Back of Beyond, St Ives

Back of Beyond lives up to its name: a secluded barn conversion in the countryside above Zennor, on the coast road west of St Ives, with views across the fields to the Atlantic. It is warm and characterful, and the hosts have clearly set it up with dogs in mind.

Up to two dogs can stay, and plenty of guests arrive with a pair. Dogs get their own welcome box of treats and there is a generous supply of dog towels for wet days, alongside cream teas and other treats for the humans. Tiled floors make muddy paws easy to deal with, the door opens straight onto a large garden that visiting dogs love, and the Aga keeps the kitchen cosy enough that dogs happily stretch out on the mat in front of it.

The setting does the rest. The South West Coast Path is a short walk from the door, the pub just up the road welcomes dogs, and Gurnard's Head, Sennen Cove, St Ives and Penzance are all within easy reach for days out.

A few caveats are worth knowing. The garden is big but not fully enclosed: there are gaps where a determined dog could get out, and it backs onto neighbouring plots, so treat it as a space to share with your dog rather than one to leave them in alone. The entrance is a courtyard shared with the owners' own homes, which can feel overlooked if you value complete privacy. In hot weather the Aga can make the cottage very warm, and there is no phone signal.

Back of Beyond suits owners of one or two dogs looking for a remote Cornish bolthole with coastal walking from the door and hosts who go out of their way for visiting dogs.