Spoiling bedrooms, fabulous food and a lovely position lost in the hills make this Lakeland inn hard to resist - bring your walking boots

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

The wow factor is set to eleven at this magnificent château steeped in French history and surrounded by acres of land (and a moat)

Follow in Picasso’s footsteps and spin up to vibrant Sheffield for a night at this stunning hotel, where flawless bedrooms wait

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

A thatched farmhouse only just over the channel near Rouen that’s well hidden in lush gardens, but worth finding for the gourmet food alone

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

Chic barn conversion with a swimming pool and country walks from the door; nearby Ventnor has a beach and great places to eat and drink

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

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

Apartments with a designer touch in a peaceful, evocative setting; private gardens, intimate terraces, infinity pool, stunning lake views and a gourmet restaurant

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

Lovely old manor house and clever garden with a relaxed, happy vibe and home-baked or homegrown treats on arrival and at breakfasts

The living is easy here: laze in the subtropical garden, float in the saltwater pool, let the kids play and meet other guests over dinner

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

A row of old brick stables now craftily converted into a light-filled and very peaceful place to stay with a garden room and gorgeous views