In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for 3 renovated houses, a delight for families

Three immaculate rooms in a 17th-century building; step out onto winding streets lined with trattorias, boutiques, fountains and monuments

Come to this cosy barn down a winding lane for a back-to-nature escape: hike the Black Mountains, splash in the stream, gaze at the views

A grand, pale stone townhouse in the centre of lively Épernay with plenty of good restaurants nearby

A bright, colourful lodge, part of an 18th-century abbey with a private garden, swimming pool, books, games and a cosy fire

Feel right at home in a thatched farmhouse on South Pool Creek, with cottage garden views, great breakfasts and a good local pub

A beguiling retreat for a couple or a family of four – feel cosy and secluded in a thatched cottage close to the coast

A spacious farmhouse with a pool in the grounds of a stately château. Wander the walled garden, explore the countryside and pretty villages

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

Art-filled and atmospheric, with stunning sea views and a sunny walled garden. Just moments from the beaches and charms of Lyme Regis

A lovely 1910 village house, deep in sleepy countryside, with delightful owners, delicious home cooking and a pretty garden for lazy days

Within the city walls and right next to the Minster, this super-smart hotel gives you gorgeous bedrooms and delicious food

Your own cottage sitting room downstairs and a swish bedroom up – breakfast in the courtyard before venturing forth to discover Canterbury

A wonderfully relaxing retreat, high up on red and yellow cliffs, with sunsets to match; a heated saltwater pool and a host who really cares

A large tranquil apartment with garden and pool surrounded by Tuscan countryside, just over half an hour's drive from Siena

An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter

Elegant, calm, charming B&B in a 12th-century house surrounded by fields, quiet country roads and vibrant little villages

Comfortable home with wood fires, gracious bedrooms and convivial living rooms. The drive is full of blossom and daffodils in spring