France

A traditional 1750s farmhouse on two floors in very pretty countryside with well-tended lawns and a pool – just right for tranquil holidays

Come for strawberries in summer, walnuts in winter, and a wonderful welcome all year round. Thierry and Charlotte are living their dream

Elegant country château with a family feel, for big groups with or without children, and those who seek inspiration

Leave the car, everything is walkable & buses are practically free. Visit restaurants, vineyards & markets from your lofty village bolthole

Authentic 18th-century wine domaine with elegant décor, a swimming pool and landscaped gardens; visit nearby wine estates for tastings

An authentic, charming and spacious home with garden, pool and lake, deep in the Dordogne valley and decorated with uncluttered elegance

A handsome house with breath-taking mountain views: perfect for summer holidays and walking in spring and autumn

A peaceful Gascon paradise of timeless French charm, with a spectacular kitchen/living area, and a pool that's lit at night

Vast rooms, thick stone walls and ancient flagged floors skilfully modernised to create comfort, surrounded by romantic château gardens

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

Charming 4-star gîte in an 11th-century castle in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Spectacular views, leafy terrace and wild swimming nearby

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Come for a rural escape at this barn conversion on the edge of the Brenne Natural Regional Park, filled with lakes, wildlife and rare birds

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

Rustic farmhouse with lovely gardens, a swimming pool and superb views over the Pyrenees – the sunrises are amazing

A thoughtfully-renovated cottage in a small hamlet with garden, courtyard and pool. The peace is palpable but you're near to bustling Tusson

A chalet-with-everything: great mountain style, space and comfort with views of Mont Blanc, a sauna and bubbling hot tub

Rural bliss at the end of the lane: a cottage for 2 with wine and local biscuits in the hamper and farmers’ markets within a 5-mile drive