Fido Family Friendly Places

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 is a very special place! Set on the edge of the Suffolk heritage coastline near the ‘secret’ beach of Covehithe, this detached house is surrounded by blue skies, views of fields, woodlands, and nature reserves. The perfect retreat for larger families and groups looking for relaxation, fun and adventures. It is also close to Southwold and has easy access out into the surrounding towns and villages of Suffolk. Within walking distance is the village of Wrentham, with a village shop, pubs and superb café/deli, ideal for getting breakfast.
This country house has spacious accommodation with every care taken to present an exceptional holiday experience. It has large sociable areas, a warm snug with a wood burner for winter cosiness and some downstairs accommodation for those with mobility restrictions. It also has a huge swim-spa and beautiful gardens to enjoy. There is a porch with useful storage leading to the open plan living room, dining area and kitchen. The living area has comfortable seating here for everyone as well as benefitting from a Smart TV and huge bi-fold doors that lead out to the garden and spa. The dining area is complete with dining table and chairs for eleven guests, and the kitchen is equipped with everything you may need to rustle up a homely meal. Downstairs is a snug which can be used as a bedroom (includes mattress topper. wardrobe and blackout curtains) with a Smart TV, and there is also a downstairs bathroom with a big Jacuzzi bath and large rainfall shower. Upstairs are four bedrooms all with wonderful field and woodland views. Outside, make use of the bubbling swim pool/spa with seated jacuzzi area, jets and swim against ’pool’ area, there is a dry ’dome’ to dry off in with towel dryer and warm towels.
When you book will be in touch to help you organise any special requirements such as cocktail mixer to visit, catering including private chef, graze boards, afternoon teas or breakfasts delivered, party decorations or flowers, and bike hire.
Country walks are available all around, and the sea is only a walk or short bike ride away. The Suffolk heritage coastline has fabulous beaches to enjoy. Explore Southwold, a fantastic seaside town with pier, historic lighthouse and high street lined with independent shops and boutiques. RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich heath, offering opportunities for spotting birds and connecting with wildlife, with excellent walks available. For great days out visit Snape Maltings, Framlingham Castle, Halesworth Museum, Yoxford Antiques Centre and Gardens and Easton Farm Park. Vibrant market town of Beccles boasts independent boutiques and chain shops, with an excellent collection of eateries, including fine dining to many cafés serving home-made cakes and savouries to delight many palates. The weekly market is excellent for all things local, and there is an open air heated outdoor swimming pool, popular with many local swimmers and gateway to the Famous Norfolk Broads National Park. Beach 1½ mile. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Set in the owners’ 7-acres of grounds and surrounded by farmland, these two detached barn conversions stand adjacent to one another. The Old Stables has its own enclosed garden, and its own private hot tub, with delightful open countryside views and has been well-furnished to provide a perfect holiday home at any time of year. Burfields Barn has en-suite bathrooms to all bedrooms, a wealth of exposed beams and the wood burner in the open-plan living/dining room/kitchen ensures a warm welcome all year round. Burfields Barn also benefits from a private indoor heated pool and games room. Outside, there is a large enclosed courtyard for al fresco dining and shared use of 7-acres of grounds for guests to enjoy. Catering is also available by prior arrangement with the owner.

