Oak Tree, Blackawton

Oak Tree is one of a small group of holiday cottages at Bickleigh Farm, in the rolling countryside between Blackawton and Halwell in the South Hams, and the reason dog owners keep coming back is the land around it. There is a lot of outdoor space for walking, the lanes are quiet, and Dartmouth, Totnes, Paignton and Kingsbridge are all an easy drive, so the dog gets a proper walk in the morning and the humans get a day out afterwards.

Up to three dogs are welcome, which is genuinely unusual and makes this a rare option for anyone travelling with a pack - the allowance gets used in practice, not just advertised. Inside, the cottage is spacious and full of character, with beamed ceilings, a four-poster bed and underfloor heating that dog owners mention their dogs taking straight to. The farm also has an indoor heated swimming pool and, for families, a trampoline and a play area, both of which come up constantly in reviews.

Brian, the owner, is on hand and welcomes arrivals with a homemade cake, and the farm has a strong repeat-visit following, with plenty of guests on a second or third stay in one of the cottages.

Two caveats matter. First, there is no secure garden, so dogs need to be on a lead or supervised outside rather than let out on their own. Second, the cottage's condition is uneven. The conservatory in particular draws criticism for blown double glazing you cannot see through, no working lights, no blinds and an unbearable temperature in warm weather, and guests have also flagged dusty lamps and window sills, cobwebs, sagging sofas, weathered garden furniture and an overgrown entrance. The main rooms and the pool are consistently reported as clean; it is the edges that have been let go. Best suited to dog owners, especially those with more than one dog, who want space, a pool and a quiet South Hams base, and who will not be bothered by a cottage that needs some attention around the margins. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.