Wow. The sort of place you long for on dreary days - inspired architecture, heavenly views, delicious home-cooked food, a lake for swimming

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

A working farm with well renovated ancient buildings among 200 acres of pastures and forest. It's quiet here in the glorious Périgord

Three comfortable, modern apartments with private terraces, a lovely garden to wander, a pool, a vineyard and views of rolling hills

A detached 1960s house in a fabulous position with beautiful views over the mountains and plenty of space for walkers and skiers

A hop to Montpellier, but deep in the countryside: a romantic pad, with Moroccan rugs, ochre-limed walls and bikes to ride into the country

Once a coach house, now a split-level place to stay – you can walk to the river and it's just a short hop to central London

Great for gatherings of family and friends: fine views, a good big kitchen, games room and pool; nearby caves and castles to explore

Perthshire country house with contemporary touches. Deer, red squirrels, tawny owls... and the river Tay glints way below through the trees

Foodies will love the irresistible cooking - along with local wine and a typically Tuscan setting. Bedrooms are pretty

A sleek, light-filled, beautifully designed, minimalist space for 4 with wrap-around views from the living room and pool

Three family friendly cottages on this gorgeous eco farm with private gardens and organised outdoor activities if you like joining in

Lovely views over the river Anglin from the large windows of this old industrial-like building, once used for honey production on the estate

A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture

Tucked down a private driveway, this restored 19th-century farm building offers superb breakfasts, well-dressed beds and a beautiful garden

Starry skies, wild beauty and total peace are yours in these sustainable, solar-powered eco-lodges

Independent B&B with your own converted spaces sitting in a lovely garden with pool. Breakfast is served in the main house or on the terrace

A grand-looking stone building with fabulous views across the Derwent Valley from the terrace and garden – find quirky rooms and great food