France – £320,500
This little 18th-century Normandy cottage in the Lisieux region — prime Calvados countryside — is only 40 minutes from the sea. It has three bedrooms and has been beautifully renovated with bare-brick walls, a modern kitchen and a wood-burning stove. Chestertons International (020 7201 2071; www.chestertons-international.com)
Mallorca – £267,000
In the tranquil nature reserve of Sierra de las Nieves, a 10-minute drive from Puerto Banus, this characteristic three-bedroom town house enjoys panoramic mountain, lake and sea views.
Like all the best second homes it's ideal for all seasons: it has marble flooring, underfloor heating, hot and cold air conditioning and a sunny south-west-facing terrace with private pool. It’s part of complex of houses that share gardens, a concierge and 24-hour security. Chestertons International (020 7201 2071; www.chestertons-international.com)
Croatia – £389,000
In the village of Sustjepan, outside ancient Dubrovnik, this beautifully renovated 19thcentury house is just 80ft from the sea, with coastal views.
Spread over three levels and separated into two apartments, it has three bedrooms, a sizeable pool and a barbecue area among pine trees. Savills (020 7016 3740; www.savills.co.uk)
Lincolnshire – £465,000
The aptly named Bluebells enjoys an elevated position in the little village of Roughton, Lincolnshire, near Woodhall Spa. A thatched 17th-century cottage with four bedrooms, it has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, but retains charming period features such as exposed timbers, inglenook fireplaces and traditional latch doors. Robert Bell & Company (01526 353333; www.robert-bell.org)
South Africa – £475,500
Set on a canal on peaceful, exclusive Thesen Island — part of a multi-award-winning, manmade marina development in the Knysna estuary on the Western Cape — this sunny and spacious five-bedroom property comes with its own private gazebo and mooring.
The island has tennis courts, cricket nets, a squash court, beaches, a maze, a communal vegetable garden, a clubhouse, an 18-hole putting course and a bird sanctuary. Savills (020–7016 3740; www.savills.co.uk)
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Jnane Rumi, Marrakech, hotel review: 'The most talked about opening this year — and for good reason'The Moroccan capital of Marrakech is the world capital of hotels, says Christopher Wallace — and Jnane Rumi is the latest string to its hospitality bow.
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Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
