Come to stay in a lovely old house surrounded by an important garden created by three generations of brilliant women gardeners

A shady terrace runs the full length of this old barn, overlooking magnificent trees and fields of sheep. Riberac is a 10-minute drive

An ancient farmstead in the Lombard style with up-to-date B&B rooms plus a garden, lake and museum all surrounded by quiet countryside

This old stone building, a former olive warehouse, is beautifully restored and sits on its own – a simple bolthole for rest and recuperation

Sun-soaked stillness, saltwater dips and garden scents of fig and rosemary - slow days unfold between olive trees and a sky full of stars

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside

A delightfully Lilliputian Georgian cottage with all mod cons at the end of a terrace just a short walk to shops, cafés and the beach

Float in the infinity pool above the canyon, dine under the stars, revel in the silence, head to the Cavagrande di Cassibile Nature Reserve

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

A stylish, refined 17th-century house off a quiet street with its own garden and lots of generous surprises, a short hop to everything

Wander down a pebble path to this large, light holiday home near La Rochelle. Eco-friendly, accessible to all, and perfectly peaceful

A lovely villa with masses of space, filled with modern art and near to walking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants

An 1820s farmhouse at the end of a quiet road in the North York Moors National Park, overlooking a forest and surrounded by fields

Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

Contemporary boathouse for all the family. Find rock pools, a shingle beach and plenty of ozone in the salty Cornish air

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine