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Top Ten Villas, Cottages & Apartments

Our Villas, Cottages and More and Authentic Greece programmes feature such a wide range of properties and locations that there is something in them to suit most tastes and interests. There are some very high-quality properties in our top ten, but we've also included ones that earn high praise because of their location, their views or the warmth and friendliness of their owners.

Marine Apartment, Provence. Nestling amid quintessential Provençal landscapes with views that stretch as far as the Alps in clear weather, this apartment is an idyllic retreat and as such has to top our list. The interior is charmingly decorated, having retained original features such as wooden beams and exposed stonework which lend it plenty of character.

L'Orto, Basilicata. One of the main attractions of this agriturismo is the warm southern hospitality of hosts Fulvio and Cinzia Spada. They will be happy to help you get the most out of your holiday (unknown Basilicata is a region well worth exploring, with wild, beautiful mountains and a rugged coastline) and they also cook meals for guests incorporating produce from the farm – Orto means 'garden', and they grow fantastic artichokes, aubergines, tomatoes and peppers that are full of flavour.

Annie's Farmhouse, central Switzerland. We've been offering Annie's Farmhouse for several years, and it remains a very popular choice among families, who praise the special atmosphere. Here, you're right in the heart of the mountains, and can make the most of the warm summer sunshine, with lots of inviting paths to explore, lakes to swim in and views of never-ending peaks to discover by cable car.

Istron Villas, Crete. It's hard to decide what is the most outstanding feature of these luxurious villas: the fantastic location two minutes from an idyllic bay washed by turquoise waters, the very high level of comfort, the fact that you have full use of the facilities of the neighbouring 5-star hotel, or having your very own swimming pool. All in all they boast everything you could possibly want for a relaxing holiday.

Stefano's Barn Cottages, Le Marche. The great appeal of these converted barns undoubtedly lies in the location. Le Marche itself is very picturesque, especially the rugged south-west corner of the region in which these cottages are located, where the hill-tops are crowned by crumbling villages. If this weren't enough, the cottages face the majestic mountains of the Monti Sibillini National Park, which straddles both Le Marche and Umbria and offers some great walking. With the Adriatic Coast close by too, you can have a very scenically varied holiday.

Algarve Quinta, Algarve. One of the first things that strikes you about these apartments is the spaciousness – that and the friendliness of Anglo-Portuguese hosts Jill and Julio Pires. Unusually, breakfasts are included here, invariably featuring homemade marmalade produced from the oranges that grow in the beautiful gardens. If you can tear yourselves away from the pool, you can explore the authentic fishing villages, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Algarve's little-visited western reaches, or walk in the hills of the Monchique Sierra.

Tufo Stone Cottages, Piemonte. We were attracted to these apartments, which have been converted from a handsome stone village house, by the lovely dark wood period furnishings, the original features and the warm earthy colours of the décor. But the appeal extends well beyond the décor – the location is excellent, between some of Italy's best-known vineyards and Italy's wonderful lake district that lies to the north.

The Lofoten Cottages, Lofoten Islands. If we had to name the most unique property in our self-catering programme, it would probably be these cottages. If the location in a small fishing settlement deep within the Arctic Circle were not unusual enough, then the fact that they are converted from fishermen's cottages (rorbu) certainly is. Perhaps the best time to visit is June or early July, when the islands are bathed in the special light of the Midnight Sun, but at any time of year you can enjoy the islands' wild beauty and rich wildlife.

Les Maisons de Campagne, Provence. These cottages are not the only ones in our brochure to each have their own pool, so although this is obviously a wonderful luxury, this is not the reason we have featured them in our top ten. Instead, it's because they are owned by a hotelier, Georges Sanchez, with whom we have worked for many years and whom we know always welcomes guests warmly. The cottages are in fact in the grounds of the hotel, meaning that you can dine at Georges' restaurant if you don't feel like cooking.

Yiannis & Inge's Houses, Peloponnese. For a holiday making the most of the Peloponnese's fine sandy beaches, atmospheric towns and beautiful scenery, this estate is an excellent choice, and receives high praise in post-holiday questionnaires. Yiannis and Inge make you feel very welcome and are often on hand to offer help and advice. Most properties boast breathtaking views over Yialova's bay, and the newer houses have their own pool, the ultimate luxury.

Apartamentos d'es Puig, Mallorca. It's hard to decide what we love most about these wonderful apartments: the 360-degree views, the location in the centre of Mallorca which means that any part of the island is easily accessible, the elegant décor, or the warmth of owner Cati. She has created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, inviting guests to a typical Mallorquin dinner once a week and allowing them to pick produce from the gardens and to collect eggs laid by the hens. This is a rural idyll, yet with facilities that include a jacuzzi, sauna, gym, cycle hire and pool.

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