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.

More than just a place to lay your head, Pinkmead Estate is a dog-friendly vineyard on the river-front with expansive grounds and meticulously maintained lawns.

Within the embrace of Pinkmead Estate, the main house unfolds as an inviting haven, ready to accommodate a group of six with utmost comfort.

The Old Workshop is a stunning barn conversion, situated on a working farm in the heart of Mid Suffolk in the tranquil village of Stowupland, beautifully renovated to create a modern, warm, and welcoming holiday retreat. The Old Workshop boasts all you could need for a fantastic stay including a top of the range wood-burning hot tub which will have the fire ready for you to light. The spacious open plan living room and kitchen features a panoramic window with incredible countryside views, this window also overlooks the farms equestrian arena. You don’t need to worry about privacy as The Old Workshop features funky blinds fitted to the glass, which can be positioned any which way for optimum privacy. You can rustle up a fantastic feast on the Range style oven in the gorgeous kitchen or throw open the patio doors and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the private courtyard, al fresco style. This is quintessential Suffolk at its best.
This stunning pet friendly holiday home is located in Stowupland in central Suffolk close to the market town of Stowmarket which enjoys a main line train link to London Liverpool Street. It is within easy driving distance of the cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket the home of racing, Cambridge, Clare, Long Melford and Lavenham to the west and the Heritage Coastal towns of Aldeburgh, Southwold, Woodbridge and Thorpeness to the east.

Eastacombe is a traditional, detached village cottage that has undergone a complete transformation, having been totally renovated and extended in 2022/23. Access by car is easy to Eggesford Forest (10 miles towards Exeter), with the local country pub just a bit further along the A377 where you can have lunch before a walk in the woods. If you like a round of golf, more locally is Libbaton Golf Club at High Bickington, just 3 miles away, where anyone can have a game along with a beer or two and a meal.
The amazing accommodation on offer comprises four bedrooms on the first floor; two with lovely en-suites and all with Smart TVs. On the ground floor you’ll find the fifth bedroom, plus there’s a handy additional wet room. The living spaces include a huge open plan living space with a kitchen and large breakfast bar, as well as all the cooking utensils you may need. If you fancy relaxing away from the rest of the group there’s a gorgeous snug with a cosy wood burner at the front of the cottage. Outside you’ll find the patio and lawned garden, with a purpose built outdoor cooking area with a pizza oven and barbecue, and then there’s the hot tub you can relax in under the stars. And if you fancy some entertaining, you’ll love the games room which has pool and table tennis tables, table football and a dart board, plus a games console and its own toilet.
Within easy reach by car are the county’s two National Parks; Exmoor and Dartmoor. The location is 8 miles from the regional capital town of Barnstaple with its many cafés and restaurants, Queens Theatre, multi-screen cinema, leisure centre with swimming pool, a purpose-built tennis centre with indoor and outdoor courts, and an indoor trampoline centre. Just 30 miles to the south is the historic city of Exeter.
North Devon is famed for its fantastic natural attractions such as Exmoor National Park, with its magical night skies in Europe’s first ’Dark Sky Reserve’, the many rugged coastal towns and quaint villages such as Lynton and Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and the world-famous Clovelly Village. If stunning beaches are your thing, then the region will leave you spoilt for choice with Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! Beaches. The fantastic South West Coast Path runs through the region’s rugged coastline, perfect for walkers and view seekers and offering 90 miles of stunning walks.

