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.

Enjoying uninterrupted views of the award-winning Mawgan Porth beach, this fantastic beach house is surrounded by a third of an acre of beautifully kept gardens with a large, sea facing, sun trap decking area, overlooking gently sloping lawns and a pretty stream that trickles down to the sea below. Solar panels help heat the house and water while providing free electrical car charging for our guests’ electric vehicle.

Over the past year (2022), the house has been renovated to the highest standards by one of the country’s leading interior designers and offers plenty of living space all benefitting from exceptional sea views and floor to ceiling sliding doors leading to a large decking area. The large circular fireplace makes for cosy evenings during the Autumn and Winter months. The brand-new handmade kitchen is well supplied with all creature comforts from a juicer to a selection of coffee machines, including a Nespresso. A door leads into a separate TV room with a big corner sofa, both with fabulous sea views and door to the terrace. Three ground floor bedrooms, ome with chandelier, two with those stunning views. A beautiful glass and oak staircase leads from the entrance hall up to the first floor where you will find three more bedrooms; a double bedroom with en-suite shower room; a large twin bedroom with large en-suite shower room, and one with a TV and sofa bed which enjoys the best views of all.

The beach is just a 5-minute walk away from the garden gate. Off the drive, there is a lawned area and to the side of the house a heated outdoor shower for when you return from the beach. The equipment store has a range of children’s wetsuits and storage for boards. Once cleaned off, you can luxuriate in the state-of-the-art Aspen and Spruce spa with a sauna, experiential shower plus cold water bucket for the brave. Situated mid-way between Padstow and Newquay, Mawgan Porth offers you a beautiful west facing beach, stunning scenery, wondrous walks, superb surfing, an amazing variety of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste and pocket, including a cosy pub, seafood restaurant, cafés, and takeaways all within walking distance of Blue Seas. Beach less than a 5 minute walk.

This pet-friendly, bright, semi-detached holiday home is comfortably furnished with plenty of personal touches. The property is situated down a quiet country lane and is surrounded by countryside. The patio doors from the living room lead to a lovely patio area with far-reaching views down to the Atlantic Coast, ideal for a morning cup of coffee or alfresco dining. Just over a mile outside Padstow, you are ideally situated to visit the many tourist attractions that the north coast has to offer. Padstow has an array of shops, pubs and restaurants, including Rick Stein’s fish restaurant. You are close to the Camel Trail, where you can walk or cycle along a disused railway track by the Camel Estuary, taking in the bird life, to Wadebridge and beyond to Bodmin. Just a short drive away are the many sandy beaches of the north coast, including Watergate Bay, the home of extreme watersports. Visit the famous surfing beaches of Newquay, as well as a zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Horse riding and golf nearby. Beach 2½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

The graceful spire of Holbeton church greets you first as you enter this tranquil Devon valley - along with a sign to let you know that you are now in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Then, almost immediately, you get your first glimpse of your stunningly beautiful detached property as you drive through the exquisite craftsman made metal gates. This unusual and much loved home is the perfect retreat. You will almost certainly take breakfast in the sun room as you plan your day, and, what could be a nicer start, than by feeding the koi carp in their 28 foot long, hand tiled water feature whilst sipping your first cuppa! The fully equipped kitchen opens onto the calm and inviting dining area that features a large marble top table. As you explore the house, you will first be delighted at the original art on the walls. Be prepared to have your breath taken away by the fabulous, handmade, wrought iron staircase and you’ll know that you are somewhere very special. The downstairs open plan living area is light and comfortable and perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the spectacular views. Should the weather keep you indoors, simply settle back with Netflix, for a truly cosy evening. The totally private landscaped gardens are yours to enjoy, as are an extra two acres of pasture which are perfect for dog walking. You can spend your afternoons chilling on the sunny, south facing deck watching the wildlife of this peaceful Devon valley.

Alternatively, take a 2-mile walk to the coast through secluded woodland to laze on sandy Mothecombe beach. Totnes, a handsome market town in the South Hams, is easily reached and river cruises can be taken from here down to Dartmouth during the summer months. The owner lives close by and is on hand for help and local knowledge. Whatever you decide, you’ll certainly want to round off the evening with a soak under the stars in your private hot tub with its magically lit amphitheatre. Your stay here at Pentire will rejuvenate and delight you and when you leave you will probably be planning your next visit before you even drive out of the gates! Please note that the koi carp pond can be covered with secure netting on request. Parents with small children should also be aware that the garden has an unfenced drop. Bird watching, horse riding, golf and fishing can all be found locally. Beach 2¼ miles. Shop pub and restaurant 150 yards.

Inchmurrin lodge is ideal for a family break. With 3 bedrooms and a sofa bed, this beautiful lodge sleeps up to 6 adults plus 1 child.

This wonderful detached cottage with wrap around private garden and hot tub is tucked away in peaceful countryside. Nestled near the village church within the very quaint, small and rural village of Norton Subcourse. It is within easy distance of the larger village of Loddon just a few minutes’ drive away and the pretty market town of Beccles, 14 minutes, with supermarkets, shops, cafés and regular market days.

