooms and dining; stroll the grounds, visit the coast, Beverley is only a five-minute drive away