France
Manor house, Dordogne: the Manoir de Lascaux is near Montignac and combines the excitement and grandeur of an historic building with the ease of a family home. Situated 300 metres along an unsurfaced lane in a totally rural position, the Manoir sleeps up to 12 and has a 12 metre by 6 metre pool. Meon Villas features it for £2,278 for a week until August 19 including midweek sea crossings for one car plus occupants.
Pigeon loft, Brengues: Le Pigeonnier de Bazos is a unique property, a restored former pigeon loft with original features and beamed ceilings. Ideal for a couple, the property is set in Brengues in the beautiful valley of the River Cele and has its own pool. A week costs £447 from August 26 to September 1 per party, including ferry crossings with French Life.
Medieval castle, Dordogne: immerse yourself in history with a stay at a stunning 15th-century chateau in the Dordogne. Set in Baneuil amid beautiful countryside overlooking the Couze Valley, the castle sleeps up to seven, plus a baby, and has its own private pool. Stone steps lead to the terrace, a vast fireplace bearing the Calvimont family’s coat-of-arms dominates the dining room and access to the first floor is via a stone spiral staircase. In August the price is £2,612 for the property for two weeks including either a return sea crossing with one car and five occupants or one week’s car hire if the group decides to fly. Flights are extra.
Majorca
Former working mill, Majorca: the Moli de Sa Grava villa lies in a quiet country road in the area of Campos and is surrounded by a circular courtyard complete with raised pool. Big wooden front doors open into a living area with original vaulted stone ceiling and large marble-topped dining table.
There is a loft room with views at the top of a turret. It has all mod cons and sleeps six people based on three twin bedrooms and two bathrooms. Early-September price is £439 for one week; £569 for a fortnight, including flights, with Style Holidays.