The properties provide an excellent base for walking, cycling or bird watching, but are conveniently situated to explore the delightful market towns and villages of Suffolk. Stowmarket, 10 miles, is home to the Museum of East Anglian Life, has a wide range of shops and restaurants and direct train links to London Liverpool Street Station. Bury St Edmunds with its cathedral, abbey grounds and Georgian theatre, the market town of Diss and the county towns of Ipswich, Norwich and Colchester are all within easy reach. Slightly further afield are the unspoilt delights of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, including Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Walberswick, Southwold and the ancient burial ground at Sutton Hoo (National Trust). Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. Burfields Barn (ref 29880) and The Old Stables (ref W44247) can be booked together to accommodate up to 15 guests. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Set deep in the beautiful Cornish countryside, this Grade II listed, detached barn conversion is a real escape from the crowds, whilst being less than 3 miles to some of the county’s best beaches - most notably Crantock, Holywell Bay and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Gannel estuary in Newquay.
The area is full of tourist attractions, both man-made and natural. Amongst the best are Crealy Adventure Park, Lapps Valley Steam Railway, Dairyland, Newquay Zoo, National Trust owned Trerice House and Gardens, through to the beautiful beaches of Newquay (of which there are over 8), the dunes at Holywell Bay and Perranporth and the tranquil Gannel Estuary. The Gannel is a firm favourite with birdwatchers, kayakers and windsurfers and a perfect place for a walk with the dogs and a picnic.
Newquay with its surfing culture is within 4 miles and guests can enjoy discounted surf hire and lessons. Try your hand at this exhilarating sport with local surf coaches. Horse riding, deep sea fishing trips, kayaking and sightseeing trips are all available in and around Newquay. The famous Fistral Beach provides everything you need for that quintessential ingredient of any beach holiday, crabbing and rock pooling, followed by a beach barbecue as the sun sets out to sea. Just a few miles up the coast you will find Watergate Bay, home to a watersports centre, plus a mile of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs that make this area so unique.
Further along the coast road will bring you to Padstow, home to the gastronomic empire of Rick Stein including his fish and chip shop, where you have to get there early to avoid the queues. Padstow, with its quaint working harbour and narrow cobbled streets that all gravitate back the harbour, are awash with craft and gift shops, galleries and cafés and a real must for all that visit the area. The Camel Trail starts here and bike hire is plentiful at the start. The Eden project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Ives, Port Isaac, home to TV’s ’Doc Martin’, Fowey, and Truro, the county capital are all easily reached from Trescowthick and are all a must to enjoy the diverse aspects of this historic county. Beach 3 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Nestling in the grounds of a large farmhouse in a rural position, this delightful single storey barn conversion has been skilfully renovated retaining exposed beams and trusses. The holiday property has an advantage of catering for large parties with a connecting door to the adjacent property (W7922) increasing the accommodation to 28, which makes it ideal for a large family get together. It has shared facilities with a floodlit all weather surface tennis court (equipment not provided), a small pool table and if desired, a catering service (arranged direct with the owner). This perfect location is on the edge of the tiny village of Somersal Herbert, approximately 9 miles south of the popular Derbyshire market town of Ashbourne and convenient for visiting The Potteries and Alton Towers, one of the largest theme parks in the country. Enjoy Derwent Crystal Factory at Shawcroft, the Antiques and Collectors Centre at Bakewell, the ’Heights of Abraham’ cable car rides and caves at Matlock Bath. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Part of a working farm specialising in several pedigree breeds of sheep, are these two delightful properties boast a wealth of period detail in exposed beams and stone walls. The 16th century listed cottage on three floors (ref W4023), has a ground floor bedroom and shower room with wheelchair access and extensive views from the principal rooms towards Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean. The old detached barn conversion (ref W40058) has large picture windows that give extensive views over beautiful countryside from the principal rooms which include six bedrooms, a large farm-style kitchen and living room. They are perfect for family get-togethers and anniversary parties with ideal facilities available. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities nearby and other local attractions include Goodrich and Monmouth Castles. Canoeing and fishing on the River Wye, 10 minutes away, are popular, Glen Cottage (W4023) has a useful utility room with plenty of room to store fishing equipment. There is a butterfly zoo and maze within 2 miles, a swimming pool within 4 miles and Go Ape in the Forest of Dean. The market towns of Ross-on-Wye, 5 miles, and Ledbury, 12 miles away, while the historic cathedral cities of Hereford and Gloucester are 23 miles. The Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons, Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds are within easy reach, making it an ideal base for those interested in climbing, walking and touring holidays. Ideal for golfers with a golf course within 5 miles. Fishing can also be found nearby. The owner can provide stabling for 2 horses. Hot air balloon flights available (at cost). Pub with restaurant is within easy walking access. There is extensive parking available. Shop 1½ miles, pub ½ mile and restaurant 2 miles.

Mole Hall is a beautiful, detached, thatched 18th-century barn conversion, in the heart of the Devon countryside. The property takes advantage of far reaching rural views from many rooms and is only a 20-minute drive from the thriving market town of Bideford.
Internally, the property is cosy with traditional features whilst having a modern touch. The open plan kitchen/dining area has access to the garden through French doors that fill the room with light. The living room is on the first floor offering exposed beam ceilings and a seating area with a desk to relax and unwind. Externally, the property has a lawned garden and patio with garden furniture, perfect for enjoying the afternoon sun. There is a lake on-site which is stocked with carp perfect for any keen fishermen.
North Devon holds many interesting attractions for all ages. RHS Rosemoor is approximately a 10-minute drive away from the property, and is an internationally renowned collection of gardens. The Tarka Trail is also nearby which features a series of footpaths and cycle paths that go around north Devon following the route taken by Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. The Milky Way Adventure Park is also only a half hour drive from the property and is a great family day out. Home of north Devon’s biggest indoor adventure play area with assault courses and slides built for adults and children along with shows and displays to enjoy too.
Only an hours drive away is Exmoor National Park offering an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles. A unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland; shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. Where high cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel, and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce.

