Cosy hideaway for two surrounded by woods and wildflower meadows. Stroll to shops and pubs, explore historic Border towns or the coast

Come to recharge in the lovely Loire valley at this fine château surrounded by mature gardens and green countryside

In an outstanding area for lovers of food and wine, here are 3 beautiful boltholes in the Alto Douro, the oldest wine region in the world

A hop from the Côte d'Azur is this elegant home: bring friends, explore the garden, curl up on the sofa, dip in the heated pool

A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town

Pippa tells you where to find wild flowers, babbling brooks and butterflies... and hike, bike and swim. Magic for families

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space

A destination for epicurians who also want exquisite surroundings and comfortable bedrooms. A charming garden too with a very French feel

An exquisite Provençal home for a large party, hidden behind grand gates in a small village surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles

Minutes on foot from the Eiffel Tower and beside the Palais de Chaillot. Chic décor and organic breakfasts, run by eco-conscious Xavier

Two homely gîtes sleeping 4 and 2 in rural farm country. Walk to the bakery; drive 15 minutes to Saint-Malo and riverside restaurants

2 cottages – from log-burner to LED mood lights, treat of a country retreat in the North York Moors National Park. Huge fun for all

Generous simplicity and organic farm cooking in this rustic Tuscan farm with library, yoga, family apartments and natural lily-dotted pond

Down by the shore of Clew Bay, enjoy peace, space and modern comforts (kitchens are excellent) and discover this magical watery world

Family-friendly hotel on Ullswater with a pool and a variety of bedrooms, some super-cool - swim in the lake, walk in the hills, eat well

In a small village on the borders, a Jacobean farmhouse luxuriously restored with lovely touches; the Brecon Beacons are close by

You’ll love Tintinhull Gardens, Montacute House, Ham Hill, the Prince of Wales pub… and this sweet, fresh, cosy, rustic cottage for 2

A 200-year-old typical Mallorcan house with wooden beams, tiled floors, a view-filled garden and a big pool in beautiful Sóller