Immaculate bedrooms, a rustic bar... but there’s more to this place than cool design. The service is superb and the food is lovely

A historic Cornish farmhouse, sitting pretty in its own land at the side of a valley, with comfortable bedrooms and an independent feel

Come for very comfortable B&B suites with garden views in a converted 1880s barn with its own charming sitting and dining rooms

Gite retreats in château grounds - welcoming and wonderful for young families. Build castles in the sandpit, make friends around the pool

On the side of a hill in the little-known Marche, a happy young farmhouse with an elegant saltwater pool, and wonderful meals from Kelda

High-up, simple apartments, pools with fabulous views; kids play-things and donkeys, the glittering coast, Rapallo and Portofino down below

Pretty Parisian pied-à-terre tucked down a private lane, with a lively local scene and the metro just a minute away

Perfect for families - a glorious farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Rooms are huge and children can roam free in the vast gardens

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in a very pretty flat in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle

A serene apartment for 2 in the old fisherman's quarter in Olhão, close to amazing beaches. A special place for nature lovers and foodies

Old meets new seamlessly here: ancient stone, lofty beams, good comfort, wood-burner, Jacuzzi/spa and space to relax in the designer garden

Good looking barn conversion for sociable gatherings on an organic farm – meet the animals, take a day trip, go walking

This small hotel with pool has elegant communal spaces, spoiling bedrooms, kind staff, delicious food and panoramic mountain views

Tranquil apartment in an art nouveau building near the historic centre, with congenial hosts, spa-like bathrooms and breakfast in your room

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Restored stone barn on the edge of Radnor Forest, with walking trails, glorious countryside views and lots of wildlife

A beautiful house with Pyrenean views, generous hosts and wonderful hiking, biking and skiing nearby. A rare pearl