Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

Guarded by high gates is a spacious oasis on the edge of the village, full of friendliness and charm, perfect for walking, cycling, markets

A peaceful, very stylish bolthole for 2 on the doorstep of glorious Holyrood Park, with Edinburgh’s sights a stroll away

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

A lovely bolthole in remote North Yorkshire – follow stunning hill walks with a soak in the roll top bath, and a glass of bubbly

Charming, simple and elegant B&B with a lovely garden and kind owners in an area renowned for its good wine and food

Cast yourselves away to this beautiful island and a bright, spacious apartment with a rooftop terrace bang in the middle of the town square

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

Guests love the Henley - it’s nicely informal, and cute rooms, big views, and Martyn’s lovely food all hit the spot. Breakfast included too

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

A newly built house facing the sea and surrounded by acres of land – perfect for swimmers, sailors, nature lovers and peace seekers

Retreat to a classically styled, elegant apartment for four - private and peaceful - in a characterful, super-central area of Rome

5 minutes from the Vatican in a tall palazzo above the British school. Owners share local tips, serve bakery-fresh breakfasts on the terrace

Live in the lap of luxury in a 600-year-old regenerated farmhouse, enjoy fine fittings, great lighting, games, castle view and infinity pool

Big house in peaceful lush oasis among the bananas, vines and aloe vera, a 20-minute walk down into Funchal

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

The central part of a much larger building in a 17th-century hamlet with bright, spacious rooms, shared pool and glorious private gardens