Lower Norton Farmhouse

Lower Norton Farmhouse is a large, beautifully kept country house tucked into the Devon countryside a short drive from Dartmouth, and it has become a firm favourite with families who bring their dogs along. The property welcomes one well-behaved dog per booking, and the setting genuinely suits four-legged travellers: acres of open space, walks that start right from the front door, and a dedicated exercising field for letting a dog stretch its legs. That mix of space and seclusion earns it a 4.8 out of 5 paw rating.

The owners come up again and again as friendly and helpful without ever being intrusive, and guests travelling with dogs consistently describe the house itself as warm, spacious and genuinely comfortable. Underfloor heating, log burners and a very well equipped kitchen make it an easy base for a group who plan to cook and settle in rather than head out every day.

It sits in a quiet rural valley with lovely views across the countryside, close enough to Dartmouth for shops and supermarkets but far enough to feel like a proper escape. Owners with an OS map or a good walking app will find plenty to explore straight from the door.

A few things are worth knowing before you book with a dog. The exercising field is not fully secure, with gaps in the fencing large enough for a determined dog to slip through, so dogs are best kept on a lead outside and the doors kept shut indoors. The approach is a long, rough, unmade track down to the house, and the outdoor slabs can turn slippery in wet weather. None of this puts off the families who return year after year, but it is the kind of detail that helps you pack the right kit.

Overall this is a strong choice for a multi-generational group or extended family who want a spacious, self-catering countryside base where the dog is part of the trip rather than an afterthought. If you need a fully enclosed garden or want to be within walking distance of a pub, weigh those points up first.