Do you dream of living in a chocolate box thatched home in the countryside? Whether you are after a quaint two-bed in a rural English idylll or a modern masterpiece in the Netherlands, feast your eyes on these straw-topped houses that will bring your fairytale dreams alive.

This three-bed, three-bath thatched cottage in Brittany, France is idyllic with its wooden window shutters and pretty garden. It may look old, but it was actually built in 2010 and has all the luxury amenities you'd ever need.

On the ground floor of this two-storey house you'll find a spacious living area with a dining room and cosy fireplace. The country kitchen is filled with wooden cabinets and a traditional-style electric cooking stove with two ovens.

Stone floors run throughout the lower level, complementing the rustic look of exposed wooden beams on the ceiling. Head upstairs and you'll find two ensuite bedrooms, both with dressing rooms and a spacious office.

Outside, the cottage is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a luxurious swimming pool. If all that isn't enough, the house is built on a full basement with a wine cellar, laundry room, billiard room and a two-car garage. Love France? These dreamy chalets are for sale in the French Alps.

This stunning Grade-II listed thatched cottage dates back to the early 1700s. It sits on a spacious plot surrounded by tranquil countryside, which feels rural and isolated but is in fact right in the middle of Cambridge city centre.

The cottage's interior has been modernised but has also kept some of its original design characteristics. The main reception room features a traditional brick fireplace, exposed ceiling beams and locally sourced oak wood flooring.

The real hub of the home is the extended open-plan kitchen and family room. Decorated in a more modern style than the rest of the cottage, it has vaulted ceilings and bi-fold doors that open out onto the paved patio and picturesque garden.

Spread over three floors, the first level has two spacious bedrooms, including the master suite, which has a large window that provide panoramic views over the countryside. The second level has two more double bedrooms with pitched ceilings.

This home in the Netherlands is more of a mansion than a tiny thatched cottage. Located on the peaceful banks of the Wetering river, the house sits in one acre of land and has been designed so that all the residents can have their own space to relax.

The six-bedroom house has natural stone floors throughout and features stunning stone fireplaces with grand mantlepieces. The main living area, which sits just off the entrance hallway, has moody dark walls with opulent accessories and artwork that give it a luxurious feel.

The kitchen is sleek and stylish with a kitchen island that has an integrated four-burner gas hob and a seated bar, so you can watch the chef of the house while they cook. For more formal dinners, there's a smart dining room located next to the kitchen.

The grand staircase in the hallway leads upstairs to the first floor where the six bedrooms are located. The master suite stretches along the entire width of the property and has its own fireplace and bathroom, which comes complete with a hot tub, steam shower and double sink.

This chocolate box three-bedroom cottage in Andover, Hampshire is picture perfect with its bay windows and sage paintwork. Ideal for expansion, it already has planning permission for a large open-plan kitchen and living room.

The inside is just as quirky as the outside with a blend of old and new design features mixing together. The small but stylish living room has exposed timber ceiling beams and a traditional brick inglenook fireplace. The interior design uses pops of colour and neutral white for a modern design.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area has exposed floorboards and unusual key pieces, such as the chandelier above the dining table which helps to separate it from the kitchen. The dining area leads out to the garden, which has a terrace at the end.

On the first floor, there are two bedrooms with the third on the ground floor. This bedroom is decorated in a country style with a cute floral pattern used for the headboard, blinds and storage chest.

Known as Deep Thatch, this 17th-century cottage has three bedrooms and two large reception rooms. With a two-bedroom separate cottage in the grounds for guests, it makes a great spacious family home and could also make a great rental opportunity as a holiday home.

The living areas are characterised by low ceilings with exposed beams, wood framed windows and inglenook fireplaces. The back reception room leads outside to the garden and has a separate reading nook, perfect for losing yourself in a good book.

The farmhouse kitchen has terracotta floor tiles with grey painted cabinets and a contemporary splashback that mixes modern with traditional decor styles. A robust family dining table helps make the kitchen a sociable area and the separate utility room provides some extra space for get together's.

The charming cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The traditional family bathroom has a freestanding rolltop bath and wooden blue panelled walls. Love this look? See more beautiful bathroom ideas for a white suite here...

Set in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, this part-thatched period cottage may look traditional on the outside, but it has been transformed into a modern oasis on the inside.

A large hallway with olive walls and terracotta flooring leads to this living room with a log burner and exposed ceiling beams. It overlooks the rear terrace and gardens, making it the perfect place to relax.

