Italy
La Molinella, Umbria
This little old watermill amid the peaceful Umbrian hills has been transformed into a stylish bolthole for two, with shabby-chic interiors, vines, potted lavender and a swimming pool. Though Annie, the owner, will let you in, you will then be left alone, with the nearest major town, Perugia, just under an hour away. Hiking, riding and making your own fun are really the only entertainment for miles. La Molinella costs from €995 a week, and is closed from November to April (+39 340 634 9783, sawdays.co.uk).
Czech Republic
Tara, Staré Hamry
A gorgeous wooden cabin sleeping 10 in six rooms, with hip lighting, traditional rugs and long verandas, Tara is set in a 15,000 sq km mountain forest reserve and is surrounded by its own 20-acre wild flower meadow. It's two hours' drive from the bar-filled city of Brno (Ryanair flies there), but has uninterrupted views of nature for 12 miles – not a telegraph pole, light or house in sight. The cabin is available through One Off Places (£850 a week, oneoffplaces.co.uk).
Switzerland
Chalet Grouse, Valais, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are more peaceful than the French in summer, but for real seclusion choose a chalet on the outer reaches of a tiny hamlet such as Ayer in Val d'Anniviers. There, the Chalet Grouse (from £750 a week, availability this summer, holidaylettings.co.uk) on a steep hillside surrounded by pines, has three bedrooms and balconies offering mountain views.
Scotland
Torsa House and Island, Argyll & Bute
Sheltered between the Isle of Luing and Degnish Point is the one mile by half a mile island of Torsa. The island, once home to 11 crofting families and now available as an exclusive rental, is 16 miles south of Oban, reached by ferry, has a medieval fortress, and otter, minke whales and dolphins can be spotted from the shore. The house sleeps six and has a half-acre walled garden, plus use of a motorboat. There's one week left for this year (20-26 July, £1,125), so you'll have to hurry or wait until next summer (01852 314274, torsa-island.co.uk).
