Property patter: meet Lucy from Greystone Cottages

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to own a holiday rental, both the ups and the downs, welcome to the next instalment of ‘Property Patter’. This is where I go behind the scenes and talk to the owners of some of my favourite self-catering stays to understand their journey and the steps that led them to acquiring some pretty spectacular properties.

Today, I’m chatting to Lucy Keher who owns Swallow Cottage and Lodge Cottage, two beautiful holiday homes in the Peak District. Pop over and follow Lucy on Instagram (@greystone_cottages) for the ‘before’ shots. You’ll be seriously wowed by the transformations. Let’s find out more.

Hi Lucy, can you tell us a little bit about your two holiday properties, please?

Both of our holiday properties are traditional cottages, with Swallow Cottage being a 300-year-old Grade II listed cottage, situated just a short distance from the popular market town of Bakewell. Lodge Cottage, dates back 600 years, but has a newer extension, thought to be around 400 years old and is in the historic village of Castleton.

Both cottages are characterful, retain many of the original features and have slightly unconventional layouts, a testament to their history and we think adds to their interest.  

Why the Peak District?

The Peak District is such a beautiful place and it’s no surprise that it was the first location to gain national park status in England. Its rolling hills and countryside are a magnet for walkers, hikers and people looking for other outdoor pursuits such as cycling, rock climbing and water sports.

Nestled in the countryside are picturesque villages, with quaint cottages, churches, local shops, cosy pubs and cafes. All these factors make it an ideal place for holidaymakers to visit, with something for everyone.

Not only is it a beautiful place to visit and explore it also made sense logistically. Located in the heart of England it’s surrounded by several cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Leeds, making it very accessible for potential guests looking to escape city life for a little slice of countryside, without a big commute.

It was also somewhere I could travel too relatively easily (from my home near Liverpool) and I do so regularly, in order to manage the properties effectively and make sure they are always in beautiful condition, ready for the next guests.

How did you go about searching for Swallow Cottage and Lodge Cottage and what led you to choosing them over others?

Our first cottage was Swallow Cottage. It was during the pandemic, when our holidays had been cancelled and everything was a little bit miserable that I decided to embark on a new adventure, along with a friend who was also keen on the idea.

I arranged a day of viewings and from the Rightmove listing, it hadn’t been my favourite. As I have learnt however, you never really know until you visit the property. When we arrived, I instantly fell in love. It was just so pretty, and had an incredibly warm and homely feel. I knew it was the place I would be excited to visit, and our guests would hopefully feel the same.

Similarly, as soon as I visited Lodge Cottage, I knew it was the one. I was blown away with its incredible features and it just felt comfortable.

I am incredibly picky when it comes to choosing the right cottage. Firstly, the location must be right. Bakewell and Castleton offer completely different experiences, but both are tourist hotspots and that is really important if you want to make a success of a holiday cottage business.

Bakewell is the main town in the Peak District, with regular markets, independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Chatworth House and Hadden Hall are close by and there are plenty of things to keep your days and evenings busy.

Castleton has a slower pace but is incredibly picturesque. Walking through the quaint streets of Castleton, amongst the pretty cottages, shops and public houses is like taking a step back in time.  Surrounding Castleton and within walking distance of its centre, are some of the Peak District’s most impressive landmarks, including Mam Tor, Winnat’s Pass, Cave Dale, Speedwell cave, Peak Cavern and Peveril Castle. 

Have you always wanted to invest in property?

I like to think I have a bit of a creative streak in me and whilst I love my day job in finance, getting involved in property, interiors and renovations has been my passion. I started with buying the cheapest apartment I could find that was in Manchester, and undertook a full renovation. I have a long-term tenant there now, so for my first attempt, I would say it went quite well.

The reason I decided to then get involved with holiday cottages, instead of buy to lets, was for the added benefit of using the cottages with my family. As a busy working mum, being able to get quality time away with the children has been so valuable in our lives. The initial plan was to buy one cottage, but after that proved popular with guests, we decided to purchase the second.

Having a holiday cottage is a completely different kettle of fish to a buy-to-let though. It’s not just an investment in property, but a complete business, which requires marketing, managing, communicating with guests, regular maintenance and being available 24/7 to deal with problems and emergencies.

