Places fit for kings and queens

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

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

Your own wing of an impressive 1700 baronial castle, restored with authenticity and with a lovely garden, wildlife and a little river

A traditional Gascon stone chateau with a square tower at each end, a roomy salon, summer kitchen, gorgeous terrace and gardens

Smart apartments set in a château with landscaped gardens, a lake and a small spa; the town centre and a wild beach are an easy stroll away

Hilltop château on the edge of a small village half an hour from Saint-Émilion, with a lovely garden, a swimming pool and two lakes

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

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

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

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

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

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

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

A joyful, inviting house on a 15 acre smallholding in Devon. Super food, gracious hosts, delightful bedrooms - leave feeling nourished

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

A happy guest told us, ‘A marvellous way to see a beautiful château and this is probably the best that we have stayed in’

A magical Scottish Baronial-style house with stunning valley views; stroll to good restaurants, explore the spectacular Borders