The Old Farmhouse, Upper Pitts

The Old Farmhouse sits in the hills just outside Knighton, on the Welsh side of the border in Powys, and it is the kind of large, owner-run country house that suits a whole family travelling together rather than a couple after a night away. It is a full house rather than a room in one, with three bathrooms, two wood burners and enough space that parties of seven, eight and nine have all reported room to spare.

Dogs are part of the offer here rather than an afterthought. The garden is completely enclosed and backs onto an apple orchard, and guests travelling with dogs single that orchard out as the best thing about the place - room to let a dog run and explore without watching the boundary. Parties arriving with two dogs are catered for, and the property allows up to two pets per booking. Guests also consistently mention proper dog kit waiting on arrival: a bed in the lounge, bowls, blankets and toys, rather than a token nod to the policy.

The two wood burners earn their keep for anyone walking a dog in Welsh weather, and they come up repeatedly as the thing that dried off a wet dog and a wet coat at the end of a day out. Knighton itself is the start of Offa's Dyke Path and has a surprisingly well stocked shop, while Presteigne, Ludlow and a red kite feeding centre are all within a drive.

Two things to plan for. This is a working farm setting, with cattle and sheep in the fields directly beyond the garden fence, so a dog with a strong chase instinct needs watching on walks even though the garden itself is secure. And the location is genuinely remote: there is no pub or shop within walking distance, so a car is essential.

Best suited to larger groups and multi-generational parties travelling with one or two dogs who want secure outdoor space and open countryside on the doorstep, and less suited to anyone hoping to walk to an evening meal.