Apartments with a designer touch in a peaceful, evocative setting; private gardens, intimate terraces, infinity pool, stunning lake views and a gourmet restaurant

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

Well-positioned winery for the whole of the Bordeaux region. Or stay put and learn about the Duhamels’ super organic Cotes de Bourg wines

A 200-year-old quintessential Umbrian farmhouse with pool, immersed in nature and with no immediate neighbours for lazy, peaceful days

An open-plan kitchen, sunny terrace and fruitful gardens shine at this private hillside villa. From here, it's easy to ski, swim or sunbathe

Welcoming and friendly place in a non-touristy area of the city within walking distance of the centre and with a fabulous roof terrace

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

High on a hill in the Tyne Valley, undisturbed except by birds singing and the wind whistling; views swoop down to a magical landscape

A traditional country house experience with plenty of space for big family get-togethers, on a very old estate with fascinating gardens

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

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

Bring a group of friends and relax in true Spanish style – swim in the pool, dine outdoors, stroll to pretty Alqueria Blanca in 10 minutes

Tucked at the bottom of a long track and surrounded by a gorgeous natural landscape, is this generous end-slice of a 17th-century stone farm

Three airy gîtes set in 300 acres of vineyard and gardens. A welcoming base for exploring the marvellous Minervois – 15km from Carcassonne

In glorious rural Umbria, a spacious old farmhouse with magnificent views of mountains and Lago Trasimeno, rustic décor and a lovely pool

A beautifully-designed wooden lodge with hot tub on the deck, glass-front wood-burner, plenty of space and complete immersion in nature