What would you say are the highs and lows of being a holiday property owner?

Being a property owner certainly does come with highs and lows but for me the joy of having the cottages and being able to provide such a wonderful experience for our guests fills me with joy. I love to chat with the guests, learn a little a bit about them and why they are visiting the Peak District. We try to assist as much as possible with ensuring they have a fantastic time, not just at our cottages but helping them to plan their trips.

The low for me must be the stress of dealing with problems. I still worry with every guest that arrives that something might go wrong, or the guest might not be completely satisfied. The way that I deal with this is by being very proactive. I keep on top of all maintenance and I visit regularly to check on the properties. 

 For people who think that running a holiday cottage is a form of passive income, I would have to disagree. In year 1 of having Swallow Cottage, we engaged with a management company, that had been recommended. This didn’t really work out well for me and I soon realised no one would be as dedicated to our cottages or committed to delivering as good of a service for our guests as I would.

What are your tips for anyone thinking of investing in a holiday rental?

Location - Choosing the right location is vital for its success and needs to be somewhere that your potential customers are going to want to visit. Our properties are both in tourist hotspots, with lots of places of interest, seasonal events, activities, pubs, shops and restaurants nearby. They are of course in the Peak District, which is a beautiful place to visit all year-round.

Character – Your holiday property needs to stand out. A property that is unique or characterful is going to attract more customers than the average house. Décor should also be tasteful and to a high standard. A little bit like booking a nice hotel, guests want to stay somewhere that is attractive, desirable and with quality furnishings.

Invest in photography – If you are going to invest a significant amount of money into a holiday property, then make sure to budget a little more for a good photographer and perhaps even a stylist to dress the property for the photoshoot. It will guarantee increased bookings and a higher nightly rate. Selling holidays at your property isn’t about showing potential guests a room layout, it needs to engage them on an emotional level, i.e., the positive impact they will receive from staying in your property.

For potential guests, what are the top three things that they should see and do in the Peak District?

Visit one (or both) of Bakewell’s historical homes. One of the most well-known places to visit near to Bakewell is Chatsworth House and this certainly is a magnificent day out, with the beautiful home and gardens to explore, incredible landscape, farm, adventure area and restaurants.

The other remarkable house is 900-year-old Haddon Hall. An incredible Grade I listed, medieval property, brimming with history and tales from years gone by. It is situated on the outskirts of Bakewell, in land that has been unaltered for centuries and is of scientist and ecological interest. Haddon Hall opens to the public for tours, various seasonal events and discovery days.

Cycle the Monsal Trail. The Monsal trail is a delightful day out for all the family. A picturesque, traffic-free trail with viaducts, tunnels and villages enroute, it’s the perfect adventure day-out for grown-ups and kids and is also suitable for wheelchair users, prams, walkers and horse riders. The trail follows the route of the old Midland railway line, from Bakewell to Chee Dale, through stunning limestone dales.

There are places along the way to stop for refreshments, such as the old Hassop Station, now a dog-friendly eatery, or simply pack a picnic and stop at one of the many beauty spots you are sure to pass. Bike hire is available from Hassop Station.

The Devil’s Arse. If you visit Castleton, we certainly recommend a visit to Peak Cavern, or as it’s commonly known, ‘The Devil’s Arse’. I won’t give away why it has this nickname, but we do think a tour is an hour or two well spent and you will learn lots about the origins and the rope-makers who used to live in the cave, well beneath Peveril Castle. Our fantastic guide made sure to keep the kids well-involved and the whole family had an enjoyable time, with lots of laughs. Peak Cavern don’t just provide tours, they also host incredible concerts, big-screen cinema events and Christmas Carol concerts, all held in the Cave.

And your top three places to eat and drink?

In Castleton, The George is a firm favourite. Good quality, hearty food, perfect post-walk around the countryside, in a cosy, fire-lit surrounding.

Visiting The Woodyard for a spot of lunch or an afternoon cocktail, in the outdoor area overlooking the river Wye, on a sunny day is one of my favourite things to do after a wander around the lovely shops in Bakewell.

I recommend a visit to the quaint village of Ashford in the Water. The pretty village is home to The Bull’s Head, which serves fabulous food in a comfortable setting. On a summer’s day, the pub’s outdoor tables are the ideal place to enjoy a post-walk refreshment.

