In a commanding position surrounded by private land, this old manor house is excellently equipped and ideal for a big family holiday

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

Cosy, peaceful retreat not far from Hadrian's Wall. A real fire, tennis, BBQ, the Coast to Coast cycle route and hilly treks from the door

Two comfortably converted farm buildings, with a shared pool on a gentle south-east sloping vineyard with wonderful views

Charming trulli apartments promise rustic comfort and panoramic views (horses too). Perfectly placed for exploring the area

Come to shed your city cares, eat wonderful local food, spend time in simple, authentic surroundings and remind yourselves about serenity

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you

A traditional cottage in Polruan on the Fowey estuary with harbour and cove views and a tea shop and two pubs in the village

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

For families who love a Great British beach holiday, this beach-side cottage on Hayling Island near Portsmouth is just the ticket

A large, light-filled house sitting very much on its own in the middle of the peaceful Eden Valley with masses of space inside and out

A delightful coastal house with lush courtyard gardens, masses of space, home office and terraces galore

Stay in a lovely 18th-century townhouse in one of the prettiest villages on the Loire surrounded by unspoilt countryside

This old stone building, a former olive warehouse, is beautifully restored and sits on its own – a simple bolthole for rest and recuperation

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

Former pear-press cellar, now a swish bolthole with magical mountain views. In the village centre, 15-minutes’ drive to the Paradiski slopes

Adorable cottage with a Highland lodge feel – walk straight into the hills, swim in the Spey, relax in the whisky room and sitooterie