Mill Barn, Salcombe

Mill Barn is a big self-catering house in the South Devon countryside, a few miles inland from Salcombe and the beaches of the South Hams. It is built for large family groups, and dogs are part of that picture: guests travelling with pets have stayed here regularly and come away happy.

The property's booking listing states that one well-behaved dog is welcome. Several past guests have mentioned bringing dogs, so anyone hoping to travel with more than one should confirm the current number directly with the owners before booking. The barn's layout helps here. It is a whole-house rental with no shared corridors, and there is a separate downstairs kitchen that some guests have used to feed and clean up after their dogs away from the main living space.

The outside space is what dog owners tend to single out. A private orchard and an enclosed garden give dogs room to run off-lead within the grounds, which is unusual for a group rental of this size. The owners live next door and are described as friendly and helpful without being intrusive, and the wider setting is quiet countryside rather than a busy resort.

For walks and beaches, the location is a strong one. South Milton Sands, a dog-friendly beach where dogs can go off-lead, is a short drive away, along with North Sands, Hope Cove and the coast path around Bolt Head. There is plenty of parking for loading up the car and the dog.

Two things to keep in mind. Dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms, so bring a bed or crate for the living areas. And because this is a large house shared with children and multiple generations, it suits owners after a group holiday base with a garden rather than a small dog-focused bolthole. For a big family or friends' gathering where the dog comes too, Mill Barn is a genuinely comfortable fit.