Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

A newly-renovated barn in a picturesque Cotswold village with an enclosed front garden and the river Eye at the bottom of the drive

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

A contemporary rooftop room in a warmly civilised B&B filled with books and lovely things – stunning view too

A warm, gracious townhouse in a small town, run by delightful new hosts. Explore chateaux, canoe on the Loire... cycle to Angers!

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms

A glorious spot in the Wolds for a big family get-together in style, with your very own indoor heated pool, sauna, games and hot tub

A cool little inn lost in beautiful hills, child- and dog-friendly, with happy staff and award-winning food

Former pear-press cellar, now a swish bolthole with magical mountain views. In the village centre, 15-minutes’ drive to the Paradiski slopes

A magnificent Victorian clock tower on a peaceful, bird-filled estate with a garden, gorgeous views across the park and activities to join

A self-catering apartment in the wing of a traditional Burgundian winemaker's house in a tiny hamlet, surrounded by fields of vines

Explore Le Marche, Italy's hidden gem, from this tranquil agriturismo tucked among olive groves and fields above the Adriatic coast

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

Historic 19th-century maison de maître, perfect for a gathering of friends, within walking distance of the old town’s charms

Warm interiors, pretty bedrooms and excellent breakfasts – good value in a very handy central spot

A Cotswolds hideaway in a cottage on a farm, with space to roam for children, and glorious valley views

Two peaceful olive grove farmhouses, a shared pool with incredible views, hours of hiking along beautiful trails, Pisa and Lucca nearby