Families and walkers will be happy at this unfussy seaside retreat with beaches down the road and coastal paths right by your door

Charming 17th century bakehouse in tranquil countryside. Perfect for exploring Brittany and Normandy - only 20km to Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

A lovely 300-year-old cottage with a tiny walled courtyard garden in a village with a good pub. You can see Dartmoor from the windows

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

A peaceful place to stay with wonderful walks, other islands to visit, great food and sunsets to linger over in the gardens or on the beach

Get the full-English bucolic countryside experience at this boutique inn right in the heart of a quintessentially pretty Cotswold village

Wonky floors and handmade beds in a restored coaching inn for 4, 6 or 8 - sociable evenings round the farmhouse table, walks from the door

Stylish barn in the Slaughters – footpaths from the door, idyllic Cotswolds villages to explore. Head home for garden drinks and barbecues

Escape to this contemporary barn on a friendly farmstead with fern-fringed cliffs and walks galore on your door. Ask about ferry discounts

A heavenly inn on Fife’s south coast - the terrace overlooks the beach, lovely food waits within, chic rooms are a steal

A very spacious, comfortable 1860 manor house with garden and pool surrounded by acres of vineyards and trees, a short hop from Carcassonne

Swap the mêlée for privacy and wonderful views. Delicious meals, an outdoor hot tub and Portes du Soleil skiing on your doorstep

Birdwatchers and artists delight: acres of peaceful land, close to some of Cornwall’s finest galleries – and the sea

Sink into the folds of a secret Umbrian valley fringed with young vines and olives. Discover an ancient church and farmhouse, transformed...

Beautiful light-filled eco-homes in Loch Lomond National Park – Scotland’s treasures are easily reached from here

Come down to the Meon Valley and be (very gently) nudged towards a better way of living - a Sawday's Community Champion

Find a stunning entrance hall and quirky interiors at this colourful and comfortable 1890 olive mill sitting pretty in the National Park