It's not often you get an entire hamlet to yourselves but here it is – 10 traditional stone houses with big communal spaces in rural bliss

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

A hop from St Mark’s Square, this long-standing hotel - a delightful family affair - could not be better placed for exploring Venice

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

Glamour, warmth and style in a renovated wine warehouse in a cool quarter of Bordeaux - France’s most popular city after Paris

Charming half-timbered house at the start of the Alsace wine route, with spacious rooms, tempting breakfast and a swimming pool

A lovely villa with masses of space, filled with modern art and near to walking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants

Generous apartments in a 300-year-old farmhouse with beautiful grounds and a swimming pool

A stylish retreat in the heart of St Ives offering a glimpse of the sea – with an extra double sofabed room for friends or children

It's steeped in history and a joy to visit. Explore the vast pistes of Les Portes du Soleil... return to log fires and house-party dinners

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

Traditional beamed cottage, tucked in the hills, with views to distant beaches plus colourful gardens and a pool

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

Come for breezy bedrooms, pretty gardens, a serene pool and delicious breakfasts at this gorgeous finca in rural Extremadura near Trujillo

High in Ávila's unspoilt nature is this stylish, eco-brilliant family hotel: mountains, massages, pool, organic dinners... a special escape

A lovely Victorian cottage on a quiet village road, traditional and comfortable inside and with a fully enclosed garden at the back

A substantial old house, originally built in 1836 and recently renovated, for grand special occasions with stunning views and a hot tub

Converted stables on a fruitful and beautiful estate with gardens, sculpture walks, wildflower meadows and a farm-to-fork restaurant