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

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

Good bolthole with two terraces offering spectacular views over the historic town, and restaurants and bars a short stroll

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

A peaceful, harmonious house with roots in the 14th century, a glorious enclosed pool area and a huge amount of space for happy gatherings

Deep in undulating countryside, three pretty stone cottages with a shared, family-friendly saltwater pool and charming, generous owners

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

Modern comforts, traditional cosiness and a warm welcome. There are walks from the door, country houses to visit and a pub in the village

Immaculate barn conversion set in glorious countryside with fabulous beaches and the wilds of Dartmoor within easy reach

Bring boots, maps, your dog and an appetite for high places and deep comfort in this restored farm conversion

Traditional family-run hotel with sitting rooms galore, award-winning food and Snowdon views. High teas and games room for children too

Come for the great outdoors. Return to your base - one of two independent cottages secluded in softly rolling Breton countryside

Come to stay in a fine old townhouse with elegant proportions, high ceilings and a rambling, English-style garden close to Mont Saint-Michel

Head inland for grand walking or to the glorious coast from this very pretty cottage with a private garden, suitable and safe for dogs

A cosy and pretty old cottage for rest or romance, with garden and pool in a small hamlet surrounded by walnut orchards and mixed woodland

A very attractive stone building on a smallholding with all mod cons, a bedroom for stargazing, Guest Farm Shop and pretty communal gardens

A natural idyll made even better by friendly owners. Bask in the mountain views, explore astonishing Asturias, settle into the slow pace

Come down to the Meon Valley and be (very gently) nudged towards a better way of living - a Sawday's Community Champion