Fido Family Friendly Places

This beautiful two-bedroom holiday home in East Devon showcases stunning views across the surrounding countryside and the deer fields in front of the property. Recently built in 2022, the property sits alongside the owner’s home on a working farm (dogs are present on the farm, but will be with the owners), and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside the town of Ottery St. Mary. This cosy rural retreat offers a great base for a couple or a family looking to explore the delights of the beautiful county of Devon, and the unique experience of the deer being able to wander right up to the fence bordering the property’s garden whilst relaxing in the private hot tub.
As you enter Deer View Retreat, you will be welcomed into the entrance area with patio doors opening out into the garden, the perfect cosy spot to enjoy a mug of coffee with a good book. This then leads through to the open plan living and dining area where you can wind down and watch a film after a busy day exploring the coastline or enjoy a family meal together. Enjoy your breakfast in the well-equipped kitchen whilst taking in the far reaching views, the stag with his magnificent antlers and the ever-changing scenery. There’s also a handy utility area next door.
Discover the two stylish bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. The first has a double bed, the second is furnished with zip and link twin beds, and the shower room is fitted with a walk-in shower, heated towel rail, toilet and sink.
The town of Ottery St. Mary has beautiful architecture and historic buildings lining the streets, backed by rural Devonshire countryside. Wander through the centre to browse independent shops and galleries or stroll along the River Otter to admire the unusual Tumbling Weir. If you’re exploring beyond the town, you’ll be close to the quintessential East Devon coastal towns and villages of Budleigh Salterton, Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Exmouth and Seaton. Exeter and Honiton are also within easy reach. The Southwest Coast Path is nearby and keen hikers should head to Dartmoor National Park with is just a 30-minute drive away. With lots of day out opportunities from your doorstep, make Deer View the base for your next holiday in East Devon. Beach 8 miles.

Your stay at The Manor Coach House will sure enough be one to remember. Located in the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Beauty, you can wander the vast surrounding countryside and reward yourself with a tipple at a local village pub on your way home. This charismatic holiday home is perfect for a couples retreat or families wanting some down time in the countryside. On arrival fresh bread will greet you in the bread maker with butter and jam, with a complementary basket for fire pit fun.
The Manor Coach House is enticing, spacious and charming. It has been lovingly restored by the owners to create a contemporary, upside down cottage with luxury furniture and fittings. The two kingsize bedrooms both have large stunning en-suite bathrooms, a spiral staircase leads to the first floor open plan living space where you will find a karaoke machine, record player with a selection of records, and a selection of board games. Leading out from the living space is a lovely teak balcony overlooking the large 1 acre garden where you will find an elegant walled terrace and garden furniture. Have some fun and enjoy a dip in the heated pool followed by a game of table tennis outside. Relax as the sun goes down and light up the barbecue for an enjoyable evening meal in this delightful sun trap. The hot tub with a waterfall feature overlooks the enclosed garden with a sheltered walled terrace, brick built gas barbecue, additional Weber coal barbecue (coals supplied) and a wood-fired pizza oven.
This elevated property sits high above the Stour Valley and has the benefits of being just a short drive to the historic city of Canterbury, as well as being surrounded by the picturesque Kent countryside, footpaths, cycle routes and a unique complex of lakes where day anglers can spend a happy day fishing. Just 20 minutes away you can be in Whitstable where you’ll find some wonderful award-winning beaches. Enjoy some wonderful local walks along The River Stour and stop off at the local farm shop in Chilham for some tasty treats. And don’t forget your dog! They’ll love this wonderful and pet friendly cottage.
The Coach House is in the grounds of the owners’ manor house, parts of which date back to the 15th century, and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Fishing available nearby.