The country-style kitchen has been fitted with all the modern day appliances and has hand-painted wooden cabinets, granite worktops and a cream Aga that's been converted into an electric hob.

The house has four double bedrooms with the master suite having its own bathroom with a claw foot bath, hot tub and antique furniture. It also has views across the garden and ample storage with a built-in cupboard.

This quaint thatched cottage in Normandy, France comes complete with blue windows and doors and a cute shingled entrance. With three bedrooms and an additional guest house it may look small, but has plenty of space.

Inside the house has low ceilings, terracotta flooring and pale wood exposed beams to give it a true cottage style. The living room, which is set just off the front door, has a traditional brick fireplace and a wood storage area to make it super cosy.

The country-style kitchen is small but functional, with brick sided storage spaces, red tiles and a Belfast sink.

At the back of the house, the dining area leads out to the garden which has an eating area that is perfect for warm French summers.

This luxurious thatched villa in the small town of Laren, in the North Holland province, was built in 2008 and has no less than 15 rooms. The property includes a large main house and a separate luxurious guest house.

The main house is equipped with a lift, underfloor heating, aircon in every room, finger scanning for entry and an audio system so that you can listen to music anywhere in the house. The decor is super luxe with crushed velvet sofas, marble furniture and carved stone fireplaces.

The five bedrooms are all stylishly designed with parquet flooring and opulent furniture. The master suite has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.

Outside, the 10-person hot tub sits next to the spacious terrace, which has a fireplace and built-in terrace heaters, making it a true idyllic oasis. This superb house also has a library and theatre room. Love this? See more gorgeous holiday homes that are actually affordable...

Built in 1716, this thatched cottage in Hampshire is full of original features mixed with new designs to make it a luxury abode. The stunning grounds are made up of several outbuildings, including a double garage and a workshop. Take a stroll to the back garden and you'll also find an ornamental pond and a thatched duck house.

The spacious living area has charming wooden floors and a log burner for the colder months. Spread over three floors, the four bedrooms are all double in size with the master room having a raised dressing area and an ensuite bathroom.

The newly fitted country-style kitchen and breakfast room – fitted out with white cabinets, wooden worktops and traditional stone flooring – has access to the back garden.

The dining room also has access to the outside, with views over the front of the property. The cottage also offers a good-sized study, which leads onto the living area.

This idyllic highland cottage comes with a beautiful view and a neat picket fence outside. With double timber doors that open out into the small hallway, the two-bed house is as quaint on the inside as it is on the outside.

Situated at the front of the house is the spacious living room. The comfortable sitting room features a brick fireplace and a bay window that brings in extra light and has secret storage underneath.

The dining room has a wood burner fireplace set into the exposed stone wall and a window seat overlooking fields. The traditional stone flooring runs throughout the rest of the original house.

A new addition to the house, the sage painted timber sunroom has double doors that lead out to the back garden. The slate floor adds a modern touch to the new extension. See more cosy conservatory ideas in our gallery...

Dating back to the 18th century, this Grade-II listed thatched cottage overlooks the local village green. Originally two cottages, it has been made into one large abode and has a bountiful garden filled with mature plants and shrubs.

The sitting room has exposed timber beams and an inglenook fireplace. A quiet peaceful room, it is the perfect place to unwind.

The kitchen is at the rear of the property and features an original bread oven, blue painted cabinets and terracotta tiles. It leads out to the back garden through a wood framed door.

Upstairs are two double bedrooms and a single bedroom. As with the rest of the house they feature exposed wood beams and are characterised by dormer windows and chimney breasts. Love this? See more fabulous farmhouses for sale to escape the rat race.

This thatched manor in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands was originally built in 1938 but has since undergone some serious renovation to make it what it is today.

The living area is the focal point of the house with a lounging area, dining room and modern kitchen/diner. The dark wood flooring, white walls and windows give the space a fresh feel. Also on the ground floor is the office and media room.

Upstairs you'll find a luxurious master bedroom complete with a dressing room and ensuite bathroom. Much like the rest of the house, it's decorated in monochrome colours with dark wood floors. The second level is home to six more bedrooms and a fully equipped gym.

Outside, there are various terraces, a stately lawn and a patio area. The heated swimming pool has views of the house and a changing area nearby for convenience. See more historic homes with surprisingly modern interiors...