Leave crowds behind for this charming stone farmhouse in the olive groves of rural Umbria – bring friends and have it all to yourselves

Treat yourselves to a stay in the gloriously comfortable Astor Wing with private terrace and views to Hever Castle and the Tudor Garden

Gracious hosts pamper guests in their family mansion, with a wellness spa, fire-warmed lounge and four-course meals from a talented chef

Come to the wild Cévennes to hike, ride, kayak down the Hérault river – or just revel in your pretty, generous house, pool and garden space

A unique opportunity to switch off and unwind in a simple, historic cottage with a terraced, bucolic garden surrounded by wooded hills

A stunner of a setting for this restored croft house with long views to a sparkling loch and a lively village nearby. Good beaches too

Designed with style and comfort, peaceful, sophisticated and serene with countryside views. And you have your own lovely pool

In a Valencian resort, a captivating and hospitable place - deal for groups of family or friends too, with independence plus B&B service

Swim with frogs in the freshwater pool, breakfast in the sunshine, play boules by moonlight. Châteaux don't get much more rural

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

This stately-looking former manor house set back from the road in acres of gardens serves very good food and has rustic-chic bedrooms

Another bright, beamed and history-filled place to stay on the smart Upton Cressett estate with walks from the door and much comfort within

Find history and splendour in bucketfuls on this huge, friendly, wooded domaine. A winning combination of modern luxury and ancient peace

A swishly renovated detached hideaway up a hill, surrounded by vineyards and with a covered deck for sweeping views just outside Beaune

Elegant, charming home in leafy, peaceful garden - pâtisserie courses and good dinners. Champagne vineyards and historic Provins are nearby

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

An old-world inn full of colour, with open fires, cosy rooms, local food and the magnificent Northumberland National Park all around

Up the winding road to stillness, nature and a magical view. There’s glorious Gubbio to explore, and a log fire to come home to