An enchanting escape immersed in nature yet only 40 minutes by train into the Eternal City for art and history-filled days

Sleek modern interiors now grace this ancient building with architectural joys, a courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with views

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

Close to Hexham's centre, a quietly charismatic Victorian home with fresh flowers, homemade bread, sunny courtyard and a friendly little dog

View-filled apartments in Ortigia, the heart of Siracusa. Immerse yourself in the blue of the Ionian Sea; walk to culture, shops and restaurants

Live in the lap of luxury in a 600-year-old regenerated farmhouse, enjoy fine fittings, great lighting, games, castle view and infinity pool

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

In château parkland, 10 minutes from Chinon, find books, beams and open spaces for three renovated houses, a delight for families

A beautiful villa with a medieval tower surrounded by formal gardens, gentle slopes of perfectly maintained vineyards and wooded hilltops

Popular with families, this Glen of Rannoch mountain-view cottage with a homely atmosphere is a cheerful place to stay year-round

In a profoundly peaceful spot between arty St Ives and stunning Marazion, a hideaway for two surrounded by gardens and parkland

An exquisitely restored 500-year-old inn, where the accent is very much on food, reared and grown nearby and with very comfortable rooms

Provençale-meets-English country house to great effect – cycle Mont Ventoux, walk to the monastery, visit Roman towns and vineyards

A 17th-century Westmorland barn, fully renovated with a roomy living space and west-facing garden with views of High Street and Blencathra

Come for a spot of pampering and seriously good food at this smart townhouse B&B with spa, garden and pool in the heart of Abbeville

Bask in the beautiful Basque country at this friendly B&B in the village, with family-run restaurant for delicious suppers

Spread out in much style with friends or family in a beautifully renovated Victorian farmhouse at the foot of the Howgill fells