The Farmhouse, Ystradgynlais

The Farmhouse sits on the edge of Lower Cwmtwrch just outside Ystradgynlais, on the western fringe of the Brecon Beacons, and it is one of those places where the dog gets as much out of the stay as the people. There is a private garden with a summerhouse and a patio looking out at the mountains, and an adjacent field with a pond that guests use as a dog walk without leaving the property. Beyond that, walking routes start at the gate. Dog owners describe letting a dog run and sniff itself tired within sight of the house, which is much of the point of bringing one to this part of Wales.

The house is spacious and finished to a high standard, with three bedrooms, three shower rooms, two sitting rooms, a well-specified kitchen and a consistently clean arrival. The owners live nearby, keep three dogs of their own, and get warm and repeated praise for the welcome: meeting guests on arrival, talking them through the directions, recommending places to eat and generally being available without hovering.

The thing to settle before booking is where the dog can actually go indoors. Guests travelling with dogs report that dogs are kept to the kitchen area rather than having the run of the sitting rooms, and that an additional charge applies which is not obvious at the point of booking. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both are easier to plan around if you know beforehand, so it is worth messaging the owners to confirm the current arrangement and the fee before you pay.

Two smaller things: the house has been renovated to modern proportions and the door frames and ceilings feel low, which is worth knowing if you are tall; and the kitchen is split across two rooms with no dishwasher, which is more work than it sounds for a full house. Neither affects the dog.

It earns a 4.6/5 paw rating. The Farmhouse suits groups and families whose dogs will be outdoors most of the day and settled in the kitchen in the evening - walkers heading for the Beacons rather than anyone expecting a dog on the sofa.