Within the city walls and right next to the Minster, this super-smart hotel gives you gorgeous bedrooms and delicious food

Quirky townhouse on the edge of the Peak District, with country walks from the door, plus shops, cinema, heritage centre, bistros and pubs

Elegant Regency rectory full of charm, with walks in all directions, views to gaze at and kind, generous hosts. A rare place

Exquisite apartments and houses in an old monastery in tranquil Umbrian countryside. Stylish interiors, fabulous views and a sparkling pool…

An elegant medieval manor in the Loire with spiral stone staircases, mullioned windows, jaunty turrets and a fairytale suite just for you

Sumptuous rooms with Renaissance-inspired art, infinity pool and gardens, just a short drive to Mantua’s historic city centre

Come for summer breakfasts of pastries fresh from the local bakery, afternoons reading by the pool and long, lazy lunches

A sweet, very private-feeling annexe in the glorious South Hams with your own west-facing garden

Moments from Chamonix, a sweet chalet with pretty gardens in sun or snow under a backdrop of Mont Blanc – perfect for the adventurous

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

A botanical beauty deep in the Loire Valley, this elegant house has history and heart in abundance

What a surprise! Tucked into a row of tightly woven old cottages is this contemporary open-plan hideaway with huge windows and much flair

Simple but stylishly furnished village house, terrific hill-top views, low-impact design, organic cooking and a hot tub; utterly peaceful

An impressive manor house set in gentle rolling countryside ten miles from Oxford with a delightful garden, warm hosts and organic breakfast

A very special place to stay, immersed in the architecture and history of the city as well as its traditions, culture, food and wine

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

A spacious, luxurious family retreat, remote but close to Audierne. Watch surfers shoot the waves as seagulls wheel above

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)