3 lovely cottages in the heart of Cognac vines for cosy nights by the fire and summer barbecues by the pool

A recently renovated and very comfortable stand-alone limestone cottage with fabulous views on the edge of the Easton Walled Gardens

Come for a big gathering of friends or family and take the whole house plus an extra cottage in the pretty gardens – swim in the pool, relax

Climb the candle-lit marble staircase to dream between lavender-scented sheets in splendid rooms, some with balcony or terrace

For walkers and lovers of wildly beautiful coastal country: two cosy old cottages and a bright, modern renovation in a cluster with others

A special little house, renovated with huge style, filled with beautiful objects and with a delightfully quiet and secluded private garden

Refined B&B in a pretty forest setting just north of the French Basque country, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and delicious food

An 18th-century converted barn with lofty beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, handmade oak windows and much art – pretty garden too

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

A shady terrace runs the full length of this old barn, overlooking magnificent trees and fields of sheep. Riberac is a 10-minute drive

A sweet, very private-feeling annexe in the glorious South Hams with your own west-facing garden

In the heart of a starlight reserve in a protected natural park, three authentic cottages with walks from the door for immersion in nature

A delightful home-from-home village house with large gardens and walks from the door – perfect for families

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

A bright, colourful lodge, part of an 18th-century abbey with a private garden, swimming pool, books, games and a cosy fire

Snug, simple and delightful casitas with private entrances and courtyards interlink for groups. Stroll through the olives, bask by the pool

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

An expansive and generous 13th-century Catalan farmhouse, restored with verve and colour in the Pyrenees - a wonderful spot for groups