It's quiet among the lavender plants... bees humming, sun shining. Splash in the shared pool, visit lovely villages, taste local wines

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

Lawns, paths and walnut trees, rolling views in every direction... a serene place to stay in every season. Sweet luxury for a big family!

A beautiful 17th-century village inn on the edge of the Lowther Estate: lovely bedrooms, delicious food and the Lakes at your feet

Pomegranates, persimmon and figs, the waft of rosemary on the air... we love this old 'mas' 25km from Gordes, in sweet sunny Provence

A gorgeous house in a buzzy Somerset village, celebrated for its excellent local produce, with a pub, bakery and market garden

A 19th-century bothy in remote, rugged countryside on the edge of the Cairngorms, for walkers, birders and seekers of peace

Moments from Chamonix, a sweet chalet with pretty gardens in sun or snow under a backdrop of Mont Blanc – perfect for the adventurous

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

A lovely old house and rambling garden in a medieval village with a monumental château, 12th-century church and a good local restaurant

A honey-hued family home clad with vines and roses with a swimming pool and heaps of space – perfect for families

A seaside inn on Babbacombe Bay with views of sea and sky, rooms to feel happy in, a spa and homely, hearty dining

In pretty Vernon, a peaceful and comfortably large townhouse with roses rambling around the door

A delightful home-from-home village house with large gardens and walks from the door – perfect for families

Bedrooms with terraces and views over St Michael’s Mount Bay. Explore the gardens; walk from the door to glorious beaches

A heavenly setting for this very well-hidden cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and delightful pebble beach below

This civilised bolthole offers a quiet retreat, castle views and the magic of Edinburgh on your doorstep

A sturdy, spacious house with stunning views over the garden and ocean, originally built in the 1800s as one of a row of Coastguard cottages