Molly's Place, Bournemouth

Molly's Place is a whole-house rental on a quiet residential road in Boscombe, a few minutes from the beach and Boscombe's shops. What makes it work for a dog is the garden: a large, enclosed, sunny space that guests rate as one of the best things about the property, and which turns letting the dog out into a door-opening job rather than an expedition.

One well-behaved dog is welcome. The house itself gets close to unanimous praise - warm, cosy and spacious, with modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and a kitchen equipped down to the outdoor crockery. Guests describe a proper family home rather than a stripped-back investment let, and the host gets repeated mentions for being helpful and easy to deal with.

The location suits a dog well. Boscombe seafront is a short walk, Southbourne and Hengistbury Head are a little further along the coast, and the street is quiet enough that comings and goings do not turn into a performance.

Two caveats. The house is well stocked with ornaments and personal touches, which is part of its charm but leaves less room to spread out your own things, and is worth a thought if you are travelling with a bouncy dog and a tail at shelf height. The living room also looks directly onto a neighbouring garden, so curtains tend to get drawn in the evening. Dog owners have had less to say about this one than guests in general, so the enclosed garden and the one-dog limit are the concrete things to plan around.

For one settled dog and a family wanting a warm, well-kept base near Boscombe beach, Molly's Place is an easy recommendation and earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.