A vibrant open-plan space with a wild garden, river for swimming, splashing or fishing and the chance to spot kingfishers and red squirrels

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

Treat yourselves to some downtime at this lush, semi-tropical hideaway with big pool, delicious breakfasts and charmingly rustic bedrooms

A converted 19th-century church in the Northumberland National Park with beautiful stained-glass windows and a restored tower

Charming half-timbered house at the start of the Alsace wine route, with spacious rooms, tempting breakfast and a swimming pool

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

Come on down to this working farm for delicious organic food, an on-site sourdough bakery and crisp bedrooms in a pretty farmhouse

High in the Tuscan hills, at the end of an avenue of cypresses, surrounded by parkland and acres of olives... a 13th-century dream

A gorgeous barn conversion in the heart of the High Weald with superb walking, only five miles from Tunbridge Wells

A lovely 1650 Welsh longhouse, beamed and flagstoned with a verdant garden in a totally unspoilt spot in the Snowdonia National Park

High above Lisbon, this small but elegant former palace offers stunning views, stylishly rustic rooms and a dreamy, sun-trap patio

This 300-year-old Cotswold pub, the hub of picture-book Sapperton from which there are glorious walks, is a superb place to eat and stay

A perfect spot with views of hills, forest and vines, below the beautiful village of Castelnau de Montmiral. Walks, wildlife, wine tours...

Come for big, peaceful bedrooms with views, delicious home cooked breakfasts and riverside strolls through ancient beech woodland

Your own cottage on a wine estate in a very beautiful part of the South Downs, famed for world-class sparkling wines

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Light-filled house full of modern art and antique finds with stunning gardens and a pool. The best of Provence is on your doorstep

Swing off the main road through the village, up into the hills along a narrow track and through a gate, observed by curious sheep