A pretty retreat in the grounds of a romantic château – you have your own walled garden, with terrace, pool and sunbathing area

A light and bright converted milking parlour in a rural idyll with a barbecue hut, a spa overlooked by horses and a shared hot tub

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Peace, space and sophisticated living at a serene villa-apartment in the hills above Cannes

Two grand stone houses in tranquil parkland with a heated pool, potager and plenty of space for groups. Chickens and charm included

A traditional, grand 1850 townhouse sitting in a large, landscaped garden with mature trees, a short walk to the village centre and square

Countryside and seaside all in one go – what could be more inspiring? Lovely Louisa lives down the road, on hand if you need her

A super Georgian cottage with its own private garden, very comfortable bedrooms and acres of bird-filled grounds to explore

The Dordogne flows through the gastronomic heart of France, where stunning villages cling to rock faces and historic riches are in store

Bright and spacious barn for two and a baby on the South Downs Way, close to Brighton and the coast

Airy, spacious, sunny. This Lot gîte is a delight: linen curtains, oak stair, sunny pool. Sarlat and painted caves are an easy venture away

Heaps to do on-site: organic farm shop & café, cookery & cheese-making courses, farm tours. A brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds too

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?

An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

Anglo-Irish meets Italian and Indian; the owners have peppered this charming home with furniture and artefacts from their broad travels

Stylish sustainability in star-hung Alicante with solar power, gorgeous rooms and a pool. Authentic breakfasts and dinners await

Slow down! Swim, soak in the jacuzzi, taste Campanian cuisine and wine, explore the national park, pop to Agropoli's beaches... be pampered

Stylishly simple cottage in the heart of the old fishing port of Méze, within easy stroll of seafood restaurants and sandy beaches