France

A big friendly farmhouse basking in light, with terraces, vineyards, pool and views to several horizons, good for family gatherings

Three gîtes in the Dordogne with panoramic countryside views and a swimming pool – book individually or together for a group holiday

Enjoy so much space in this 18th-century paper mill with uncluttered interiors and surrounded by forests, rivers and lush countryside - yet only a stone's throw away from the local bastide towns

Glorious airy living space in this superbly restored barn, a terrace with long views and a pool across the garden - bikes to borrow too

An enchanting and relaxed château and vineyard by the river Cher in the exquisite Loire Valley - you're looked after by gracious hosts

Manor house in the grounds of a quintessential 18th-century French château with pretty gardens and lots of space just 3kms from Bayeux

A family-friendly flat with a bohemian Parisian air, nicely stocked with books, paintings, magazines and an elegant selection of CDs

An impressive limestone house on three levels created within the ruins of an ancient village with uninterrupted views of the Vézère valley

Three charming rustic lodges with private gardens and a laid-back vibe in a small rural hamlet surrounded by vines and truffle orchards

A very grand façade for this handsome Charente village house with a beautiful, peaceful garden, creamy stone walls and olive trees

A stylish, thoughtful and impressive place for a family holiday, in a dreamy Charentais landscape with the odd sheep to keep you company

Surrounded by delightful gardens, these gîtes are serene retreats from which you can discover the Dordogne, or gently unwind

A top-notch stopover for the Vendée coast… minutes from the ferries of St Gilles Croix de Vie and the beaches of Bretignolles sur Mer

Delightful little antique-filled cottage with large walled garden and an allotment near Versailles. Gardeners will be happy

An 18th-century limestone barn, now a quiet hideaway for a group of friends or family in a very rural spot surrounded by fields and woods

A converted farmhouse set in a large mature garden, well located for exploring the delights of the Lot et Garonne south of the Dordogne

A 17th-century townhouse sitting on a quiet side street with lots of original features and a west-facing patio screened by vines and lemons

Deep in undulating countryside, 3 pretty stone cottages with a shared, family-friendly saltwater pool. English hosts cook supper on Sundays