Places fit for kings and queens

Strolling distance from the village of Seggiano, peace and beauty fill every corner of this ancient, view-filled retreat

A very roomy, 13th-century monastic grange with Victorian gothic additions, sitting in pretty gardens with views over the Severn valley

Find beauty and tranquillity on this historic Dordogne estate for up to fourteen - plus a feast of designer colour and a fine pool to share

Down the tree-lined avenue to elegant bedrooms with soul-lifting views - and marvellous meals on the terrace or in the cosy vaulted cellar

Grand Scottish home with stunning views & a tea-and-shortbread welcome. Historic castles, local festivals, golf, East Lothian beaches abound

A relaxed château and vineyard by the river Cher in the exquisite Loire Valley surrounded by lush countryside for wonderful walks and cycles

Cakes from the host & eggs from the hens. Bring a party, bring the dogs, and soak up the history from a very fine house in the Cotswolds

For retreats, groups of friends, and big families: come to recharge the senses at this special and ancient house enveloped by wild gardens

Gorgeous old pile in five acres of blissful country between the Dales and the Lakes - it’s super relaxed and perfect for everybody

Historic but unstuffy inn in the heart of the Cotswolds with swimming pool, spa, gardens and lots of activities for children

A 15th-century Venetian palazzo, lovingly restored with stylish rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and a designer's insight into the city

A pleasure to stay in such a dreamy château surrounded by a beautiful terrace, elegant gardens and parkland, a lake, river and waterfall

A fortified castle in parkland, built mostly in the 1300s on the Montbazens plateau, near to the stunning Averyon gorges

Bring the whole tribe to your very own fairytale castle circled by expansive parkland, fields and woods, close to Bastide towns

Come for glorious walking countryside and warm fuss-free Sally, who gives you freshly baked scones when you arrive and beautiful bedrooms

Five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur

A gracious 17th-century manor house hidden down a tree-lined drive and with stunning views over acres of woodland teeming with wildlife

Ensconce yourselves in the Black Périgord and stay in a very pretty flat in the East Wing of a 16th-century castle