A family retreat high above the river Dordogne and deep in woodland - with heated pool, games room and village restaurants a stroll away

Cosily colourful bedrooms and large luxurious bathrooms; relax among the lovely antiques after a day's exploring. Great host, too

An elegant townhouse, built in 1830 and once the sous-préfecture for Rochefort, with spacious, light-filled rooms and a garden with pool

For walkers and lovers of wildly beautiful coastal country: two cosy old cottages and a bright, modern renovation in a cluster with others

A newly-renovated barn in a picturesque Cotswold village with an enclosed front garden and the river Eye at the bottom of the drive

A delightful mix of old and new in a conservation village with a 4-acre garden that attracts all the local birds. Guests love it here

Escape to a rural idyll on a working olive and citrus farm in the toe of Italy. Attentive hosts, good for kids and great food!

Simple rooms on a spotless farm, delightful hosts, delicious fruit tarts at breakfast on Sundays. The perfect stopover en route to Calais

An Algarve getaway for groups complete with giant chess in the garden, a swish pool and bikes for a spin down to Lagos or the beach

A serene restaurant-hotel on Chesil beach, with a perfect view of the big blue sea. How restorative can a hotel be?

An airy, art-filled house for groups of family or friends, with plenty of space, a secluded courtyard and pool near the beach

Off the beaten track doesn’t get any better! Enticing, eclectic restoration of 2 houses - gorgeous grounds too. Great let together

Complete peace and stunning valley views from this gorgeous old farmhouse and barns with pool, tennis court and 80 acres to roam

A homespun inn with irresistible prices in a tiny village deep in the country - the river Tweed is close, fishing can be arranged

A very pleasant and cosy end of terrace cottage with your own small private garden just a hop from the comforts of the hotel and its spa

An enchanting farmhouse with generous hosts, delicious homegrown food and hidden corners in the garden

A beautifully-restored Georgian farmhouse at the end of a lane, with ancient pastures and orchards filled with wildflowers and streams

A beautifully converted dairy with a magical garden in a quiet village surrounded by lovely countryside