A cracking place full of fun and interest where you feel instantly at home. Large peaceful rooms, delicious breakfasts, countryside views

A humdinger of a pub, hidden in a sleepy village in the Surrey Hills, oozing character and charm and with delicious food and comfy bedrooms

Four beautiful bedrooms, acres of gardens and parkland, restaurant and café, tennis, outdoor pool and gym, a gallery and events. Just come

In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for three renovated houses, a delight for families

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

What a surprise! Tucked into a row of tightly woven old cottages is this contemporary open-plan hideaway with huge windows and much flair

Thatched cottage perfect for families; surfing at Croyde, walks on Exmoor, sunny barbecues in the garden and cosying up by the wood-burner

Take in the stunning views, explore the narrow medieval lanes and soak up the old-world charm of one of France’s most beautiful villages

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

Escape to this contemporary barn on a friendly farmstead with fern-fringed cliffs and walks galore on your door. Ask about ferry discounts

A sweet cottage on the estate of celebrated artist Sir Sidney Nolan's former home with 250 acres to explore - a Sawday's Community Champion

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

A lovely little bolthole to return to after days out exploring pretty Cotswold villages and walking in an AONB straight from the door

A romantic little bolthole with a hot tub on the Penicuik Estate with well-thought-out interiors and dreamy views over pastures and woodland

Victorian almshouse with architectural pedigree, sweeping countryside views and easy access to charming local towns

In a chocolate-box village just an hour on the train, and a short hop in a taxi, from London is this foodie inn with pretty bedrooms