Hot property: Weekend escapes

Château Monfort, French Riviera, France, €20m

Where Near the hilltop village of St Paul in the south of France, about 10 minutes’ drive from Nice Côte d’Azur airport and the Mediterranean Sea.

What A six-bedroom château dating back to the 13th-century and set in 2.5 acres of land. The property includes a gym, pool, wine cellar and three additional cottages for guests and staff. The garden is planted with a variety of Mediterranean plants and trees.

Why In addition to the impressive grounds, the château has been meticulously renovated. Details include vaulted ceilings, stone floors and a staircase painted with ancient frescoes.

Who Prestige de France, www.teatrium.net, tel: +33 4 9292 8344

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The Orangery, Devon, UK, £3m

Where In Mamhead, a small town in south-west England, about nine miles away from Exeter, 15 miles from Exeter airport and 210 miles from London.

What A Grade II*-listed, four-bedroom house dating back to the 18th century and set on 60 acres of land. The property includes a two-bedroom boat house, a separate office/studio and two greenhouses.

Why The Orangery is a perfect weekend retreat for city types and has direct access to some of the UK’s most impressive countryside: the grounds were originally designed by Capability Brown and Dartmoor National Park is 10 minutes’ drive away.

Who Knight Frank, www.knightfrank.com, tel: +44 1392 423 111

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Villa, Mykonos, Greece, €1m

Where About 8km outside of Mykonos, on the north coast of the island, and 10km from Mykonos airport.

What A 1,894 sq ft villa with a pool and views of the sea. The house, built in the 1970s by writer Zachos Hatzifotiou, is divided into three separate living areas, each with their own bedroom, bathroom and living room. Ftelia beach is a short walk away.

Why The house offers complete privacy and is situated in a protected zone of natural beauty. Direct flights from Europe to Mykonos make the island a feasible weekend escape.

Who Christie’s International Real Estate, www.christiesrealestate.com, tel: +3021 0364 3112

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Country home, Napa, California, US, $3.975m

Where In Oakville, a small town in Napa County, about 70 miles north of San Francisco international airport and 20 minutes’ drive from Napa airport.

What A three-bedroom house with 2,503 sq ft of interior space and set in 11.3 acres of land. The house comes with its own vineyard, including 8.4 acres of pinot noir and 45 acres of cabernet sauvignon. There is also a pool, river frontage and a vegetable garden.

Why The house is in the heart of California’s wine country and a short drive from Yountville, which is home to top restaurants, such as The French Laundry.

Who Sotheby’s International Realty, www.sothebyshomes.com, tel: +1 707 738-4820

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Quinta Roma, Algarve, Portugal, €2.25m

Where Just outside Almancil, a coastal town in the south of Portugal, about 15 minutes’ drive from Faro international airport.

What A four-bedroom, five-bathroom gated property that includes a swimming pool, a one-bedroom guest house and a landscaped garden planted with almond trees.

Why For those in need of sun, the Algarve has one of Europe’s warmest climates. The property is a stone’s throw from beaches, restaurants and the Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo golf courses.

Who Savills, www.savills.com/international, tel: +44 20 7016 3740