Manoir Les Altheas

Walk into a grand hallway with sweeping staircase and a happy, homely atmosphere. Relax in the calming sitting room with plump sofas, high ceiling and marble fireplace – a fine spot for a quiet read with light flooding in. The elegant dining room is down here too, but you’ll probably spend much of your time upstairs in the big open-plan lounge and kitchen/diner. This is the heart of the house and will be a joy to cook in, with everybody being sociable around you.

On warm days you’ll be eating on the stone terrace, listening to birdsong and gentle church bells, dozing off on a comfy lounger or seeking shade under a parasol. The more energetic can hurl themselves into a game of table tennis, walk into serene countryside or set off on bike rides (there’s safe storage).

Bedrooms are light-filled and spacious with plump, well-turned-out beds, wooden floors and colourful rugs. All have views, one has doors onto the terrace and gardens.