Step into a place full of life, colour, texture and clever design surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes

An island of oyster farms, salt pans and white beaches, woolly donkeys, countless push-bikes and the odd celeb – we love the Ile de Ré!

An organic farm near coast, village and Etna – super for families, done in simple good taste. Laze in the hammock, visit the coast...

A very comfortable bolthole in pretty countryside with ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits – fishing, golf, tennis, cycling and walking

A beautifully-restored old cow shed, light and airy, floating over a wildflower meadow in spring and summer. 20 mins from the Jurassic Coast

A cosy, beautifully refurbished flat in a Georgian house bang in the middle of the unspoilt town with its pretty streets and houses

With stunning coastal views and family farm surroundings, these cottages are bright and roomy; plus wood-burning stoves and indoor pool

Sweet, peaceful cottage tucked into a quiet lane and within popping distance to all of Ludlow's historical and culinary delights

Stay in a lovely 18th-century townhouse in one of the prettiest villages on the Loire surrounded by unspoilt countryside

A spacious old house for family get-togethers in Ashton village, little changed since its Victorian inception as a model village and farm

Wonderful views; fresh flowers on the table; books, maps, games: everything you need for a smashing holiday in a characterful farmhouse

A smart honey-hued house with characterful beams and all the modern kit you need for a family or group, encircled by Somerset countryside

The sweetest stone cottage for two in a peaceful hamlet; come for long walks and lazy evenings, country houses and a thriving foodie scene

Relax in an achingly trendy boutique hotel set in Mallorca's olives and orchards: candlelit dinners, infinity pool, a smart little bar...

Quirky townhouse on the edge of the Peak District, with country walks from the door, plus shops, cinema, heritage centre, bistros and pubs

Immaculate apartments with private patios and well-equipped kitchens share oleander-bright gardens and a chlorine-free pool

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, relax in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

Charmingly rambling, inside and out: blazing log fires, riotous patterns, oak panelling, prolific garden, and big, comfortable, antique beds