Doolans, Falmouth

Doolans is a stone holiday cottage in the grounds of a country house at Little Bosvathick, in the lanes near Constantine and roughly twenty minutes inland from Falmouth. It is quiet, rural and roomy, with walks starting in the grounds and several dog-friendly beaches within a short drive.

The hosts are the part guests praise most: welcoming to dogs, generous with local information, and responsible for small touches like milk, tea and coffee waiting on arrival. Dogs are accepted for a small extra charge, though no fixed amount is published, so confirm it when you book. Indoors, dogs are allowed in the outbuilding and in the kitchen and hall but not on the carpets, so the run of the cottage is not total.

The caveat that matters is outside, and it catches people out. The garden is not fully enclosed, because the gate does not close securely, so a dog that bolts is a real risk here rather than a theoretical one. Peacocks roam the country house gardens, and guests are asked to keep dogs on a lead in the open ground around the cottage because of them. One party found the birds persistently bothered their otherwise steady dog. If you were counting on letting a dog off the lead in a secure garden, this is not that kind of place, and it is the single thing most worth knowing before booking.

Elsewhere the cottage is spacious and full of character, though views on the soft furnishings vary, with towels, pillows and duvets described as tired for the price by some guests and perfectly fine by others. The WiFi is unreliable enough to be best ignored.

It suits families and groups who want a peaceful rural cottage with walks from the door, and whose dog is content on a lead around the grounds.