Bryn Dedwydd Farmhouse

Bryn Dedwydd Farmhouse is a large stone farmhouse at the end of a working farm track near Pentrefoelas, in the Conwy hills between Betws-y-Coed and Llangollen. It is built for the kind of trip where two or three families travel together with the dogs in tow. Parties of ten and eleven with a couple of dogs are routine here, and the house absorbs them: downstairs bedrooms, two lounges, a games room with pool, table football and table tennis, and a garage with darts.

Up to two dogs are welcome. Dog owners consistently describe a relaxed, unfussy welcome from the owner, who lives locally and is quick to answer the phone, and the house itself is set up for muddy returns, with two log burners, two utility rooms and hard-wearing furnishings throughout. A frequent observation from guests who bring dogs is that this is a genuine farmhouse rather than a boutique conversion, and that is exactly why it works with animals.

The important caveat is the garden. It is lawned and the views are excellent, but it is not enclosed, and there is livestock in the neighbouring fields; sheep have been seen grazing on the lawn itself. Several groups travelling with dogs have said they had to take turns walking their dogs on the lead rather than letting them out to run, and the suggestion that a short run of fencing would transform the place comes up more than once. Plan for lead-only garden time.

Local footpaths are worth checking before you set off, too. Guests with larger dogs have found the stiles around the property wet, mossy and awkward, to the point of walking on the road instead. Housekeeping has also drawn complaints on occasion, including greasy kitchenware on arrival and the garden being fouled by animals from neighbouring houses.

Best suited to a big group with two dogs who want space, games and a quiet base for Eryri, and who do not mind keeping the dogs on leads outside the house.