Green and serene, a striking array of eco cottages on a family farm where style and comfort reign, close to the coast but far from the crowd

A snug Snowdonia bolthole arranged around a vast boulder, once home to Victorian artists inspired by the setting. For romantic hikers

Comfortable and colourful villa, very much a family home, with glorious views, infinity pool and lovely gardens, just 3 minutes from town

A stone built 18th-century tower in a pretty valley dotted with fruit trees for quiet and relaxed days recuperating from life in the city

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

Birders will love escaping up here, golfers too - visit Hatfield House, Knebworth, Cambridge - come back to a good local pub and a comfy bed

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

There's a lovely welcome at this manoir near the sea with its family-friendly room arrangements (cottages, kitchens) and its outdoor pool

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

Blissful tranquillity - yet an easy drive from St Paul de Vence (legendary haunt of Matisse and Picasso) and 10km from the Riviera

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

A cosy, very comfortable stone cottage with fine views across the valley, just a couple of miles from the southern tip of Ullswater

A 17th-century townhouse sitting on a quiet side street with lots of original features and a west-facing patio screened by vines and lemons

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

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

Comfortable Clifton home a hop from shops, restaurants, harbour ferry and the heart of Bristol. With easy-going hosts and great breakfasts

Attractive country barn - great for two families sharing, for river trips, for playing in the pool, for running free

A treat of a country retreat in the North York Moors National Park and much comfort for all with lovely high ceilings, a log-burner and fabulous views