Just below the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima, an agriturismo loved by sporty types and families, with wonderful food on site

These five lovely apartments can only be taken as a group. Find a big communal sitting room and kitchen, saltwater pool and pretty garden

A converted 19th-century church in the Northumberland National Park with beautiful stained-glass windows and a restored tower

Light-filled chalet in a small hamlet just outside Châtel. Feast on superb breakfasts before heading out to explore the Portes du Soleil

Elegant restored farmhouse in the Valdera with a romantic annexe for two, magnificent views, and a landscaped garden with a swimming pool

A converted coach house and stables, now one long cottage with much space, a country house feel and your own walled garden

Up a narrow road, find this authentic Valencian finca in the mountains with beamed ceilings, big gardens, salt pool and spectacular views

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

Friendly Maki and Clive's higgledy-piggledy home is a charming, special place. Rooms are cosy, Clive's cookery courses are fun and delicious

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

A monastic grange full of grandeur with luxurious interiors to keep you comfortable. Enjoy a pool, gardens and Margate on the doorstep

A stylish retreat in the heart of St Ives offering a glimpse of the sea – with an extra double sofabed room for friends or children

Come for excellent food, warm interiors and nicely priced rooms in this light old Rectory with a pretty terrace for summer drinks

A lovely 1650 Welsh longhouse, beamed and flagstoned with a verdant garden in a totally unspoilt spot in the Snowdonia National Park

Deep luxury, superb service and a wealth of delightful things to admire at this small hotel on a very quiet street in the heart of the city

Come for the gorgeous, wild North York Moors and this very pretty 1911 stone cottage in the grounds of an elegant manor house

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac