Earlier this year, figures released by Hotels.com showed a 70% increase in customers searching for dog friendly hotels. This is something that is close to my heart. As an owner of three beautiful but rather quirky dogs, leaving them at home to go on holiday fills me with dread but often I struggle to find accommodation that will let me bring my dogs and is still actually the kind of place I want to stay! So what do I do? Well the options are I either go on holiday without my beloved dogs or I compromise and stay somewhere not so nice, that’s if I can find anywhere at all. We all know there’s a huge lack of dog friendly accommodation out there!
Dog-friendly Cabin
When we first decided to build a log cabin that we could rent out to guests, this was something that was in the front of our minds. Wouldn’t it be great to design holiday accommodation that not only allows humans to bring their dogs but which provides some luxury too? And so we set out to design our first property with dog owners in mind . We made sure their was a secure area for dogs to roam in and included things that would make your dog’s stay enjoyable such as dog beds and drinking bowls.
Apple tree cottage
Similarly, this year when we decided to redevelop our colonial style home, Apple Tree Cottage and turn it into a holiday letting, we had even more ideas of what we wanted to do to make it just perfect for dog owners. The enclosed garden is perfect for them to play in, while we also make sure we include baked dog treats by Betty Miller, a local brand from the south of England, in our welcome packs.
Farm pleasures for dogs and their humans
But it’s not just the work we have put into designing the properties that make them perfect for dogs. We are very lucky that both our properties are located on our farm – 90 acres of playground for pooches. There are bridleways and footpaths across the farm so there is no need to get in the car to go for walks. Furthermore, there are plenty of direct walks to dog friendly pubs and farm shops in the village, as well as slightly further afield, in neighbouring villages. At the end of the day you can return to your accommodation, relax in front of the wood burning stove or outside in front of the BBQ and unwind to the sounds of the countryside.
So If you are looking to escape the rat race to explore the English countryside but don’t want to leave your dog behind, take a look at our properties and consider booking one for your next weekend away. You and your pup can holiday in luxury together.