Is another rental on the cards and if so where?

Yes! Both our cottages are fairly big (4 and 5 bedroom) and I get so many people asking if we have anything smaller available, so I am on the lookout for something suitable for couples or a small family and of course their family dog. When the right cottage comes up, it will be based in the Peak District and will be equally as beautiful as Swallow Cottage and Lodge Cottage.

Further down the line I would love to venture abroad. My dream would be to have a rustic Masseria in Southern Italy or perhaps a farmhouse in rural France.

Finally, who would you recommend we follow on Instagram for travel inspiration in general or life in the Peak District?

Jenny from @peakdistrictkids and her blog gives loads of great ideas for family days out and kid friendly walks around the Peak District. It’s perfect for anyone planning a trip to the Peaks and it is a firm favourite of mine when I am working on my own plans, looking for somewhere new to explore.

@oneslowsunday journals her UK travels on the most beautiful Instagram feed, which embraces slow living, simplicity and nature. This is how we imagine many of our guests will enjoy our cottages and I have turned to her page several times for inspiration on how to capture slow moments in images and video.

Anna, whose page is @prettylittlevillages, captures the most wonderful and picturesque English villages. Her page is an absolute delight and makes me want to jump in the car and visit all the places she has been too. Occasionally she will document her travels beyond the UK, and it inspires me to travel and explore amazing destinations.

I love that all of these accounts showcase England as a fantastic place to visit, whether you are from the UK or abroad.

Thank you so much to Lucy for answering my questions. Find out more about Greystone Cottages.

Property patter: meet Jay from The Old Sunday School & Bar-K

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to own a holiday rental, both the ups and the downs, this is the series for you. I’m going behind the scenes to talk to the owners of some of my favourite self-catering stays to understand their journey and the steps that led them to acquiring some pretty spectacular properties.

Today, I’m talking to Jay Avery, who alongside his partner, Lisa, owns The Old Sunday School and Bar-K, two luxury holiday homes within easy reach of the Cornish coast. If you like to go on holiday with your four-legged friends, Jay and Lisa’s properties have been described as the most dog-friendliest ever. Pack your pooch’s case at once! Let’s find out more.

Hi Jay, can you tell us a little bit about your reasons for investing in holiday properties, please?

I love working with people on holiday and planning holidays. Holidaying guests are often in their happy place and it feels like you get to connect to their true selves when taking life’s distractions away. I also enjoy recommending all the beautiful places that Cornwall and Devon have to offer our guests and help tailor their holiday experience.

Why Cornwall and what makes The Old Sunday School and Bar-K so special?

Your timing is good as we’ve recently been reading through all of our reviews, feedback surveys and guest book comments. 

The Old Sunday School has had a lot of comments about dog-friendly touches like personalised towels, dog treats and blankets, the view, welcome hamper, log burner, the hosts (hahaha) and the layout. The open-plan living arrangement with glassed mezzanine area seems to work well in connecting the living and sleeping areas. The location works well for guests - as well as being quite central, guests can experience the moors, beaches, woodland and rivers, all in half an hour or so drive. 

Bar-K also gets a lot of love from dog owners and the enclosed large garden is a big deal along with inside and outside hot dog showers. The hot tub, sauna, games room, cinema room and log burner also gets a lot of love as does the tech. Like The Old Sunday School, Bar-K has a Sonos sound system and TVs with the full SKY package and Netflix. Small touches go a long way; it’s the finer detail that seems to impress guests, where they can see how much time and effort has gone into thinking out property features.

What would you say are the highs and lows of being a holiday property owner?

Highs - definitely reading reviews or hearing first hand of special memories being made. I’ve been known to get emotional reading guest book comments!

Lows - there thankfully and touch wood hasn’t been many, but managing holiday properties during the pandemic was hard, especially having to learn new rules and regulations on the fly and turn guests away due to safety and legislation around periods of lockdowns.

What are your tips for anyone thinking of investing in a holiday rental?

Get your numbers right and don’t underestimate how much time things take if you’re going to do things yourself. If you take hosting seriously, you’ll spend a lot of time communicating with guests, cleaning, carrying out maintenance, marketing, accounting, dealing with suppliers, complying with regs, etc. If you’re not doing all of the aforementioned yourself, surround yourself with reliable and capable people who understand and are happy to work by your standards.

