This is Somerset at its most quintessential: a thatched roofed, honey-coloured Hamstone cottage with a pretty courtyard garden; sleeps four

These five lovely apartments can only be taken as a group. Find a big communal sitting room and kitchen, saltwater pool and pretty garden

Come for very comfortable B&B suites with garden views in a converted 1880s barn with its own charming sitting and dining rooms

Sumptuous bedrooms and delicious breakfasts at these two magnificent wings in glorious gardens and grounds next to the castle

A bright and beautiful six-bedroom house with lovely mature gardens in the glorious Lake District: bring your entire tribe plus the dog

For retreats, groups of friends, and big families: come to recharge the senses at this special and ancient house enveloped by wild gardens

A welcoming inn with rooms on the edge of a small village. Stay in a converted barn in the pretty garden, eat delicious country fare

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

Near Vosges mountains, a happy homely hotel surrounded by woods and flower-filled meadows with friendly hosts. Deliciously peaceful

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

A characterful coaching inn in a lively market town surrounded by manicured countryside - Chester's mighty Roman walls are close

Two restored mill buildings in the serene French countryside, with river views and artful interiors – a peaceful self-catering escape

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

Explore woodlands, farmland and gardens, plunge into the heated pool, dine at Flora Restaurant at Trelowarren. This is civilized luxury

A pretty cottage by the sea, with uplifting views, restful bedrooms, the beach a short hop, gorgeous walks and lively Kinsale nearby

A deliciously rural stone house with charmingly simple rustic-chic interiors and saline pool - an hour from Perugia

A super upside-down house perched on a cliff in bustling Saundersfoot with glorious views over the beach and the Atlantic