This superb wing of Grade II listed Islington Hall, which is adjacent to the owner’s home, has been refurbished for 2018 and benefits from a large garden and a private hot tub to sit back and relax in after a day spent exploring the area. There is plenty for all the family to see and do, from Her Majesty’s country retreat at Sandringham, 20 minutes by car, and the sandy beaches of Heacham and Hunstanton to the medieval town of King’s Lynn, which is just a short drive away. Hunstanton is a traditional seaside resort and offers good days out for all the family, as does Heacham, which has been a seaside resort for over 150 years. For children there is Church Farm, 10 miles south of King’s Lynn, where you can meet the animals and enjoy refreshment in the farm café/restaurant. Snettisham is great for spotting the birdlife that inhabits this stretch of the Norfolk coastline and you can often see thousands of wading birds in the spring, or sit and watch the birds on the lagoon islands. Beach 17 miles. Nearby there is horse-riding, golf, fishing and roller skating. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

This large and spacious detached house is right in the middle of Cornwall and only 7 miles from each coast. It is the perfect spot for families to reunite and enjoy this stunning county. The village sits only two minutes from the A30, making it a great touring base - you really can go anywhere from here very easily. This house is brimming with history, not only because of its name ‘Littlewood’, so named as it was built by the very first winners of the Littlewoods football pools. During the 60s and 70s, the house was a secret retreat for celebrities and pop and rock stars to hide away from the glare of the media, and to get together, play some music and party. The house has had many guests including Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Marsha Hunt and The Small Faces. St Columb Road, with its branch line station sits on the Newquay to Par train line, meaning you can stroll down the road and catch a train to Newquay on the north coast or to Par on the south coast, where you can connect with the mainline train and tour Cornwall without the need to drive.
Newquay Airport is a mere 3 miles away with links to the Scilly Isles, London Gatwick and many more UK airports, which means that you could fly down making your stay a car-free trip. Newquay, with its 11 beaches and vibrant surf culture including many excellent schools and hire shops, is a great place to unwind on the sandy beaches, walk along the dramatic coast path or simply relax in a beachside bar or restaurant. The town has a zoo and working harbour where you can take a sea fishing trip to catch supper for the barbecue back at the house.
Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s foodie empire including a cookery school and seafood restaurant, is a must. The town, with its narrow cobbled streets that gravitate towards the pretty working harbour, is a delight, a jewel on this stunning coast. Walk the streets, enjoy a pint or enjoy a pasty, try a cream tea (jam first) or hire bikes at one of the many cycle hire shops. Cycle on the Camel Trail, a flat multi-use trail that clings to the shoreline of the Camel River as it flows inland towards the market town of Wadebridge, and eventually Bodmin and Bodmin Moor. You could also cycle through the village and up onto Goss Moor, following the heritage cycle route. After taking in the ancient moors and clay works, why not stop off and enjoy a treat on your return at the village’s acclaimed fish and chip shop?
The south coast, 7 miles, with its more forgiving temperate climate, is easily reached, and a whole new world opens up in Charlestown, a World Heritage Site and home to sailing ships. The town is regularly used as a television and film set, most recently for Poldark and Taboo and many Hollywood films. The village is full of great local pubs, art shops and galleries, and has its own spectacular beach and harbour.
Truro, Fowey, Mevagissey, St Austell and The Roseland Peninsula are all easily reached too and all worth a day out. St Ives, Lostwithiel, Falmouth and Penzance are all easily reached either by car or by train, making Littlewood the perfect spot to enjoy this amazing county. Horse riding, surfing, golf, cycling, a spa, shopping and go-karting are all available nearby. Beach 6 miles. Shop 100 yards, pub 1½miles and restaurant ½ mile.

The Retreat is a semi-detached, Grade II listed, stunning five bedroom country house nestled at the heart of the pretty Dorset Village of Burton Bradstock. Set just ½ mile from Hive Beach, on the world heritage Jurassic Coast, it’s perfectly located between Weymouth and Lyme Regis. The house itself is perfect for large family groups with stylish and flexible accommodation over three floors. The social hub is a large kitchen/dining room and is perfect to relax, cook and enjoy each other’s company. The stylishly furnished living room is the perfect space in which to relax after a busy day exploring.
The village of Burton Bradstock is a beautiful place to explore, with village inns, a restaurant and a superb café directly on Hive Beach. A little further afield is the harbour settlement of West Bay which is a spectacular place to while away a few hours. The pretty harbour has a back drop of stunning sandstone cliffs and beautiful beaches.
The Market towns of Dorchester and Bridport are a short drive away and offer a wide variety of independent shops and eateries. This luxury holiday home will have you enchanted from the moment you step inside, and will have you longing to return.
The Retreat can be booked together with Coach House Retreat (UK32202) to accommodate up to 17 guests.