A special place indeed, particularly for honeymooners and lovers. It's steeped in history & romance with delightful gardens to roam at will

A relaxed château and vineyard by the river Cher in the exquisite Loire Valley surrounded by lush countryside for wonderful walks and cycles

Special back-to-nature, stargazing loft for couples and families, on a nature-filled estate in Piedmont

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

A happy guest told us, ‘A marvellous way to see a beautiful château and this is probably the best that we have stayed in’

Top-notch apartments in the heart of old Jérez for couples and families on the bodega trail. A daily market in town and fab beaches near by

A stone building designed by Sir John Soane in the stable yard of this historic and beautiful estate with deer park and woodland gardens

A very pretty old coach house in a south London garden – perfect for a couple or a family. Friendly owners live across the courtyard

A suburban eco retreat with plenty of carefully balanced energy savings, including an untamed garden and a natural pond for wild swimming

Treat yourselves to some downtime at this lush, semi-tropical hideaway with big pool, delicious breakfasts and charmingly rustic bedrooms

A picture-perfect thatched cottage down a narrow track on a private estate with woodland walks, a big garden and a communal barbecue

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Delightful, rustic retreat for families, romantic couples and singles. Food, views and owners are lovely

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

This cosy little house with garden and orchard is near to one of France's best trout fishing lakes and has double-height ceilings

In the middle of the National Park and surrounded by the Coquet Hills, come for dark skies, fabulous walking and a very comfortable cottage

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history

This gloriously off-grid stone farmhouse surrounded by untamed nature will suit those who revel in taking life at a more measured pace