The Goat House, Purleigh

The Goat House is a one-bedroom annexe in the Essex countryside at Purleigh, a few miles from Maldon, and it is set up for a quiet stay rather than a busy one. It has its own entrance, parking next to the building and an enclosed patio garden that catches the sun, so a dog can be let out without crossing anyone else's space.

The privacy is a large part of the appeal. Guests come and go without disturbing anyone, which suits early starts and odd hours, and the host stays reachable by message while otherwise leaving people to it. The small extras get mentioned as often as the accommodation itself: toiletries, towels, tea, coffee and milk left ready. It is spotlessly clean and thoughtfully decorated, with a wet room and a good deal of attention to detail.

There are goats on site, which is where the name comes from, and guests can go and meet them. Dogs and goats do not always take to one another, and parties arriving with small dogs have found their dogs unsure what to make of them, so be ready to keep your dog under control around the paddock.

The one genuine limitation for dogs is the ground underfoot. The outdoor space is a paved patio rather than grass, and a dog used to toileting on grass may take a while to adjust, particularly late at night. Plenty of fields and footpaths start close by, so day-to-day walks are not a problem, and the accommodation has ample room for one or two people plus a dog.

No pet fee, size limit or maximum number of dogs is published on the property's booking listing, so agree those with the host before you book. Two other points raised by guests: there is no cooker, which is stated in the description but easy to miss, and opinions on the mattress are mixed.

Best for one or two people with a well-behaved dog who want somewhere private and rural within reach of Maldon and the Blackwater estuary, The Goat House earns a 4.7 out of 5 paw rating.