Do you have any funny guest stories?

I’m not sure whether this is appropriate but the bedroom in The Old Sunday School overlooks the living area and is separated by a glass partition. Upon entering after a guest stay, we noticed some very unusual circular imprints on the glass around 6 inches high with dots in the middle. Upon closer inspection it was clear that the lady had left us a very artistic real life impression of her very large boobs!

For potential guests, what are the top three things that they should see and do in and around Cornwall/Devon?

I’d say the coast, the moors and the rivers. If I had to pick one of each I’d say Whitsand Bay, Dartmoor National Park’s Bellever Forest, and The River Walkham near Grenofen Woods.

And your top three places to eat and drink?

The Cornish Arms in Tavistock gets the most rave reviews from guests, followed by The Tamar Inn in Calstock and The Who’d of Thought It Inn in Saint Dominick. 

Is another rental on the cards and if so where?

Oooo crikey, we need to slow down for now but maybe in a few years down the line. We quite fancy getting a coastal retreat perhaps in south-east Cornwall, maybe in Downderry or Seaton. But anywhere close to the Atlantic rollers would do me nicely.

When you go on holiday, are you able to switch off or does it feel like you’re checking out the competition?

Haha good question, we’re always looking for ways to improve what we do and have been known to borrow the odd idea or two whilst holidaying. Engaging with other hosts face-to-face and online has also been a big help in finding what does and doesn’t work.

What do you most like to find in a welcome basket when you go away?

Scones with cream and jam!

Finally, I love your Instagram accounts (@the_old_sunday_school and @bar_k_cornwall) but is there anyone else you would recommend that people follow for travel inspiration or life in Cornwall?

Other than @dogfriendlydestinations, I’d suggest following Meg and Maisie from @spaniel.adventures, @igcornwall and @cornishcoastlines.

Thank you so much to Jay for answering my questions. Find out more about The Old Sunday School and Bar-K.

Stay in a luxury pod on the Welsh coast

Living in Wales, you might think it would be one of the last places that I’d want to head off to on holiday. But you’d be mistaken. Epic landscapes, incredible coastline, charming market towns, jaw-dropping castles - SO many castles - and cosy pubs and restaurants galore. What more could you want? Well, maybe a touch more guaranteed sunshine, but that’s being picky. If you too are looking to experience the ‘land of legends’ (I still marvel at how good Luke Evans’ ad was for Visit Wales, so do watch it), I have a new discovery for you … The Pod on The Llanfendigaid Estate.

The Llanfendigaid Estate

With both countryside and coast on the doorstep - yes, both within walking distance - The Llanfendigaid Estate is an historic gem nestled in the Snowdonia National Park. Llanfendigaid (which translates as Parish of the Blessed) passed through generations of the Nanny-Wynn family for over eight centuries, before new custodians, Gareth Roberts and Lisa Kay, took over in 2022. With a deep connection to the area - Gareth’s family have roots in nearby Tywyn - and a wish to protect the heritage and character of the estate while making sympathetic modernisations and environmentally friendly updates, a stay at this elegant retreat is set to become an even more magical experience.

The Pod at The Llanfendigaid Estate

The Pod is one of six self-catering holiday properties on The Llanfendigaid Estate and the newest in its line-up of luxury accommodation in Snowdonia. At first glance, you may think ‘romantic retreat’, and you wouldn't necessarily be wrong: stunning setting, sipping on sundowners, stargazing, snuggling beneath the sumptuous sheets. But the location also lends itself to a more creative guest, perhaps. Writers, artists, dreamers, anyone seeking solace and wanting an opportunity to breathe in the fresh Welsh air and switch off for a while or to gather inspiration for their next project. And then there’s the adventurers looking to tackle some of wild Wales’ more challenging walks and climbs. Where better to return to each evening than a holistically-designed hideaway that also comes with access to the estate’s shared indoor heated swimming pool?

