Cetinale is a large house in Siena owned by an English lord. To say this is unusual is an understatement, but then nothing about this stupendous house is ordinary – it is thought by many to be the most beautiful house in Tuscany, if not the whole of Italy. Originally built for Pope Alexander VII, it has endless terraced gardens, enormous follies and an interior recently redone by design ace Ms Camilla Guinness. It is, unsurprisingly, popular as a wedding venue (as recently seen in Succession, where it hosted the show’s own “red wedding”), but you don’t have to be exchanging vows to rent the place. The long table down the central avenue is particularly show-stopping, doubly so when it is surrounded by your closest pals and covered in crostini di fegatini and pappardelle sulla lepre, two toothsome dishes that are specialties in this part of Siena.

We should say from the outset, this isn’t the type of town or the type of house to have a wild party in. Rather, it is all about relaxing with family or friends, sitting by the pool, taking in the sea air on the endless beaches or enjoying a lobster dinner in East Hampton. And if the weather is less than amenable, you can always retreat to the self-appointed library of the house or the media room to watch a film. There is even a poker table set up for guests who fancy a flutter. The best thing about it? It’s just over two hours by car from Manhattan. Or, you know, half an hour by helicopter, should you prefer to make a splash.

Tagomago is a 1,525m-long speck of land off the east coast of Ibiza and is easily Europe’s most prestigious private island. It has just one house: a magnificent five-bedroom villa with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows allowing uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean at all angles. The island has its own 33m yacht for charter, should you fancy a trip to Ibiza – just 900m away – for a bit of partying. Otherwise you can career around your kingdom on a jet ski or paddleboard or see it the other way round by making use of the diving facilities. In fact, you can pretty much do what you want since, well, there aren’t any neighbours to complain.

Few people, including the famous ones, can resist the siren call of Mustique. Sir Mick Jagger owns a home here, Prince William is often found at Basil’s Bar on the beach and on a good day you can find Mr Tommy Hilfiger sunbathing by his pool. Its attraction is two-fold: it is both very beautiful and very private, meaning you can hang loose without fear of ending up in the papers. In fact, only guests with a villa booking are allowed to set foot on the island; no day-trippers here. Serenissima (named after the pre-1797 Republic of Venice) is one of the best houses on the island with panoramic views of Macaroni beach. The five-bedroom villa comes with three indoor staff and two outdoor to minister to your every party whim.

Although known as Owner’s Cottage, it might more accurately be called Owner’s Mansion, so much does its floor plan go on and on. It may only be seven minutes from Queenstown, but those seven minutes get you to one of the most magnificent and secluded spots in New Zealand. The house is perched on placid waters of Lake Wakatipu and ringed by the Remarkables mountain range, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to unwind. If activities are more your thing, go on a hike or jump in a canoe on the lake. Or if you really wish to rest up, then dip yourself in the hot tub on the shores and stay there in peace.

Mr Tom Helme, the former owner of upmarket purveyors of paint Farrow & Ball, has given a new lease of life to the 7,500-acre Carskiey Estate since he bought it in 2011. Today, it sings. It is an enormous place built for entertaining in the grand Edwardian style, so expect enormous dining rooms leading to even bigger drawing rooms and space for at least 16 upstairs. It also comes with access to a former sea captain’s cottage down on the beach, which has views of Sanda Island and can be used as a base for seaside revels if the weather doesn’t play fair.

Villa Clémentine is a five-bedroom modern masterpiece in the tony surroundings of Cap Ferret. It is the perfect place to entertain, being all open-plan with folding glass doors on to the magnificent pool. But what we like best about it is its location, which is close enough to the beaches and lagoons of Arcachon Bay and only 50 miles from Bordeaux. It is also completely private, having no near neighbours, so you can warble Mr Charles Aznavour songs all night if you want.