Dog-friendly Cottage Getaways

Lea Hall is a Grade II* listed 17th and 18th-century manor house sleeping 22 guests in 10 en-suite bedrooms two have the option for a single bed for one extra person. The former childhood home to the household name Florence Nightingale, this holiday property has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is set in the heart of rural Derbyshire. Located within the village of Lea, it has been sympathetically and stylishly furnished by the owner, and extras such as fine toiletries and bathrobes are also provided. The drawing room with crystal chandelier, open fire, flatscreen TV and soft furnishings is the perfect setting in which to relax. The dining room is set in the older part of the hall, which dates back to the 1600s, and has a wood-burning stove and seating for 20.
The parish of Dethick, Lea and Holloway is steeped in history and Lea is recorded in the Domesday Book as Lede; the notorious Babington Plot of 1586 was planned at Dethick and Florence Nightingale spent much of her early life at Lea Hurst (and almost certainly lived at Lea Hall while that house was being built). The peaceful village of Lea offers visitors the famous John Smedley factory. Rural Derbyshire is a real treasure trove offering everything for the visitor including country houses, historic halls, medieval ruins, heritage railways, cycleways, beautiful unspoilt countryside and pretty villages. One of the closest attractions to Lea Hall is the Heights of Abraham. Built on the site of historic lead mining, the hilltop park is approached by cable car which rises up and offers some spectacular views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District. Visitors can tour the network of caverns and passageways left behind and explore the 60 acres of woodland hillside and buy souvenirs at the gift shop. Alternatively, for those who appreciate stately homes and gardens, magnificent Chatsworth House (3½ miles from Bakewell) is highly recommended, as well as Haddon Hall and Lyme Park, all of which have been film or TV locations over the years. Shop 1 mile.

Set in a rural location with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.This large, imposing, detached country house is the ideal place for a large family or group to come and stay whilst enjoying all that North Devon has to offer. The house has large living areas, a very well equipped kitchen with a quintessential Aga. There is a spacious dining room which is ideal for celebrating a special occasion, and well-furnished bedrooms, the majority of which have en-suite facilities, complete this charming house. Outside, there is the use of a private hot tub as well as a private swimming pool. There is a large well tended garden with plenty of space and sitting out areas for all to enjoy and a play area for small children. Located just outside the village of Beaford, there is also a local pub within walking distance.
North Devon has plenty to see and do, and is home to some of the best beaches in the country including Woolacombe and Saunton. The nearest beach is at Instow and is ideal for children or just a great place to walk off life’s stresses, and then enjoy a meal or drink at one of the pubs and restaurants along the front. The town of Great Torrington is only a short drive away and has most amenities you may require. The larger regional town of Barnstaple has a busy high street, the Pannier Market and famous Butchers Row. There are numerous places of interest close by including the RHS gardens at Rosemoor, Dartington Crystal and the historic fishing village at Clovelly. For the younger ones a visit to the Big Sheep or Milky Way Adventure Parks is a good option. There is walking on Dartmoor or hire a bike and cycle the Tarka Trail, and there is also golf and fishing available locally.
Beaford House is also a registered wedding venue and as well as the large house, there is also access to a great, well equipped function room should you decide to spend your big day here. Shop 5 miles, pub ¾ mile.

Clarendon House is a spacious and bright five bedroom family home located in the charming village of Shanklin. Whether you want to dream your days away on the sandy beach or explore the many attractions on the island, this will be the perfect base.

Inside, the house has been beautifully furnished in a traditional style, enhancing the house’s beautiful period features. Downstairs you’ll find an incredibly spacious living area finished with leather sofas and large feature windows looking out into the garden. When you feel like cooking up a storm, the farmhouse style kitchen is equipped with all the necessary mod cons. Upstairs, the five bedrooms provide the perfect places to rest your weary head after a busy day.

On a warm day, you can step out into the patio and garden area and enjoy the sunshine is blissful peace and quiet. Complete with patio table and chairs and a picnic bench, this is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a bite to eat or a glass of wine.

Clarendon House is located just a short stroll from Shanklin Old Village, famous for its thatched cottages, quirky gift shops and traditional tea rooms. Shanklin Theatre is just a two-minute walk from the house or if you fancy a day at the seaside, Shanklin Seafront and its amusements are also nearby.

This superb, detached, seven-bedroom, English thatched country cottage is a delightful holiday home which offers many original architectural features in keeping with the character of a period house, such as beams, leaded windows, original inglenook fireplace and thatched roof. Offering spacious, tastefully styled accommodation, this wonderful thatched country home makes an ideal base for families or couples wishing to stay in the New Forest National Park and close to the sea.

With no close neighbours and surrounded by fields on all sides, the property has 4 acres of gardens, with the outdoor heated swimming pool (heated June, July and August) being the focal point of the rear garden, easily reached through two sets of large French doors from the spacious kitchen. There is also a large area for playing ball games, two other large lawns, a double barbecue and outdoor furniture. The owners have a separate annexe adjacent to the property.

The property is located just 3 miles from Lymington and within the New Forest National Park itself, which is a haven for wildlife, with many roaming ponies across the heathland, extensive walking, cycling and riding routes. There is plenty to do in the area for all ages, all year round. The popular sailing town of Lymington is only a 5-minute drive, with its pretty harbour, cobbled pedestrianised streets, boutiques, eateries, pubs and day trips to Isle of Wight by ferry. Other places of interest include Beaulieu Motor Museum, Bucklers Hard, Marwell Zoo, Peppa Pig at Paultons Park, New Forest Owl and Otter Park and Southampton, to name but a few. The property is also within easy reach of many beaches, including Mudeford, Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth, the nearest beach being less than two miles away. There is a local convenience shop a 2-minute drive away (800 yards) and a local pub and restaurant within walking distance (600 yards).

The owners have an annex in the grounds where they often stay, one end of which is just a few yards away from Silverland’s back door, but they have their own entrance, drive, car park and garden, all separate to Silverland. All the windows and doors of the annex are double glazed, kept closed and have blackout blinds and curtains drawn to ensure your privacy. Unless you need the owner’s assistance for anything, you will not see them from arrival to departure, but they are happy to help if necessary - the choice is yours.