Dog-friendly Cottage Getaways

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.

The perfect setting for a family gathering or a stay with friends, Hampton House is bright, elegant and chic. This friendly home from home welcomes twelve guests and a dog, and if it’s been too long since you whiled away lazy evenings with your favourite people you’ll find everything you need to relax.

The living space has a crackling log burner perfect for those cosy evenings spent catching up with a bottle of bubbly, and the French doors lead straight out to the garden. There’s an Xbox 360 to keep the group entertained, and you’ll find another living space on the first floor complete with a window seat with views of the bay. There is also a new large glass first floor balcony overlooking the stunning Freshwater Bay, new for 2024!

Outside, the enclosed, lawned garden has plenty of space to sit back and watch the food sizzle on the barbeque, and we can’t think of a better way to while away a summer’s day. There’s patio furniture for those of you happy to sit back, close your eyes and just enjoy the setting, and if you fancy some time on the beach, you’ll be able to pack up a picnic and head across the road to the sand.

Those of you hoping to take in some of the Wight’s scenery with coastal walks will be in your element, and with the iconic Tennyson Down nearby, you’ll have plenty of reason to get your walking boots on. The surfers amongst you will enjoy nearby Compton Beach, and for other water sports enthusiasts, you’ll find Freshwater Bay a stones throw away - where you can hire sea kayaks to explore the caves or even go coasteering.

Golden Hill Fort is situated within 50 acres of Golden Hill Country Park. Originally built in 1863 in a distinctive hexagonal shape, which is elevated 60 metres above the north west coast of the Isle of Wight. This spectacular Grade I listed building has now been beautifully converted into 18 luxury houses.

Internally, the property offers brick barrel vaulted ceilings with coloured LED mood lighting, solid oak floors with underfloor heating and high quality appliances. Externally, the communal rooftop gardens (approximately 5,500 square metres), offers stunning, panoramic 360 degree views across the Solent, English Channel and the countryside. These are the only landscaped rooftop gardens on a Grade I listed building in the country. The central courtyard is where the parking spaces are located and features a large water fountain.

West Wight is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the ideal spot for catching a glimpse of the local wildlife, walking or just enjoying the beautiful countryside. From here take a visit to one of the island’s many attractions including Freshwater Bay, Alum Bay’s famous coloured cliffs or the Needles, one of Britain’s most famous landscapes.

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.

Located in the village of Lake, between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, the property is set adjacent to the owner’s home. The chalet benefits from a fully enclosed south-facing rear garden and has a rear gate that provides access directly out onto the cliff top coastal path, presenting you with a stunning view over Sandown Bay and its pier.
The beach at Lake can be accessed from a set of steps from the top of the cliff path, alternatively you can gain access from Shanklin or Sandown Esplanades via a short walk in either direction along the sea wall. Because this beach is tucked away and not as straightforward to reach, it is very often quieter than its resort neighbours Sandown and Shanklin during the busier months, making it a peaceful alternative for a day on the beach. As the waters are quieter, this is a great beach for surfing and water sports, as the sea is shallow and clear. There is an instructional school which is located nearby that offers a whole range of activities for all ages and abilities, there’s also a café and barbecue area which is always popular during the summer season. There’s also beach huts which you can look to hire and a number of benches to sit on along the sea wall path when the tide is further in. The walk along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin along the back of the beach is highly recommended as it offers a wide, flat path which is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
For guests choosing to visit the island without their car, a favourable way to reach the property is to take the Wightlink Fast Cat service to Ryde Pier head and then the train to Lake Station which is only a 3-minute walk from the property. The island has become a real hot spot for cycling enthusiasts, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines. You can cycle across the width of the island to the famous Needles landmark, or try the full round the island route, which is 66 miles long and is used for the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee held over the bank holiday in May. You can also travel along the route at a more leisurely pace, stopping off along the way at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafés that can be found in the quaint villages and towns.
Sandown is a truly traditional British beach resort with pier, amusements, pitch ’n’ putt, Isle of Wight Zoo, children’s play area and the Dinosaur Isle attraction at the northern end of the esplanade towards Yaverland and Culver Cliff. The town is brimming with attractions to entertain visitors, most of them right on the beach front itself, so you never have to stray too far from the golden sands. At the other end of the path you will reach Shanklin Esplanade which is again packed full of amusements and crazy golf, as well as several places to eat. Away from the beach the main town hosts a multitude of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The old village is world famous with its pretty thatched cottages, cosy tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and craft shops to discover. Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, paragliding, golf and water sports. There are numerous attractions across the island to discover for all ages, such as The Needles (with its chairlift, amusement park, boat rides, lighthouse and coloured sands of Alum Bay), Blackgang Chine, Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park and Carisbrooke Castle - or why not pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens? The sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes also make for a great day out. Beach 500 yards. Shops, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Shoreline Cottage is a charming, Victorian, former navy coastguard cottage, situated on the sea front, overlooking Sandown’s popular wide sandy beach. This delightful terraced, three-bedroom, three reception room cottage has undergone careful renovation, yet still retains some original features, such as exposed brick fire surround. Stunning sea views can be enjoyed from the rooms at the front. Perfect for families, there are plenty of games, books, DVDs and a bike store.
Sandown is ideal for families and those who like cliff-top walks, cycling, fishing and golf. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and the pier and its amusements, all within 5 minutes’ walk. Also nearby is the Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle, pitch and putt, trampolines, crazy golf and the Heights Leisure Centre with indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam spa. Further afield, visit Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Flamingo Park, Blackgang Chine, Robin Island Adventure Park, Amazon World, steam railway, the garlic farm, Ventnor Botanical Gardens or a donkey sanctuary. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.