A really friendly French family home, steeped in history and tradition with delicious home-grown food, a lovely garden and peaceful pool

A detached former barn built of local stone, beamed and mullioned, filled with art and sitting in very pretty countryside for grand walks

Once a lofty edifice for music recitals, now an original place to stay - with stained-glass windows, a bed on a stage and wild gardens

An elegant townhouse made up of two apartments on a lively piazza a short stroll from the sea. Live like a local in pretty Monopoli

Set loose your inner castaway on your very own island with enthralling views and much wildlife a short boat ride from Skye

Authenticity and originality combine at this family chateau with its panelled rooms, theatrical flourishes and charming candlelit dinners

Lovely owners have created this quirky space on their farm; side by side alfresco baths make it romantic for 2 (+sofabed for extra guests)

A peaceful old ivy-clad mill with a beautiful terrace overlooking the water, sculpture-filled gardens, comfortable bedrooms and hearty food

Peaceful, traditional country house just 2 miles from central Dorking. Relaxed hosts, good food, beautiful gardens, walks galore - a retreat

Come to stay in a fine old townhouse with elegant proportions, high ceilings and a rambling, English-style garden close to Mont Saint-Michel

Boutique hotel next to Funchal’s 15th-century cathedral, with a champagne and lobster bar, rooftop cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant

A chic bolthole in a sleepy Suffolk village with seriously good food, stylish bedrooms, riverside walks and Suffolk’s wild coast

Kick off your shoes and slow down – a peaceful retreat immersed in nature, and the beach is just a few steps away

A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

A comfy cottage for two in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Aix with easy access to the city and a kind, attentive owner nearby

After a bountiful breakfast of Loch Fyne kippers and homemade scones, head for Oban, gateway to the isles. Return to a dram by the fire

Fairytale cottage set in sprawling grounds, perfect for walking and biking with seaside adventures just down the road

Come for big, peaceful bedrooms with views, delicious home cooked breakfasts and riverside strolls through ancient beech woodland