Beautiful architecture, amazing wine cellars, great food, and hosts with an infectious enthusiasm for classical music. Lovely French B&B

Charming manor house B&B, packed with character, interest and history, sitting in extensive gardens and with elegant bedrooms

Lovely big room in its own wing of a Victorian farmhouse. A peaceful spot with views across fields and an elegant drawing room

Thatched cottage perfect for families; surfing at Croyde, walks on Exmoor, sunny barbecues in the garden and cosying up by the wood-burner

Fabulous lake views, a private garden, beach and jetty – this clever boathouse conversion is a great getaway for boaters and country-lovers

A stylish mountain chalet under the watchful gaze of Mont Blanc, with a private chef, hot tub and sauna

A neatly-converted old farmhouse on a quiet country lane with bright living spaces, heated pool, garden and hot tub just minutes from sandy beaches

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history

The grandly beamed (some are 17th-century) interior of this one-time threshing barn with garden and hot tub will thrill big groups

Sleek modern interiors now grace this ancient building with architectural joys, a courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with views

A pool, pines, and hosts that give you figs from their garden! Stroll to a pizzeria through the olive groves, return to 2 lovely apartments

A great little inn, hugely popular, with chic rooms, lovely food, happy staff and a winning position on the river Wyre

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

Pluck grapes, splash in the child-shallow pool and explore the ‘Yorkshire of Italy’ with rolling green hills and conical trulli

Immaculate barn conversion set in glorious countryside with fabulous beaches and the wilds of Dartmoor within easy reach

Two family-friendly gites (big groups can take both) with beautiful gardens, sparkling pool, activities for children and peace for parents

A big, homely farmhouse on the Umbria/Tuscany border for family holidays filled with sunshine, outdoor frolics and good food

A stone building designed by Sir John Soane in the stable yard of this historic and beautiful estate with deer park and woodland gardens