High up and with splendid views of the estuary and harbour, this roomy apartment is a very comfortable base for seaside holidays

Come to stay in a lovely old house surrounded by an important garden created by three generations of brilliant women gardeners

Come for a traffic-free medieval hamlet in sleepy Maremma with easy-going hosts, a beautiful garden and views over the valley

Family-run B&B in traditional trulli with hands-on hosts. Swim in the pool, explore the countryside, the coast is half an hour’s drive away

The view is pure Canaletto, the vibe is modern and laid back. Just minutes from all Venice’s best bits, but with far fewer tourists

Come for summer breakfasts of pastries fresh from the local bakery, afternoons reading by the pool and long, lazy lunches

A family-run restaurant with rooms with a gorgeous sunny terrace overlooking the bustling harbour and delicious food in two dining spaces

A grand spot for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers - this warm, informal B&B gives you very comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts

In the heart of a pretty village next to a picturesque stream, your elegant B&B is a haven of peace and quiet. La Rochelle is close

A rustic and elegant farmhouse retreat in Provence with a pool, vineyards and wildlife-filled pond – a launchpad for the Luberon

Completely refurbished 18th-century roadside inn with special views, good food, restful bedrooms and all the benefits of Another Place

You’ll feel nicely independent in this spacious open-plan hideaway surrounded by colourful gardens and Corscombe valley views

Beautifully restored house with a literary history, no neighbours and private access to a sandy bay beyond the pines

A babbling brook, the sound of birdsong and centuries of history steeped into the walls of this medieval barn, plus a heated indoor pool

A serene retreat basking above the Algarve with sea views from the garden and pool, and charming Moorish details

Restored stone barn on a farm in the Lake District National Park, with views of fields and woods and an excellent pub nearby

Just below the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima, an agriturismo loved by sporty types and families, with wonderful food on site