Surrounded by open countryside, spectacular walks and excellent cycle routes can be enjoyed from the doorstep. The neighbouring village of Thurlton, ¾ miles, boasts a local shop and a friendly public house. The area has excellent road links providing easy access to both sandy beaches and the National Park Norfolk Broads for daily boat hire and river trips. Reedham Ferry, a chain linked ferry crossing, is just 2 miles away and takes you on a trip across the River Yare, with a pub serving good food awaiting on the opposite side, and miles more marshes and villages to explore.
Fishing is available along the River Yare (licence required). Enjoy a day trip to the medieval city of Norwich and explore its Norman castle, many museums, theatre and galleries. Two excellent indoor shopping malls, market square and an abundance of great places to eat and drink. Alternatively, explore the Norfolk Broads where you can join a tour or even charter your own day launch to explore the miles of waterways. Daily boat hire and river trips available at Loddon and Beccles. A 30-minute drive takes you to the traditional seaside resort of Great Yarmouth with its Golden Mile amusements, fun fair, waxworks, pitch and putt, Sea Life Centre and shopping centre. Suffolk coastline includes everything from traditional seaside resorts with good sandy beaches including Lowestoft, through to popular Southwold with its life boat museum, lighthouse, shops and pubs. Enjoy the thrills of Pleasurewood Hills American theme park, 12 miles away.
Relax and enjoy the tranquil grounds of Somerleyton Hall, 8 miles. Travel north to explore Cromer with its pier, working life boat centre, sandy beach and town centre. Blakeney Quay, historic Holt and the Royal Sandringham Estate are all within a 2 hour drive. For birdwatchers there are RSPB sites available locally. There are lots of amazing places to seek out which serve great seasonal and locally produced foods. With so much to see and do in the area, you will soon see why Norfolk is so high up on many visitor’s lists.Beach 13 miles. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant ¾ miles.

This super, unique, detached beach house includes two converted railway carriages, one of only a few to be seen along the south coast and enjoys a fabulous location directly on the seafront. Step onto the pebble beach via your private gate from the enclosed garden and enjoy miles of pebble/sandy beach – a haven for all ages, including children and dogs all year round! From the front it is deceptive, having been substantially extended, but once you approach the side entrance, the original features can be easily seen. Inside, the traditional carriage doors remain, and many of the rooms are set inside the former train carriages. Southern Bell offers tastefully styled, light, and airy holiday accommodation for families - with an enclosed patio garden, plenty of off-road parking and a short walk from the local shops, eateries/pubs, and harbour/sailing club. Hayling Island is renowned for its kitesurfing and sailing activities and local paddle - boarding and windsurfing lessons are available close by. Every year there is a national kitesurfing event, and a plethora of sailing and nautical activity can be seen along the coastline. Many activities can be enjoyed locally, including golf, fishing, cycling, boat trips and scenic walks along the water’s edge or along the South Downs National Park which are within easy reach. Chichester with its beautiful cathedral, festival theatre, pedestrianised shopping, leisure centre, Roman Villa and Goodwood or Fontwell races is worthy of a visit. Visit Portsmouth with waterside dining, ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, designer outlets, leisure facilities, Spinnaker Tower, Historic Dockyard including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, or the maritime history at Southampton. Winchester, with its cathedral and abbey, and The New Forest are within easy driving distance. Plenty of National Trust homes and gardens can also be discovered nearby. Beach 5 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

This stunningly presented semi-detached holiday barn makes the perfect location for a family break away or a couple’s retreat. Oozing with character and boasting riverside and countryside walks from the door, this property is in an idyllic location to get away from it all and relax with your loved ones. The living area boasts a fresh, roomy, contemporary living space with a vaulted ceiling and wooden floor, and has been furnished with elegant décor. At the end of a busy day you can gather around the wood burner to relax and unwind. The farmhouse kitchen/dining room is a great place to cook and dine. The property boasts a ground floor kingsize bedroom and stairs leading off the living room to the bathroom with shower over bath, while the second bedroom has zip and link twin beds, that can be made to form a super kingsize bed.
The outside area consists of a small patio with charcoal BBQ. Please be aware if bringing dogs that this area is not enclosed.
If you can break away from this beautiful property, why not head for a day out, the property has the ideal location for exploring the Norfolk Broads and the North Norfolk Coastline. Wroxham, 6 miles, known as the ’Capital of the Broads’ is usually the first port of call. Hiring a boat is arguably the best way to explore one of Britain’s finest wetlands or you can enjoy a river trip. Nature lovers are advised to bring binoculars, as the Norfolk Broads are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, kingfishers or the elusive bittern (one of the rarest species of birds in the UK). If you’d rather stay a little closer to home, the water meadow (with grazing cattle in summer), provides an ideal backdrop for riverside walks, fishing and canoeing.
The Norfolk coastline has a wealth of sandy beaches, RSPB nature and bird reserves, coastal paths and the traditional seaside towns of Cromer, 15 miles, and Sheringham, 19 miles, offer an array of activities for all ages. Mundesley, 12 miles, Sea Palling, 13 miles and Horsey, 17 miles, offer excellent wide sandy beaches. Fishing is available (in season and dependent on water levels) from the owner’s own riverbank and good walking and cycling can be found from the door. Nearby is Bure Valley Railway Line, a nostalgic 18-mile round trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway, running through pretty countryside between the historic market towns of Aylsham and Wroxham, stopping at Buxton, Coltishall for on/off exploring by foot and Alby Crafts Museum. National Trust properties in the vicinity include Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Sheringham Park and Horsey Windpump. Make sure you visit Horsey Beach between December and February for your chance to spot hundreds of grey seals and pups along the shore. Beach 12 miles. The village of Buxton has a pub, shop and a fish and chip shop 1¼ miles.