A much-loved family home filled with warmth and characterful interiors overlooking Loch Alsh where dolphins and seals frolic

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

Lose yourselves in this picturesque castle, magical with its luxurious rooms and timeless atmosphere. Count and Countess are brilliant hosts

Light, bright and smartly decorated, this grown-up B&B is a calm retreat from the hectic whirl near charming Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Your own cottage on a wine estate in a very beautiful part of the South Downs, famed for world-class sparkling wines

Throw open French windows to this sleek self-catering space, with off-street parking. Walk to the beach & the pub, visit historic Chichester

A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

Independence at one end of the house with your own sitting room opening onto a courtyard garden. Good pub for food a few minutes' walk away

A boutique hotel on the edge of Arcachon Bay. A natural pool, zen gardens, contemporary Eastern-style interiors, and good food await

A bit like staying with friends in a smart country house, but not having to help - an elegant refuge near Bradford-on-Avon

An entire literary estate on the Brittany coast, with a trio of restored houses, fabulous gardens and a private path to the beach

High ceilings and exposed stone walls give a light, bright and rustic feel to this restored barn with fabulous views over a lush valley

A lovely old cottage in the grounds of a Provençal mas with a delightful private courtyard, use of a large pool and a magnificent garden

Escape your cares here, move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the sea from your own swimming platform

An oast house B&B surrounded by countryside and with a blooming garden; walk to the village pub, drive to nearby stately castles

Stylishly simple cottage in the heart of the old fishing port of Méze, within easy stroll of seafood restaurants and sandy beaches