Style AND substance

The Pod’s eco credentials are as impressive as its thoughtful interiors, with equal importance placed on maximising thermal efficiency and minimising its carbon footprint as providing a boutique experience for guests. Highly insulated, with double glazing throughout and all the low-energy appliances needed for a truly comfortable stay, this is premium pod-life, and most definitely not glamping.

The open plan interior is a calming space designed to draw your eyes to the magnificent countryside views through the huge curved glass doors. The sitting area comes complete with a sofa made for two and a TV. There is ultra-fast broadband throughout the pod which is ideal if you need to catch up on some work while away. The breakfast bar is the perfect place to perch with your laptop.

Sweet dreams are guaranteed in the cosy double bed nestled in the corner of The Pod. It’s not overlooked so leave the curtains open if you want to enjoy the views or watch the wildlife go by as you drift off or wake. The ensuite wet room is surprisingly roomy and has an invigorating power shower – perfect to get you up and ready for the day’s adventures.

The kitchen is compact but super cute and, a must for mornings, there’s a Sage coffee machine. Grab your cuppa and head outside to enjoy each sip on the decked area. It has views over the garden and out to the coast. Pure heaven! This part of Wales is one of only eighteen International Dark Sky Reserves in the world so evenings are nothing short of spectacular as well.

Tempted? Find out more: The Llanfendigaid Estate.

Four dog friendly hotels for a stylishly relaxed staycation

Choosing a dog friendly hotel that promises both a stylish and relaxed staycation for you AND your canine companion can be tricky. You want to stay in the same lush surroundings as when you holiday dog-free but also don’t want to feel like your four-legged friend is merely tolerated as opposed to truly welcomed. Over on Dog Friendly Destinations, we feature a fantastic collection of some of the UK’s best dog friendly hotels but here are four of my personal favourites.

Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside

A boutique hotel in the heart of the Lake District perfect for humans and pooches, Rothay Manor’s interiors make my heart sing, particularly the new Pavilion Garden Suites. I mean, LOOK! The panelling, the velvet headboard, the armchairs, the bath. Swoon, swoon, swoon and swoon. And that’s before heading outside and appreciating the stunning setting - two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens a short stroll from Lake Windermere.

There are multiple dog friendly bedrooms to choose from and dogs are welcomed everywhere other than in the main restaurant - they can join you in the drawing room or the Brathay Room where you can still choose from the fine-dining menu, though. There’s a small fee of £25 per dog per stay which includes use of a George Barclay dog bed, a towel, bowls and treats and poop bags. There is also a dedicated dog wash/boot room with Bramley products and Ruff & Tumble dressing gowns, so you can rinse off muddy paws after a day on the fells.

The Swan at Streatley, Reading

Delightfully dog friendly, The Swan at Streatley delivers on everything you and your four-legged friend could want in a staycation: rooms with a view, dog friendly dining, treats aplenty and scenic walks in abundance. Book a pet friendly getaway and you’ll find a bed, a bowl and a treat or two awaiting your pooch upon arrival. The dog friendly bedrooms are on the ground floor ensuring easy access to the garden - great for last-minute walks before bed. Opt for the large double if you’d like a terrace that overlooks the River Thames.

But back to dog friendly dining … this is one of the things I love most about the Swan. Head to the seriously stylish Coppa Club and its many gorgeous spaces. From cosy nooks to the partly-covered, sun soaked terrace, the vibe is super relaxed and really dog friendly, especially as you can be out on the lawn in seconds if your pup needs some fresh air between courses. There’s also a grab-and-go menu if you want to pick something to take on a walk with you.

Another Place, Ullswater

If you’d like a hotel experience but with your own private space to retreat to at the end of the day, Another Place could be the perfect dog friendly holiday destination for you. I’ve long loved this luxurious but welcoming Lake District hotel but the addition of the new ‘Outside’ spaces is the icing on the cake … and there’s a few more to come, I believe.

2022 saw the launch of six sublime shepherd huts (made by Blackdown Shepherd Huts, I desperately want one as a garden office) and one secluded treehouse with a freestanding tub on the terrace - divine! All seven are dog friendly with bowls provided for four-legged friends … and Joules dog beds if you request one in advance of your stay. As well as being a bone’s throw from the water’s edge, the hotel is set in 18 acres of parkland. With the fells in the distance, prepare yourself for some of the most scenic dog walks you’ve ever experienced.

