An elegant townhouse made up of two apartments on a lively piazza a short stroll from the sea. Live like a local in pretty Monopoli

A Renaissance farmhouse in a secret Welsh valley with a stunning garden. Sleep under soaring beams, enjoy peace and warm hospitality

Portraits, paintings and a historic look-out tower, pool, gardens and delicious breakfasts... San Fabiano captures everyone’s heart

No-nonsense farm conversions with open, airy rooms and good big showers sharing a pool, a playground and fabulous views. Great walks, too

Two peaceful spaces in a beautiful garden with a morning concert from the birds and a terrace for magical outdoor meals

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

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

A richly atmospheric elegance infuses this fire-warmed inn. Venison from the park, crab from Cromer, walkers and dogs happy in the bar

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

An oh-so-special B&B in Palermo's ancient heart. This city at the edge of Europe, with its Arab-Norman-Byzantine heritage, is fascinating

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

A lovely big house with huge riverside gardens and an easy-going charm – a 15-minute walk from bookish Hay-on-Wye

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

A grand piano to play and a delicious bed to sink into, at this cool, arty bolthole near Frome. For those who love spaciousness and peace

A beautiful villa, a cabin and a loft on the sunny side of the harbour and a stroll from the beach. Faultless finds!

A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Grand stone house set in tranquil parkland with a pool, potager and plenty of space for groups. Chickens and charm included