An organic farm near coast, village and Etna – super for families, done in simple good taste. Laze in the hammock, visit the coast...

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Rooms in the house overlook the vineyard, the lodges are surrounded by it - check out the vines, then drink their wine with a good dinner

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

An absolute peach of an apartment on the first floor of this iconic building with stunning views over the harbour and St Michael's Mount

This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

Ease through a beautiful wrought iron gate to a courtyard and an elegant 1700s creamy stone holiday house, part of the château estate

Come for Tudor beams, a sunny roof terrace and the bustle of Lewes in this beautifully restored coaching inn

In the shadow of a Norman château on the Cherbourg Peninsula, a cosy house for three with private parking and restaurants outside the door

Four gîtes in the château’s vast barn, one in the tower. Magnificent mountain and valley views, and Sandrine’s regionally inspired meals

Converted barn with the most welcoming owners – the garden and pool are all yours; explore a less touristy part of the Dordogne

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

A traditional stone bergerie high on a hill and surrounded by woods with east-facing views over the valley for stunning sunrises

Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

An old farm worker's cottage, niftily done up and nicely remote, with walking and fishing on the doorstep, four miles from Hadrian's Wall

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby