A stroll from the village, this comfy house in its terraced garden comes with a keen-cook's kitchen, a generous terrace and pool

A grand spot with superb Peak District views for this secluded, immaculate conversion of a handsome stable block - spacious and light

The largest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Where else is breakfast served by candlelight in winter? Friendly staff, lovely bedrooms, off-street parking and Arthur’s Seat all wait

A very swish 1610 house, thoroughly refurbished, in the heart of old Chichester with oodles of space and a surprisingly large garden

Cosy bolthole for two in a tiny hamlet next to a river and pub; walk the hills or spend the day at the unspoiled coast

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

Wend your way down steep paths to Durgan beach, explore the magic of Charles’s wonderful garden and feast on Caroline’s super breakfasts

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

Glass-and-timber doors bathe you with light, gaze at big skies and the river Dart lapping. Sublime year round, it's one of our favourites

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

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

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

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A perfectly restored medieval borgo on twin Chianti hilltops, with lavender fields, honey bees and clear views to the Apennines

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too