Pentreath, Crantock

Pentreath is a large single-level bungalow on the hillside above Crantock Bay, and it is one of the easiest houses on this stretch of the north Cornwall coast to arrive at with dogs. The garden is the centrepiece: a big enclosed lawn wrapping around the house, sea views over the bay from patios on either side, and enough room for two dogs to properly stretch their legs after a long drive down.

Up to two dogs can stay, and a pet fee of £40 applies. The layout matters as much as the policy here - everything is on one level with no stairs to negotiate, which suits older or stiff-jointed dogs and puts the garden a step away from the living space. Families travelling with dogs mention the same things again and again: the space, how clean the house is on arrival, and how well it copes with a large group and a couple of dogs at once.

The beach is the main draw. A footpath just off the main road crosses the dunes and drops onto Crantock beach in seven to ten minutes, though the descent is steep enough that some visitors prefer the flatter route round by the car park, which takes about fifteen. Crantock village is a ten-minute walk with a couple of pubs that welcome dogs, and the coast path from the door runs on towards Porth Joke and Holywell Bay for longer outings.

Two things are worth checking before letting a dog off the lead. The garden is enclosed, but there is a gap in the fence and bushes on the bank near the washing line, so walk the boundary on arrival if your dog is an explorer. And the house is dog-welcoming rather than dog-equipped: there are no sofa throws, no outdoor dog shower and no welcome treats, which some guests have felt is poor value against the pet fee. Large groups also run short of bin bags, including the small ones for the dog-waste bin, so pack your own.

Pentreath suits larger families and groups bringing one or two dogs who want space, sea views and a step-free house within walking distance of a beach, and it earns a 4.8/5 paw rating.