This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

Light-filled house full of modern art and antique finds with stunning gardens and a pool. The best of Provence is on your doorstep

View-filled apartments in Ortigia, the heart of Siracusa. Immerse yourself in the blue of the Ionian Sea; walk to culture, shops and restaurants

An immaculately restored old inn with generous bedrooms, great food, ale and wine. Locals love it as much as those who make it a destination

A dear little cottage with many comforts and a private garden, off the beaten track and surrounded by mountains, valleys and trees

A beautifully converted building, part of an old mill, now a gorgeous place to stay with the stream running through and shared parkland

A pretty cottage in the grounds of an 18th-century house in the heart of southern Burgundy, with stunning gardens and a shared pool

An absolutely charming former cart shed, with a magnificent view of the moated château and the park, with private sauna and shared pool

The views are breathtaking over forest and field from this lovely barn conversion on a working farm, for special gatherings

A lovely Victorian cottage on a quiet village road, traditional and comfortable inside and with a fully enclosed garden at the back

A 17th-century Westmorland barn, fully renovated with a roomy living space and west-facing garden with views of High Street and Blencathra

A peaceful, stylish getaway for two within the charming owners' home with shared pool, fabulous views - and all of Provence to (re)visit

A private house set in Cornwall's largest rewilding estate, ancient and quiet, made for slow family gatherings and long, easy days

A big old house with a lovely pool, surrounded by ancient olives just 3kms from the sea and deep in the heart of Bandol wine country

A stunning veranda wraps itself around the house: doze off in a wicker armchair or sip a drink at dusk as the sun melts into the valley

Breakfast on homemade ricotta, bask on a cool white lounger, swim in the cove below. We love this young, friendly, rustic B&B

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town