An artist's house imbued with an understated elegance. Stay for dinner; be charmed by the garden where fruit trees throng, hens loiter

A cracking spot for this thatched and beamed 17th-century village inn with lovely gardens, just a half-mile stroll from Lulworth Cove

A confident style for this mid-19th-century house, with a Mediterranean garden, elegant terrace and pool, a stroll from the historic centre

A pleasure to stay in such a dreamy château surrounded by a beautiful terrace, elegant gardens and parkland, a lake, river and waterfall

There's a lovely welcome at this manoir near the sea with its family-friendly room arrangements (cottages, kitchens) and its outdoor pool

Enter into the wonderful country-house mood... Sink into floral sofas, feast on exquisite cuisine, rest in cosy, immaculate rooms

Historic old house in a beautiful, traditional village. Boulangerie, bar, crêperie all a stroll away

For lovers of French pâtisserie and vintage cars! Wake up in woody bedrooms named after mountain fruits, set off to hike, cycle or ski

A pretty thatched 16th-century cottage on a quiet road in a small hamlet by the river Avon, along which there are lovely tree-lined walks

Come for deep beds, real fires, Scottish breakfasts, a generous welcome, great walking, cycle tracks and grand lochside views

You’ll feel nicely independent in this spacious open-plan hideaway surrounded by colourful gardens and Corscombe valley views

A foodie and friendly reinvigorated old pub, with floor to ceiling estuary views. Bring the dog and hit the coastal path

A very pretty old converted cart shed at the end of a track on an organic farm, surrounded by wildlife, birds and animals in the fields

Everything you’d want of a lovely country inn – pretty rooms, tasty food, local ales in a beamed bar and fabulous walking

A lovely, leafy setting on a cobbled street for this peaceful retreat just off the high street in lively Stockbridge

A charming old bergerie nestled in Basque Country woodland near pretty towns and villages for couples who want to do their own thing

Lavender shortbread and baked peaches for breakfast at this most artistic of homes. The courtyard with magnolia and orange trees is lovely

A fine romantic setting for this delightful bolthole with sea views – nature lovers, walkers, dreamers and the simply loved-up will be happy