Homewood, Bath

If you’re keen to combine a countryside getaway with a little bit of historic sight-seeing in one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, take a look at Homewood. A luxury country house hotel on the outskirts of Bath, Homewood offers you the opportunity to escape the everyday and indulge in a touch of pampering while being a short drive from the stunning Roman-founded city. However, if you don’t want to venture too far, the hotel is set in 20 acres which you’re free to explore with your four-legged friend.

For an additional fee of £25 per dog per night, your canine companion will arrive to their very own dog bed, as well as bowls, towels and treats. Ask at reception for a walking map of the area - it features the best dog walking routes. Music to the ears of all dog owners, you can take your pooch pretty much everywhere in the hotel, including the sitting rooms and bar. They even get to choose from their very own doggy menu.

Browse Dog Friendly Destinations’ full collection of dog friendly hotels.

Property patter: meet Kathryn from No.9 Putsborough

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to own a holiday rental, both the ups and the downs, you’re going to love this new series. Investing in a holiday home is something that I’ve toyed with for a while. And Lauren and I have both discussed whether it could be a next step for Dog Friendly Destinations. So I’ve decided to go behind the scenes and talk to the owners of some of my favourite self-catering stays to understand their journey and the steps that led them to acquiring some pretty spectacular properties.

First up, is the lovely Kathryn, owner of the beautiful beachside bolthole, No.9 Putsborough in Woolacombe in Devon. I worked with Kathryn on her logo and branding to try and encapsulate a subtle seaside vibe with carefully chosen colours and fonts … much like the way she’s chosen to style No.9 for the lucky guests who get to stay there. Over to Kathryn.

Hi Kathryn, can you tell us a little bit about No.9 Putsborough, please?

The apartment is in the centre of the beautiful ‘village’ of Woolacombe which has everything you need – pubs and restaurants serving gorgeous food, local independent shops and cafés, plus some amazing walks on your doorstep including being 150m to the glorious award-winning sandy beach. It’s also perfectly situated for exploring further afield in North Devon and is close to the Exmoor National Park.

We purchased No.9 from new and although it came furnished, it lacked soul. We’ve spent the last 2 years furnishing it with a ‘boutique’ feel so that the place is truly relaxing with lots of little touches that we hope guests will appreciate and make them want to return, such as our locally-sourced welcome hamper and the handmade wooden bellyboards we provide.

On warmer evenings we love to head down to the beach to watch the sun set then return to our balcony to relax with a glass of wine under the festoon lights (our apartment has partial sea views too). When the weather gets colder and after a blustery walk on the beach, we enjoy taking advantage of the onsite facilities such as the indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and games room.

What were your reasons behind buying a holiday property?

We’ve always wanted to live by the sea and a period of ill health made us take the plunge after years of dithering.

Why did you choose North Devon and No.9 Putsborough?

After viewing several coastal spots in the UK, we fell in love with Woolacombe on our first visit. It has a ‘village’ feel and is in a stunning location with sweeping golden sands set against a backdrop of beautiful National Trust hills and countryside. It is a very special place that you never tire of and we love visiting whatever the season. 

We saw a few properties in the area but we could see that the layout and facilities at No.9 would appeal to a wide variety of holidaymakers from families, to couples, people with and without dogs and for all ages. Plus its location in the centre of Woolacombe means you can easily spend the week here not using the car (we have an allocated underground parking space which is like gold dust in the centre of Woolacombe); but if you want to go further afield there are a wealth of places to explore.

What are the highs and lows of being a holiday property owner?

Our journey as holiday property owners is an ongoing learning curve. However, it is so rewarding when you receive an amazing review from guests, particularly when they wish to return, as it makes all the hard work worth it.

What would your tips be for anyone thinking of investing in a holiday rental?

Do your research on the area you wish to purchase and be realistic on how much you will need to continually invest to keep your property up to the standard your guests expect. Also make sure it is somewhere you love to visit!

For potential guests, what are the top three things that they should see and do in Woolacombe?

There are so many things to see and do it’s difficult to limit it to three.  However, you cannot miss the award winning Woolacombe beach and, in the warmer months, its array of watersports on offer. There are several surf schools in Woolacombe to book a lesson with (our guests receive a discount) or, if surfing is not your thing, you can hire paddle boards or kayaks or build a sandcastle and dip your toes in the sea. In the cooler months, it is an exhilarating walk down to Putsborough beach with a café at the end to make it all worthwhile.

