The Henley sophisticate

A bright, Scandi-inspired converted stable block with a courtyard garden in a small hamlet near the river Kennall

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

View-filled apartments in Ortigia, the heart of Siracusa. Immerse yourself in the blue of the Ionian Sea; walk to culture, shops and restaurants

Romantics will love this small converted hut-on-a-hillside surrounded by pines and olives with stunning views over the old town and the sea

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

A superb family hotel with an indoor pool, a beach below, and the independence of 15 apartments and a studio

Creative owners have made a gorgeous, arty space for couples or a small group of friends; good beaches and Salcombe are close

Pretty, thatched, perfectly round: a romantic village bolthole with retro touches. Grab flip-flops, leads and run the dogs on Pendower beach

A light, bright and airy cottage in the heart of this working fishing village, with two terraces, a little garden and steps down to the sea. Pepper Pot next door sleeps 2, same owners.

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

A spacious, luxurious family retreat, remote but close to Audierne. Watch surfers shoot the waves as seagulls wheel above

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

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

A smartly-refurbished old coaching inn sitting by the river and run with an emphasis on fair trade, sustainability and excellent local food

A bright and beautiful six-bedroom house with lovely mature gardens in the glorious Lake District: bring your entire tribe plus the dog

A stylish timber frame eco build, clad with recycled steel and with an upstairs living space to make the most of the glorious sunsets

Wisteria, clematis and roses clamber up this pretty stone barn conversion with its own big garden surrounded by mature trees and many birds

Colourful coastal apartments where you can be nicely independent and enjoy a communal café and health club with Art Deco pool