Luxurious living combines with bleating sheep and bells from the church next door - 4 fabulous retreats on the Cotentin Peninsula

This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

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

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

Live out all your bohemian dreams at this arty villa, with garden and plunge pool, perched above the glittering Riviera.

Four family-friendly self-catering casitas and an original cortijo in wildlife-rich acres near the sandy Costa de la Luz

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

A wonderfully comfortable light-filled house with long views, a sandy beach to walk to, fabulous walking and wildlife and a superb kitchen

A classic period property right on the river, perfectly placed to explore the delights of nearby Marlborough

A sophisticated and friendly Basque beauty overlooking the Bay of Biscay, in Txakoli vineyard country – prepare to be thoroughly spoilt

A very grand façade for this handsome Charente village house with a beautiful, peaceful garden, creamy stone walls and olive trees

Enter through an impressive stone arch to discover this 16th-century fortified manor house with a gorgeous communal dining and seating area

Tranquil stone house with a rustic feel, a large garden with a swimming pool and views of the French Riviera and out to sea

Glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of garden

In the heart of the East Sussex countryside, a fun community inn, with rustic-historic bedrooms, scrumptious food, and a great welcome for dogs

Remote wartime research station turned stylish retreat with knockout views, wild walks and a front-row seat to the weather

Come to be inspired - by the buildings, the art, the concept and the rich history. You should be very comfortable too, and well fed