Charming 15th-century farmhouse near Montrésor and Loches with immense lawns, orchards and a fabulous pool

Slow down! Swim, soak in the jacuzzi, taste Campanian cuisine and wine, explore the national park, pop to Agropoli's beaches... be pampered

Be inspired by hilltop views, unwind in beamed rooms by huge fireplaces or scramble down to the beach for family adventures

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms

Choose between airy bedrooms up an elegant stair, or magnificent rooms at garden-level with private terraces. Find sweetness and warmth

Groups will love this 18th-century winemaster’s house and tower. There’s a hillside infinity pool, valley views and a private boulodrome

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

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

An attractive, sympathetic barn conversion, full of light, pleasingly uncluttered and hidden down a lane in stunningly beautiful countryside

Step into the valley region from this beautifully restored 17th-century house surrounded by saltwater and freshwater canals and lakes

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

Gorgeous thatched country cottage bolthole for two - perfect for a romantic escape - bring the pooch and explore Somerset

Superb, all-organic agriturismo built of straw bales and offering wonderful home-grown natural food, a delightful family, great walking

A large cottage by the walled garden on a peaceful estate with oodles of space for big gatherings and views over a lake and mature trees

A wonderful watery setting for a super family hotel. White sands and sunsets, waddling ducks, breakfasts to relish …