A walk up Potters Hill or across Woolacombe Down (behind the sand dunes) is also a must and is a child and dog friendly walk. You will usually see Exmoor ponies grazing on the slopes (or standing in your way) during your walk. The views across the coastline are breathtaking.

For rainy days, we adore the retro cinema hidden within the Woolacombe Bay Hotel – it’s a little bit more special than your average cinema seating only 30 people and with cocktails, drinks and snacks served to your seat.

And your top three places to eat and drink?

We are lucky in North Devon to have a huge variety of excellent independent places to eat and drink. One of our ‘go to’ places in Woolacombe itself is The Beach House which is just a few metres from No.9 and serves the best locally sourced seafood around – just make sure you book as it’s so popular.

During the summer months we adore Barricane Beach Café which serves Sri Lankan curries on the beach.  We take a picnic blanket, a bottle of wine and watch the sun set over the Atlantic – bliss!

For whiling away a few hours with an unbeatable coffee and a slice of homemade cake we love Meraki who also host pop up events such as Mexican street food nights.

Would you ever buy a second rental and if so where?

We would love to buy a second rental should finances ever permit. We would probably purchase something completely different, such as a small cottage in The Cotswolds. It’s nearer to our main home and an equally stunning area with plenty to see and do.

Finally, I love your account on Instagram (@no.9putsborough) but is there anyone else you would recommend that people follow for travel inspiration or life in Devon?

I love @dogfriendlydestinations for travel inspiration in the UK with its super stylish holiday properties and @the.devon.good.life for beautifully shot pictures showing how stunning Devon is.

Thank you so much to Kathryn for answering my questions. Find out more about No.9 Putsborough.

Good things come in threes at Dittisham Hideaway

‘I want to stay there.

No, I want to stay there.

Actually, hang on a minute, I want to stay there.’

That’s the exact conversation I had with myself when I spotted the new photography from Dittisham Hideaways. I’d seen the close ups of all three property types when they first joined Dog Friendly Destinations and knew they were situated in a beautiful location (google maps and street view are beyond helpful) but the drone shots are truly wow. And also super helpful for guests to get a better feel for each holiday home - both in terms of choosing the best one for them, or to dream about their pending visit once they’ve booked. As in, ‘See that hammock down there overlooking the woodland? I’m going to be lying in that, next week!’

Which Dittisham hideaway has your name on it?

There are three types of retreat to choose from at Dittisham Hideaways in Devon, and I really do change my mind on a regular basis as to which one is my favourite.

Dittisham Hideaway’s iconic 1956 vintage Airstream is tucked away in a secluded corner of the grounds on an elevated platform with far-reaching views of Dartmoor’s rolling hills. Inside, the Airstream is a retro-lovers dream. It’s amazing how much personality has been packed into such a small space. Not to mention the addition of underfloor heating - yes, please!

The five handcrafted shepherds huts, while quite close to one another, feel like they’re in an idyllic world of their own. Nestled in a wild flower-brimming meadow and with scenic views down the wooded valley, after a friendly ‘good morning’ wave to your neighbours, you needn’t see them for the rest of the day and can pretend you have this perfect place to yourself.

However, in autumn, when the leaves are a positive riot of golden colour, you’d have to favour the three treehouses. Sleeping up to two adults and three children under the age of 16, step through the door and you’ll soon realise that these are no ordinary cabins. From the traditional wood burning stove to the cloud-like king size double bed, nothing has been overlooked in these gorgeous homes. Not to mention a decked area with a hot tub, hammock and big board games. Trust me, you’ll never want to leave.

Happy-making décor at The Farm at Avebury

What do you look for in a self-catering property?

Having spent the past couple of years working in and around the self-catering/hospitality industry, many holiday properties have crossed my inbox and, putting it diplomatically, have not exactly wowed my eyes. Drab décor, unloved corners, not a great deal of thought as to how people will actually use the space, and my pet hate, photos taken in semi-darkness so you can barely see what you’re looking at (or maybe that’s why they’ve been taken in the dark?).

