Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

An old stone farmhouse with plenty of room for a large group, a terrace with hot tub and lawns and access to a shared pool and tennis court

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

Blissful views to vineyards and mountains from this faithful reproduction of a 16th-century manor. Eat well, hike, bike, sauna and swim

Splash under the Elephant Arch, take a boat to the caves, set off for Tunisia! Then it’s back to a super-private room by the sea

At these small hilltop apartments and studios near Cádiz, find history to delight you, massages to soothe you

A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

A light-filled, modern house with wonderful sea views through vast picture windows stretching all the way to St Kilda on clear days

An exquisite, serene B&B with sweeping views, tucked between hills, vineyards and meadows and the ancient remains of a Benedictine abbey

A nature-filled estate for smart lodge holidays in rural peace with woods and coast to explore, onsite activities and yummy homemade meals

Tucked away privately in part of a spectacular listed manor house, this apartment has wonderful views across to Hartland and the sea

A lavish makeover for this roadside pub, now a boutique inn with clever design, delicious food and supremely comfortable bedrooms

Step into the valley region from this beautifully restored 17th-century house surrounded by saltwater and freshwater canals and lakes

Linger over a fine breakfast and olive grove valley view, borrow a bike, take to the Francigena pilgrim trail, explore medieval Anagni

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

Come to a gorgeous bolthole, just for two, in a sleepy riverside village with the delights of the Corrèze at your feet

A gracious 17th-century manor house and a pretty Grange hidden down a tree-lined drive and with stunning views over woodlands