Quarterdeck, Bigbury

Quarterdeck is a detached bungalow set above the hill at Bigbury-on-Sea in the South Hams, with sea views across the bay to Burgh Island from most of its main rooms. It is a walking and beach property rather than a resort one: the coast path is close, the beach is a short walk down a quiet road, and at low tide the causeway to Burgh Island can be crossed on foot.

One caveat matters more than any other and is worth settling before booking. The grounds are large and lawned, but they are not secure. The fencing is low and stops short of the hard standing, and the front of the site is open to the road, which the owners say is needed for machinery access. Guests with steady, recall-trained dogs report no difficulty and use a long lead in the garden. Guests who arrived expecting an enclosed plot have said the property does not match its dog-friendly billing, and that reading is fair if you need to let a dog out unsupervised.

Everything else counts in its favour. The side entrance into the utility room is singled out again and again as the detail that makes the house work with dogs, giving somewhere to deal with wet coats and sandy paws without walking them through the living space. The bungalow is warm, well equipped and comfortably furnished, with a welcome pack on arrival, and the owners get in touch before the stay to set expectations about the layout.

For walks, Challaborough and Bigbury-on-Sea beaches are both close, though the main beach carries the usual dog restrictions from May to September, and the headland and coast path routes are open all year. A cafe at Bigbury-on-Sea takes dogs indoors, which is worth knowing on a wet day. There is no shop within walking distance, so plan a big shop before arrival, and the beach car park is privately run and expensive.

Best suited to owners of one or two reliable dogs who want coastal walking, sea views and space, and who are content to keep a dog on a lead in the garden.