The rush to book a UK getaway post-pandemic led to a boom for self-catering properties with even the most unloved homes securing booking after booking. But now the world has opened back up, competition is once again fierce. Potential guests don’t need to settle for what’s available, they can browse and compare, and compare with far-flung shores too. Smile-inducing décor, attention to detail and thoughtful touches can really make a property stand out from the crowd. Anyway, why would you want to offer visitors anything less?

Silbury Hill at The Farm at Avebury

When I go on holiday, I want it to be to somewhere that’s going to offer me a sense of home but with a bit of a wow factor … something that the six former stables that make up The Farm at Avebury in Wiltshire do so well. Far from the ‘it’ll do’ holiday homes of years gone by, these are stylish staycation rentals that really pack a punch décor-wise. And looking at the photos that The Farm at Avebury have been tagged in on social media, good design has been a savvy investment with guests rushing to post photos and videos of their stay - authentic endorsement is worth its weight in gold!

Silbury Hill is the largest, and my personal favourite, of the six stables. It’s a colour-clashing, print-mixing masterpiece. A veritable feast for the eyes where the owners have gone above and beyond to create a space to impress guests. Never mind incredible holiday memories; you’ll be heading home with an abundance of interiors inspiration too.

The design details don’t stop with the interiors. The six stables are clustered around an impressive landscape courtyard with impeccable planting and a mix of open dining spaces and more secluded cosy corners for quieter tête-à-têtes. Cleverly zoned and beautifully lit, even if you’ve never met your holidaying neighbour, it’s a space where you’ll feel at ease.

Find more stylish holiday homes that roll out the welcome mat for discerning pooches at Dog Friendly Destinations.

Cynefin Retreats: now for families as well as couples

One of my favourite Herefordshire hideaways, Cynefin Retreats, recently announced the launch of three new luxe-lodges to accompany its four stylish luxe-pods. Sleeping four as opposed to two, it now means that families (or groups of friends) can sample the Cynefin magic.

What to know about the Cynefin Retreats

Set within seven acres and surrounded by pine trees, meadows and woodland, the three luxe-lodges and four luxe-pods that make up Cynefin Retreats offer an idyllic indoor-outdoor experience for families, couples and friends – and dogs! With welcoming interiors and fantastic outdoor spaces, you needn’t leave the grounds to have a great stay.

However, with Hay-on-Wye on the doorstep and Symonds Yat a little further away, these luxurious cabins have charm, history and adventure on the doorstep if you’d like to spend your days exploring the Welsh borders.

Cynefin Retreats Luxe-Lodges

Cynefin Retreats is super easy to find. Whether you use your car’s sat nav or Google Maps, both will take you right to the entrance where you’ll spot the solar panel-clad roofs of the luxe-lodges a little way in the distance. There’s a parking spot right outside the lodges making unloading luggage, children and a dog a breeze. Check in is from 4.30pm.

With tea, coffee, hot chocolate and marshmallows – and some lovely local goodies – calling to you from the kitchen shelves, you might want to make yourself and drink and enjoy the views before you rush to unpack. Four-legged friends aren’t forgotten about either. A little jar of treats and their own towel will be waiting for them. Dogs should stay downstairs and there’s a stair gate to help with that.

When inside the lodges, your eyes are automatically drawn to the views from every window. Overlooking the meadow and with a glimpse of the luxe-pods in the distance, you almost feel as though you’re outdoors even when you’re cooking in the kitchen, sat at the dining table or feet-up on the sofa.

While the single-storey pods are designed for couples, the luxe-lodges are almost double in size and have two roomy bedrooms perfect for a family of four - or five, as a travel cot or blow up mattress can be supplied if you have three children. Both rooms have blackout blinds but it’s tempting to leave them up and sleep with the window ajar so you can wake up to birdsong.

If you’re a busy parent, quick showers are usually the norm, but do find time for a luxurious soak. The bath is enormous and the view incredible. Persuade your partner to mind the children and shut yourself away for an hour. It’s an amazing experience.

Even the most indoor-loving human will find themselves lured outdoors by the landscape at Cynefin. At the very least you’ll want to spend evenings grilling over the fire pit and enjoying a dip in the hot tub. Bliss!