Sumptuous bedrooms and delicious breakfasts at these two magnificent wings in glorious gardens and grounds next to the castle

Near Southwold beach, bird reserves and Suffolk castles, a peaceful getaway with orchard, views and generous breakfasts. Good value

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

Chocolate-box cottages in deepest Normandy, owned by bright young things with a passion for organic cuisine and the good life

By a bubbling brook in the Mendips, close to Bath and Bristol, a wonderfully revived and welcoming inn with smart rooms and scrumptious food

The nicest owners, the most magical place with wild land to roam. Two barns share a pretty courtyard; Devon's delights are on the doorstep

Tranquil manor house deep in Bordeaux wine region with six acres of grounds, a tennis court and swimming pool

Come for big open skies, sweeping beaches and the charming towns of north Norfolk from this pretty flintstone cottage in Docking village

Cool, airy villa with Lake Como glistening below. Beautiful terraces and garden, plunge pool - and chilled prosecco and cake to welcome you

An historic, moated manor house dating from the 16th-century, fully restored and with all mod cons, including an indoor heated pool

Lovely old house with award-winning restaurant and indoor swimming pool. Sleeps up to 18 so just the ticket for a big family gathering

Picturesque cottage in the grounds of a grand manor, lovingly and creatively restored by its welcoming English owner

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content

Traditional Provencal farmhouse with a large garden and a swimming pool. Historic villages with markets and great restaurants close by

This hidden valley is the dreamiest part of South Devon. Catch the ferry across the Dart; gaze on the hills; snuggle up by the wood-burner

Kids range free, adults recharge in these two gites on a 17th-century estate with sunny gardens and a pool. Hike, bike, swim, relax...

A magnificent Victorian clock tower on a peaceful, bird-filled estate with a garden, gorgeous views across the park and activities to join