Gloriously green rural self-catering apartments with pool and lovely, friendly owners

A peaceful, romantic village escape for couples, plus a babe-in-arms, attached to the welcoming owners' home in the Scottish Borders

An elegant, super central bolthole for two (or three): stroll everywhere, hop on a vaporetto, sit in piazzas drinking cappuccino, live like a local

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

Spacious bedrooms, friendly hosts and a classic English country house in a peaceful hamlet with walks from the doorstep

Between Penzance & Helston, close to Praa Sands, is a beautiful bolthole for 6. Good for garden lovers & peace-seekers – dog-friendly too

Between Penzance and Helston and close to sandy beaches is a sweet space for four. Good for young families and all garden lovers

Rural French heaven at this lovely farm within four hectares. Natural materials, neutral colours and a lavender-lined pool all to yourselves

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

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

An ideal stopover at a handsome 1790 house on the edge of a small village surrounded by beautiful countryside and with friendly young owners

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

Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

An inviting B&B on a terraced Fulham street: greats hosts, a big, tranquil suite and continental breakfast in the courtyard on sunny days

A 17th-century townhouse sitting on a quiet side street with lots of original features and a west-facing patio screened by vines and lemons

An eye-catching ancient inn with a colourful flower garden in summer, delicious local food and very presentable bedrooms

Up the winding road to stillness, nature and a magical view. There’s glorious Gubbio to explore, and a log fire to come home to