A treat of a place in a vibrant suburb, a short tram ride from central Manchester. The ultimate combination of art and cool design

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

Rustic, relaxing, comfortable and fun with pool and play area, river beaches, great hosts, peaceful countryside, an hour from Porto

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Explore the coastal paths on foot or by bike, or simply sunbathe next to the pool... Leafy gardens, comfortable rooms and excellent dinners

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

Good restaurants, beach walks, a grand welcome for dogs: that’s Whitstable. Bring friends and stay in this smart house close to it all

You’re wrapped in parkland here and close to the coast, gardens and war memorials. A treat of a stop-over for foodies

A calm, leafy bolthole in one of Paris' most elegant districts. Step out to stylish boutiques, good bakeries – and the Eiffel Tower

A converted chapel - cosy and creative - right on the beach. Wander the Cornish coast, explore small towns and retreat from the everyday

View-filled, beautifully converted and toasty warm, this old donkey shed is perfect for walkers, cyclists, peace-seekers and lovers

A small hotel with gorgeous interiors, friendly staff, spacious rooms, a proper library, pretty garden and a relaxed, homely feel

You’re in Snowdonia National Park: cycle, hike, swim, climb & trampoline to your heart’s content. Come home to comfort, warmth, grand views

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

Deep in Calvados near vibrant Caen, a cider barn with stylish bedrooms, quirky objets, a bar in the salon. Charming hosts welcome families

Immaculate bedrooms, a rustic bar... but there’s more to this place than cool design. The service is superb and the food is lovely