The Big Six: Romantic rentals

The White Tower, Perthshire

Throw together a 16th-century watchtower, an architect, a graphic designer and photographer and the result is this quirky property, complete with a hot tub on a crenellated roof terrace. The interiors stay true to their location, with mounted antlers, tweed curtains, tartan throws, antique furniture and 180-degree views of Loch Tay. Inviting touches include a tiny library, roll-top bath, sauna and all the mod-cons you'd find in a boutique hotel.

The White Tower by Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland (01887 829228; thewhitetower.co.uk). Rental starts at £250 per night; sleeps four.

Appartement Blanc, Paris

Cosy up in this contemporary rooftop apartment in the Marais district, on a street once called home by Blaise Pascal and revolutionary figure Robespierre. The apartment's prevailing white colour scheme is warmed by 17th-century wooden beams and a fireplace in the snug living room, while an expansive skylight offers romantic skyline views. Back down at street level, this bourgeois quartier is littered with boho cafés, art galleries and chic boutiques.

Appartement Blanc, rue de Saintonge, Marais, Paris, France (00 33 1 42 77 38 15; appartement-blanc.fr). Rental starts at €165 per night; sleeps up to four.

Riad Fawakay, Marrakech

Tucked into one of the oldest parts of the ancient medina, this traditional courtyard house has been restored by its British owners. Inside you'll find a coral-daubed plunge pool overlooked by a roof terrace, where there is a pergola-covered dining table, potted plants and a cushion-strewn Berber tent. Here, a chef will serve anything from a simple breakfast to lavish dinners. The three small guest rooms are full of character, with a mix of local and contemporary décor.

Riad Fawakay, 74 Derb el Cadi, Azbezt, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco (00 212 7318 7346; riadfawakay.com). Rental starts at £200 per night with breakfast, based on four sharing; sleeps up to six.

Cottage and Romany Caravan, Co Fermanagh

This is the ideal solution for the capricious: if you get tired of the pretty thatched cottage with its 1950s-style décor and open fire, outside is a Romany caravan with a double bed, quilts and a stove.

Cottage and Romany Caravan, near Geaglum, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (01239 851410; romanycaravan.com). Rental starts at £111.20 for a two-night stay; sleeps two.

Altana, Venice

Situated in the serene Dorsoduro district, this attic studio is a short walk from the Ca' Rezzonico and the less touristy facets of this romantic city. Original beams add character to the apartment, furnishings are simple and contemporary and there is a roof terrace with dreamy views.

Altana, Dorsoduro, Venice, Veneto, Italy (020-3178 4180; venice-rentals. com; ref v121). Rental starts at €1,295 per week; sleeps two.

The River Chapel, Cornwall

This riverside cottage was built in the early 19th century as a Methodist chapel. Today, it is a picture of modern living, with whitewashed timber and high-spec fittings. Hire a boat to go "creek crawling", go for a ramble, or just hole up in a country pub.

The River Chapel, Malpas, near Truro, Cornwall (01637 881942; theriverchapel.uniquehomestays.com). Rental starts at £550 per week; sleeps two.