This property occupies an idyllic and private position situated in the grounds of the owner’s home benefiting from good walks and cycle routes direct from the doorstep with access to the Marriotts Way. The lovely market town of Reepham, with The Dial House (boutique hotel restaurant), pub, cafés, antiques shops, butcher and supermarket situated around a historic market square is under a mile away.
Oozing with character glass bi-folding doors extending along the property flood the contemporary and spacious open plan living area with light and provide views across farmland beyond. After a busy day exploring, gather around the wood burner to relax and unwind. Each bedroom benefits from an en-suite bathroom which makes this property the perfect place for couples travelling together, providing everyone with their own private space. Traditional stable doors in both rooms open out onto the large enclosed south-facing courtyard.
The Cowshed enjoys a convenient location providing easy access to both the North Norfolk Coastline and the Norfolk Broads.
The Norfolk coastline has a wealth of sandy beaches, including Wells-next-the-Sea, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Horsey, and the traditional seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham are both within an hour’s drive. You will also find RSPB nature reserves, bird reserves and coastal paths nearby. Guests visiting between the months of December and February, make sure you visit Horsey Beach for your chance to spot hundreds of grey seals and pups along the shore.
Wroxham is 17 miles away and is known as the ’Capital of the Broads’. 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 fora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, kingfishers or the elusive bittern (one of the rarest species of birds in the UK).
National Trust properties in the vicinity include Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Sheringham Park and Horsey Windpump. Nearby is the 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. Norwich city is 15 miles away and has a cathedral and a 12th-century Norman castle.
Families with young children will enjoy trips to the Dinosaur Adventure Park, Pensthopre (nature reserve, indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds) BeWILDerwood (tree top and woodland adventure park), and Holt Country Park with miles of trails to explore; seasonal activities held during school holidays like mini beast safaris, treasure hunts and guided ranger walks. Beach 18 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Take a beautiful Peak District National Park setting, just 3½ miles from Bakewell, add a historic hall (first recorded in the Domesday Book), and an ancient cluster of listed buildings converted to form superb holiday cottage accommodation, and the result is the captivating blend that is Harthill Hall.

Nestling in 14 acres of grounds on an upland called Priest’s Hill with excellent walking available from the doorstep, the properties have the use of an extensive range of leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium and treatment rooms. Noble names have woven the threads of the hall’s long history including Henry de Ferrers, the Cokaynes and the Harthills. Henry VIII is also believed to have stayed at the hall.

It was here in 1259 that Sir Richard de Hartle was issued a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander II, allowing him to appoint his own chaplain. The chapel ceased its functions as a place of worship in 1546 and now takes the form of The Chapel and Hartle Cottage. The eight cottages are furnished with antiques and surround a medieval cobbled courtyard. They all retain a wealth of original features including thick stone walls, large oak beams, mullion windows and flagstone floors. Derbyshire’s bustling market towns, villages, hills, dales and rivers offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of customs. Boasting a varied and beautiful landscape, they offer a blend of heritage, history and family attractions.

The beautiful market town of Bakewell (3½ miles) is situated on the River Wye, crossed by a 13th-century five-arched bridge which has coffee shops and restaurants. Within easy reach are Matlock, Hall Leys Park, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Buxton. National Trust properties and gardens nearby include Riley Graves, Longshaw, Mam Tor, South Peak, Dovedale, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall. Close by are both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Golf and horse riding are available within 5 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub 1 mile.

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 stunning Victorian mansion has been renovated in 2020 to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Large, social living areas with an open flow make Harbour Retreat the perfect escape for all your friends and family. It has been finished to a very high standard with a real touch of elegance and this luxurious, modern space is incredibly light and airy throughout. With many different aspects, this allows sunlight to pour into the property creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Soak up the sun in the private rear courtyard and enjoy a nice glass of wine in the evening or snuggle up in either of the two living rooms. Perfect for celebrating that special occasion or just getting everyone together, this detached holiday home is sure to create many happy memories and a fantastic stay.
Just a short walk away is the medieval and historic hilltop town of Rye. With its famous cobbled streets, lined with interesting historic buildings, an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, interesting art galleries and museums, as well as cosy and inviting pubs. Head to the harbour for quiet beaches, picturesque walks and coastal birdlife.
Rye is steeped in history and is well worth exploring, with a range of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and historical sites. Wander through the historic Landgate and along the cobbled streets to admire the House with Two Doors (filmed as part of the BBC Series ‘Mapp and Lucia’ and the infamous Mermaid Street). Take lunch at one of the lovely pubs serving food, followed by a visit to Rye Pottery for a creative afternoon. The glorious long sandy beaches and dunes of Camber Sands are also just 5 miles up the road. For wine enthusiasts, Chapel Down and Gusbourne Vineyards are well worth a visit where local wine can be sampled or enjoyed within the restaurant. Further afield are the interesting historic towns of Hastings and Battle. The Old Town in Hastings is a popular historic area with numerous traditional pubs with a vibrant music scene. A busy day of exploration can be rounded off with fish and chips on the seafront. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.