Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

Restored stone barn on the edge of Radnor Forest, with walking trails, glorious countryside views and lots of wildlife

A small and stylish townhouse retreat in leafy Folkestone with excellent bedrooms and a terrace for breakfast in summer

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

Stone farmhouse on a country estate, family-run for centuries. Views of the towered gatehouse, pool and tennis court, a walk to the river...

Designer cool suites, apartments, a villa – a sophisticated oasis of a place – near white sands, curious caves, turquoise sea, Lecce

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

In a small town in Salento is a cool southern house of elegant simplicity, ideal for a large family, near to beaches & 45 minutes from Lecce

A nicely priced inn on Shaftesbury's high street with a warm contemporary style and some excellent food – fine local walking waits

This eco-friendly farmhouse in the hills of Fiesole is 10km from Florence. Good company, superb views of Tuscany, and food for the soul!

Pluck grapes, splash in the child-shallow pool and explore the ‘Yorkshire of Italy’ with rolling green hills and conical trulli

Delicious food, stylish bedrooms and very helpful staff come hand in hand at this buzzing little inn that stands on the river Avon

Weaving medieval magic, this dreamy hideaway is an ideal base for nature-loving gourmands to explore the region

A remote, rustic place for a digital detox - wildly romantic and perfect in summer with the doors open. Children can play in safety

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

Lovely rooms in this characterful villa, perfect for exploring Burgundy’s Grand Crus, walking to vineyards or sipping wine by the pool