Back of Beyond, St Ives

Back of Beyond lives up to its name: a secluded barn conversion in the countryside near St Ives, in far-west Cornwall, with sweeping views over the surrounding fields and the Atlantic beyond. It is a warm, characterful place to stay, and it is one of the more genuinely dog-focused properties you will find, with owners who go out of their way to make visiting dogs welcome.

Guests travelling with dogs are almost unanimous in their praise. The hosts leave dog towels alongside the welcome treats for the humans, the tiled floors make cleaning up after a muddy walk easy, and there is straightforward access from the house out to a large garden that dogs clearly love. The Aga keeps the kitchen cosy on colder days, and more than one guest has described their dog happily stretched out on the mat in front of it. The location adds to the appeal: good pubs are within walking distance, scenic coastal walks start nearby, and St Ives and Penzance are both within easy reach.

One caveat matters enough to call out clearly. Although the large garden is a real highlight, it is not fully enclosed, despite being described that way. At least one guest found several points where a dog could get out, with the garden backing onto neighbouring plots. Treat it as a wonderful space to enjoy with your dog rather than a secure area to leave a dog unsupervised, and keep an eye out or use a long line if your dog is a wanderer.

Back of Beyond suits dog owners looking for a remote, characterful Cornish bolthole with coastal walks and dog-friendly pubs close by, and who are happy to supervise their dogs in a garden that is generous but not escape-proof.