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

A true gem - sleep in a small hillside castle, share delicious communal meals, walk or cycle to the beautiful waterfalls nearby

The views take your breath away, the breakfasts are beautiful, and you feel like you're staying in the home of dear friends

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Immerse yourself in sentiment and romance at Valeria’s charming Veronese villa. The walls sing with framed opera programmes and music scores

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

A sweet bolthole around a courtyard on a smallholding, extremely comfortable, bright and spacious inside and with a communal garden

A picture-perfect village and a beautifully refurbished 17th-century inn with a cracking bar, stylish bedrooms and delicious pub food

A fascinating place steeped in history and abuzz with prize-winning winery activity. Plus rustic cottages, golf, a restaurant and 2 pools

Such lovely views from this light-filled flat, built in the 19th century – curl up with a book and gaze out to sea

An off-grid retreat; embrace a slower pace of life at this peaceful, characterful home. Surf, cycle and walk then stargaze in utter peace

By a lake, enclosed by woodland - a contemporary house and barn, full of handmade furniture – laze in a hammock, walk the Jurassic Coast

Taste the wine, plunge into the granite pool, play billiards in the library, linger outdoors as swallows swoop – eat delicious local dishes

Up the winding road to stillness, nature and a magical view. There’s glorious Gubbio to explore, and a log fire to come home to

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