Mill Cottage, Aberaeron

Mill Cottage is a barn conversion on a working farm in the Ceredigion hills, about ten minutes inland from Aberaeron on the Cardigan Bay coast. It is one of three cottages sharing the site, and the setup is unusually generous for dog owners: up to three dogs are welcome, the rear garden is fully enclosed, and field and woodland walks start at the door. Larger parties book across all three cottages, and dogs travelling in numbers are clearly routine here.

The owners live on the farm and are the thing guests with dogs mention most: on hand when needed, out of the way otherwise, and happy to show children round at milking time. The cottage is spacious and warm, and guests have use of a hot tub, a games room, a playground and a large shared grassed area. Dog-friendly beaches along the Cardigan Bay coast are a short drive, and Aberaeron's harbour and shops are the nearest supplies.

The caveats are about upkeep rather than the welcome, and they are worth taking seriously. Cleanliness on arrival is inconsistent. Many stays are described as spotless, while others have found dust and cobwebs, hair in the beds, washing-up left in the dishwasher and a drain smell in the bathrooms. The games room draws the most consistent criticism, with a leaking roof, damp, standing water and furniture that has picked up a wet-dog smell, and the garden has been found un-cleared of dog mess at changeover.

Two practical points. The property is genuinely remote, so a car is essential, and the walk to the nearest pub is nearer four miles than the mile and a half some listings suggest. The hot water also runs very hot, which is worth knowing if you have children or a muddy dog to rinse off.

Best suited to a group travelling with two or three dogs who want an enclosed garden, a hot tub and walks from the door, and who will check the cottage over on arrival rather than assume.