Erin Cottage, Pelynt

Erin Cottage is part of a restored barn on a farm near Pelynt, a few miles inland from Looe on the south Cornish coast, and it is about as relaxed a place to bring a dog as you will find. The grounds are large, well kept and open to guests, the owners are obviously animal people, with a resident dog and free-roaming chickens on the land, and dog owners describe their animals being welcomed everywhere on the property rather than confined to a room.

The cottage itself is comfortable rather than showy: tasteful decor, good beds and bedding, and a kitchen equipped for a full week of self-catering. Guests who found something missing say it appeared once they asked. Local shops are a couple of minutes away by car or a walk, and a supermarket delivery can be arranged to the door, which takes the pressure off arrival day when there is a dog in the car.

Cornwall does the rest. Looe is a short drive, the Talland Bay stretch of coast is close, and guests report finding dogs welcome at pubs, cafes and beaches nearby with very little planning. The coast path is within easy reach for a long day out, and the farm land itself gives dogs room to stretch before and after.

Two things are worth planning for. This is a working smallholding with chickens wandering the grounds and a resident dog who by all accounts gets along with everyone, so a dog that chases birds or is reactive with others will need managing. And the allocated parking deserves a look before you unload: the route to the space crosses a low slate wall that is not cemented in place, and a guest carrying a puppy to the car came off it and hurt a knee. Take the longer way round with an armful of dog.

Up to two dogs are welcome and XL Bully breeds are not permitted. Erin Cottage takes 4.8 out of 5, and it suits couples and families who want a quiet Cornish base with grounds to walk in, a welcoming host and the coast a short drive away.