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

A super old place for those who love history and Thomas Hardy. Come for enjoyable gastropub food and comfortable, traditional bedrooms

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A chalet-with-everything: great mountain style, space and comfort with views of Mont Blanc, a sauna and bubbling hot tub

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

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

A charming transformation of a once boarded-up pub in a pretty village setting, beside the river Wye in the heart of the Peak District

Simple, stylish interiors at this restored cottage on a rural estate overlooking the river Tay, with farmland, forest and trails to discover

Experience the pleasures of traditional Tuscan living with fabulous food and fine wines from the family vineyard

A big, comfortable house with heated outdoor pool in 17 acres of gardens. Mountains, river swimming, hiking nearby; coast within the hour

High above the bay of Naples, this lovely B&B could be a Fellini film set. Romantic rooms are furnished with antiques, dinner is delicious

A stylish, canal-side inn – you get Sunday lunch, tow paths that lead into Edinburgh, then a pretty garden and cute rooms

Off the beaten track and into the hills – this remote, unknown bird-filled region is faultless for outdoorsy people

Everything you need is here: a wood-burner for winter, a pool and spacious terraces for summer, and peace and beauty all year round

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

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

Close to the honeypots of Domme and Sarlat, a hideaway for 2 in an ancient French hamlet. The apartment is serene, the views are glorious