The Cider Barn is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom holiday home with a hot tub, two bathrooms and a large private garden set in the heart of Devon. Originally a 17th-century farmstead, the accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard for up to six guests to enjoy, and the property feels stylish and beautiful with its unique interiors. The barn is attached to the back of the owner’s farmhouse but guests will have private access with their own front door and driveway space, enough for up to four cars.
As you enter, you will be welcomed into the hallway area which has bench seating, a washer/dryer, and is perfect for hanging coats up and kicking off those wellies after a bracing walk in the countryside. The spacious living room is comfortably furnished with a large corner sofa, Smart TV with Freeview and a gas wood burner. One of the kingsize bedrooms is located on the ground floor and there is a handy shower room across the hallway.
Head upstairs to discover the other two kingsize bedrooms, one of which has zip and link beds and can be set up with twin beds if requested. The family bathroom is fitted with a shower over the bath, offering the choice of a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower. The elegant kitchen/diner is also located on the first floor, making the most of the beautiful views across the countryside. It is well equipped with all the key appliances and offers plenty of space to enjoy a meal together sat at the large dining table.
The secluded garden is a fantastic space to relax and unwind in with its lawn, seating area, charcoal barbeque and private wood-fired hot tub backing onto the surrounding fields. A pizza oven can be rented for a small fee and trout fishing is also available on request. There are two footpaths meandering through the owner’s land which can be accessed 100m from the front door of The Cider Barn, leading off into the fields or to the local pubs which serve the most delicious food.
The historic cathedral city of Exeter is 12 miles away with easy parking and a direct rail link from Crediton. The scenic national parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor are within a 40-minute drive away. Dartmoor is a vast moorland defined by forests, rivers, wetlands, and tors (rock formations). The South Devon ‘Jurassic’ coast is a 50-minute drive away while the rugged North Devon coast and surfing beaches are a 60-minute drive away. The Cider Barn is ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday.

This single-storey, semi-detached barn conversion, next to the owners’ home, has been renovated with great attention to detail, with eco-friendly, underfloor air source heating throughout and a very good standard of fixtures and fittings. Beams have been left exposed, and there is a large open-plan living area make this a great area in which to socialise with all the family and friends together.

Explore both the coast and the countryside from this property, as it is an excellent base for walking and touring. The Yorkshire Wolds, one of Britain’s best kept secrets, runs to the south of the village, and there is miles and miles of long countryside walks. The North Yorkshire Moors and the east coast are just a short drive away, and the seaside resorts of Filey and Scarborough have great beaches for the family for that traditional seaside holiday. Within the hour you can be in the city of York with its abundance of renowned attractions, including the iconic Minster, Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. York is a fabulous city to visit during your stay and is one of the reasons why it is voted in the top 10 cities to visit every year. Beach 5¾ miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 300 yards.
Willow Cottage can be booked together with Reed Cottage (UK37478) to accommodate up to 17 guests.

Escape the city smog, for this cool and snazzy abode sitting pretty within its own Gloucestershire farm. Go Cart Barn is totally unique, inside and out with a sprinkling of retro cool. It has been designed and renovated to a high standard and boasts the very best fixtures and fittings. The property is set within the grounds of a private farm - as you drive down the private track surrounded by pastures you get a mix of pure relaxation and excitement for what awaits. If access for the less mobile is required, please advise the owners prior to arrival.
With an open plan living/dining room this social design is great for bringing everyone together, wine dine or chill it’s all catered for. A top of the range kitchen with feature electric range, great for whipping up culinary delights during your stay, accompanied with state-of-the-art appliances throughout. After dining, retreat to the cosy sitting room area, with projector to stream the latest movie releases. Outside, guests can enjoy the six-person hot tub, barbecue, fire pit, elevated patio, large walled garden so that all the fun is contained within your own private space.
Beyond your trendy Forest of Dean bolt hole, Wye Valley and the Welsh Border Country are easily accessible, as is Cheltenham with its races. Picturesque Cotswolds towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water and Burford, and many National Trust properties are all worth a visit, as well as lovely towns and villages such as Newent, Ross, Newham and Monmouth. If exploring and adventure is on the agenda, you are spoilt for choice with the Forest of Dean, Severn and Wye Valleys, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds all on your doorstep. Perfectly located to enjoy a trip to the ancient cathedral and historic docks of Gloucester, and approximately half an hour’s drive from Cheltenham’s festivals and regency promenade for a spot of designer shopping and fine dining. There are excellent walks and mountain biking trails directly from the farm to May Hill and the surrounding area.
The Red Lion pub is just 5 minute’s walk, The Leaf café and garden centre 3-minute walk. May Hill brewery, Longhope bakery and Harts Barn craft centre just a 5-minute drive. There’s an outstanding restaurant and wet fish counter at Severn Wye smokery, Chaxhill (10-minute drive). Also, a private chef can be arranged from Harts Barn cookery school if required. It is also close to the International Centre for birds of prey and the Three Choirs Vineyard nearby for a spot of bird watching followed by some wine tasting. Within easy reach of the picturesque Wye Valley, including Tintern Abbey and Symonds Yat. Adrenalin junkies are well catered for too, in Gloucester you have the dry ski slope for a day of boarding or tobogganing, off road cycling and treetop rope adventures to be found within the Forest of Dean. Paddle boarding is a firm favourite and available at Gloucester Docks and the picturesque Symonds Yat on the Wye River.

Osprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.

Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.