Good old-fashioned hospitality in a quiet Highlands cottage ringed by roses and roe deer. Forest and coastal walks, shortbread and tea

Bags of character within and without at this four-storey village house with rooftop views over the mountains, next to a 12th-century church

A small, trendy hotel, very much of its time, with oodles of style, stunning bedrooms and fantastic staff

A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

A beautifully designed B&B for foodies, cyclists and walkers in a village surrounded by trees just 15 minutes from the coast

Good restaurants, beach walks, a grand welcome for dogs: that’s Whitstable. Bring friends and stay in this smart house close to it all

Gite retreats in château grounds - welcoming and wonderful for young families. Build castles in the sandpit, make friends around the pool

Beautiful, fresh townhouse with spoiling touches just outside the city walls of Canterbury. Whitstable close by, eateries a walk away

A roomy, open-plan space for romantics, with complete privacy but with pub, bakery and views of the market garden from your own terrace

Fabulous Drôme gîtes: contemporary in old stone buildings, uncluttered, fresh. Take all 5 for a party, laze by pool, doze in lavender

Refined palazzo with a rooftop terrace near the historic centre of Ostuni. The Valle d’Itria region and the coast is on your doorstep

Surrounded by vines and swept by sea breezes, two lovely, simple gîtes with a gorgeous shared pool and a courtyard for boules

This secluded New Forest inn is a magnet for families in summer: a good pint and the log fire make it a superb winter hideaway too

Head inland for grand walking or to the glorious coast from this very pretty cottage with a private garden, suitable and safe for dogs

You will fall in love with this very special Tuscan agriturismo between the mountains and sea: peace and simplicity prevail

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court