Crackling fires in winter, croquet in the summer. Life ticks by peacefully - rooms are engagingly old-fashioned, the garden is much-loved

A gorgeous big old house on a farm in a very quiet part of Wiltshire - the undiscovered North Wessex Downs, filled with wildlife and an AONB

A delightful coastal house with lush courtyard gardens, masses of space, home office and terraces galore

For walkers, golfers, painters, well-behaved dogs, kids and seekers of peace – a very comfortable cottage in the heart of Newport

Experience the pleasures of traditional Tuscan living with fabulous food and fine wines from the family vineyard

A 17th-century former dovecote standing in gardens and 100 hectares of vineyards, sheltered behind majestic pine, cypress and plane trees

A very special place to unwind in the Andalusian hills with views over a lake and the sea. Swim, eat, explore or simply snooze

Readers adore this place run by warm, generous sisters Renée and Claude. Stroll the wild gardens - follow a path into the lovely landscape

Traditional B&B in a beautiful château bursting with history and surrounded by formal gardens, then farmland and two fine rivers

Surrounded by its vineyards, a Tuscan villa for a memorable, stylish treat of a stay - a sophisticated décor and opulence at every turn

Gaze over sublime vistas, refresh in the plunge pool, cook up a barbecue treat. A Provençal studio, simply furnished and deeply relaxing

Secluded place with home-grown food, much peace and walks by the river for a couple (or small family). Courses and solo retreats too

Near Mont St Michel, an 18th-century 'maison de plaisance' in historic grounds run by a charming family. Don't miss the table d'hôte!

Utter peace in a simple, beautiful space with a sculpture garden to wander, an art studio to visit and walking and cycling on Dartmoor

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

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

A 200-year-old village house surrounded by vineyards. Light-filled interiors, lots of art, a garden and a pool

Wood-burners, water sports and wildlife at four cosy farm conversions a half mile from their own quay. Wild swimming and barbecues await