A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town

Come down to the Meon Valley and be (very gently) nudged towards a better way of living - a Sawday's Community Champion

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Glass-and-timber doors bathe you with light, gaze at big skies and the river Dart lapping. Sublime year round, it's one of our favourites

Designed with style and comfort, peaceful, sophisticated and serene with countryside views. And you have your own lovely pool

An 18th-century cottage in a tranquil village, formerly the bakery, now restored to perfection with oodles of space and much comfort

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

You’ll fall in love with this ancient mas in a corner of paradise… climbing roses scent the air, chic open spaces are flooded with light

A beautifully renovated apartment in a quiet street in central Bordeaux, with fine old features and all modernities. Ideal for couples

A charming old village house with very pretty gardens, stone terrace, orchard and lovely views from lofty windows

A short stroll from the centre of historic Wimborne, a big Georgian house with beautiful interiors, original features and a lovely garden

In the middle of the National Park and surrounded by the Coquet Hills, come for dark skies, fabulous walking and a very comfortable cottage

Converted stables in the grounds of a manor house in a peaceful village just outside Banbury with lovely walking in the Cherwell Valley

A snug Snowdonia bolthole arranged around a vast boulder, once home to Victorian artists inspired by the setting. For romantic hikers

A beautifully-restored Devon bank barn at the end of a quiet lane in the glorious South Hams, just right for a couple or small family

On top of sand dunes, this bright and airy cottage has glorious views, walks are lovely and you can bring your dog

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe

Three immaculate rooms in a 17th-century building; step out onto winding streets lined with trattorias, boutiques, fountains and monuments