Fido Family Friendly Places

A historic and charming dog-friendly hotel in the picturesque Kenn Valley near Exeter which offers a delightful retreat immersed in the enchanting landscapes of Devon.

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.

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.

The Old Roundhouse is a unique escape in sumptuous accommodation, the perfect holiday retreat in genuine peace and tranquillity. This stunning, spacious, detached barn conversion with original roundhouse enjoys total seclusion within its own large gardens on the edge of the owner’s farm, with no near neighbours. Nestling in this designated AONB, uninterrupted and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside abound and lovely walks can be enjoyed from the property. A 10-minute walk over the owner’s fields and woods leads to Hartland village with shops, three pubs and a lovely coffee shop. Sandy Spekes beach is just over a mile walk. A fabulous, picturesque, hidden treasure, great for rockpooling and surfing. The owners have maintained many original features - exposed internal stone walls, beams and wonderful slate floors with underfloor heating throughout. Everything has been thought of to ensure an incredible holiday to please everyone. The Old Roundhouse is a really special holiday home and a warm welcome awaits with complimentary chilled beer and wine, cream teas, fresh flowers and toiletries - all ingredients for a well earned break. The stunning World Heritage coastline abounds with family activities, from pretty beaches to hidden coves, once the haunt of smugglers. Hartland Abbey is worth a visit, as is the famous Clovelly. Bude and Bideford are within easy reach with their shops, attractions and leisure pursuits. Shops ½ mile.

Set amid 10½-acre grounds, complete with outdoor heated swimming pool, games room with pool table and darts, mini-gym and children’s play area, these six holiday properties (26767, 26768, 27123, UKC284, UKC285 and UKC1844) occupy a beautiful setting. Named after British apples, they have been imaginatively converted from former fruit barns. On arrival, dive into the welcome pack.
All the properties at Horselake have a private garden or courtyard, whilst enjoying the freedom to roam the grounds and make the most of the shared facilities. Ideal for exploring South Devon with its stunning coastline, and resorts such as Dawlish and Teignmouth. Rugged Dartmoor is only a short drive, and many family attractions are within easy reach including National Trust-owned Castle Drogo, Fingle Bridge, the Teign Gorge, and Canonteign Falls and Country Park. The properties are within 10 miles of the old cathedral city of Exeter, with its many varied attractions including a racecourse, shopping, antique shops, guided tours and a host of summer festivals. Fishing on the River Teign, 3 miles. Golf 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

Situated in a quiet rural location, Bardon Lodge is a spacious property attached to the owner’s home and set within 10 acres of grounds. The property is surrounded by fields and woodland, yet close enough to all amenities. The property has been decorated and furnished to a very good standard and is all on one level with both bedrooms having en-suite facilities. There is a living room with patio doors which lead to the decking area, ideal for dining al fresco. The sitting room also has patio doors leading out to the garden. The owner has horses and free range chickens may even come and visit!
There are so many places to visit and so easy to get to. Take a trip to Totnes where there are many shops, markets and walks along the riverbank. Dartmoor is just a short car ride where you can see the ponies, walk the Tors or simply stop off in one of the many villages for a Devon cream tea. Paignton, Torquay and Brixham are also great places to visit, as are Exeter and Plymouth, both within 30 minutes’ drive. There are many National Trust properties including Agatha Christie’s summer home ’Greenway’, well worth a visit. For the children, there is Crealy Adventure park, or Go Ape in Haldon. If you are bringing a bicycle, there are many cycle ways off road to be explored, including Powderham Castle where there is a cycle track all along the estuary. There is so much to see and do in this glorious part of Devon. Beach 6 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestling amidst glorious Devon countryside, these stylish lodges (refs W43657, W43658 and W43659) are the perfect choice for a relaxing country retreat, yet only 1 mile away from the small market town of Holsworthy, with its local shops, pubs and cafés. These eco-friendly, detached, contemporary lodges with grass roofs are well-appointed and comfortable. They have been built to high specifications and finished to a very good standard. The spacious open plan living areas have lovely views across the fishing lakes and countryside, and the French doors lead to a decked area, where you can enjoy a lazy breakfast whilst planning your day. Each property has received a gold award from The Green Tourism Business Scheme. Guests are free to enjoy the owners 19 acres of land, including 10 acres of nature walks and picnic spots. Anglers can enjoy some coarse fishing on the two well-stocked fishing lakes, and children will love the play area with a play boat.
The wide golden sands of Bude and Widemouth Bay are just 10 miles away, with excellent surfing, pretty coves and dramatic coastal walks, along with shopping and leisure facilities. Holsworthy, has a good selection of local shops and supermarkets, along with a leisure centre and weekly market. The market towns of Launceston and Okehampton are a short drive away, and the rugged coastlines of North Devon and Cornwall are just 9 miles away, where there is beautiful scenery and excellent surfing opportunities. Coastal and country walking, golf, surfing, fishing, horse riding and cycling are all available close by, and for family fun, The Big Sheep and The Milky Way Adventure Park are not to be missed. These superb lodges are a fantastic holiday choice whatever time of the year. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 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.