Winter fires, a summer pool, and gorgeous food all year round... Live slow in the hills of

A light, bright, art-filled space with private garden on a quiet residential street just a short walk from shops, markets and good food

A 200-year-old village house surrounded by vineyards. Light-filled interiors, lots of art, a garden and your own sparkling pool

Dark skies and extensive views from this romantic hideaway cottage. Walk down to the loch, snuggle up by the wood-burner… a cosy retreat

A small yet elegant place for couples or small groups to enjoy the open countryside, rest, join a cooking course or book a massage

Walkers, bikers, families and nature fans will love staying with ever-helpful Joan and Montse in this secluded but not too remote valley

Orchards and ducks, open fires, deep comfort in glorious Wiltshire countryside. Courtyard bedrooms and lovely big kitchen too

A sustainably-designed small, family-run eco hotel within a nature park by the sea in stunning Basque country. Great food too

Like staying in a family home, only with Henri III furniture and rolling green views. Energetic hosts cook, farm, hunt, chat over champagne

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

Swap the mêlée for privacy and wonderful views. Delicious meals, an outdoor hot tub and Portes du Soleil skiing on your doorstep

Come for a village feel, rural peace and boundless Portuguese countryside at this charming whitewashed home with a super terrace with views

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

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

Come for a traffic-free medieval hamlet in sleepy Maremma with easy-going hosts, a beautiful garden and views over the valley

Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house has huge windows, white walls and designer furnishings. Blissfully remote

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

A spacious and bright old sandstone farm building with private garden, all one one level and with lovely views over fields and countryside