The Annex - Eden House

The Annex at Eden House is a self-contained studio in Langwathby, a quiet village in the Eden valley a few miles north east of Penrith, and it has become a reliable pick for couples travelling with a dog. One well-behaved pet is welcome, and the annex has its own enclosed private patio, so there is somewhere safe to let a dog out first thing without crossing anyone else's space. The walking from the door is the real selling point: village paths that are dog friendly and, usefully, free of livestock, so a dog that is not reliable around sheep can still get a proper run.

The annex is spacious for a studio, with a well-equipped kitchen and a private back garden, and there is a pub and restaurant directly opposite for evenings. Owners travelling with dogs describe it as easy and low-fuss, helped by quick and friendly communication from the host. Penrith and the M6 are a short drive, Ullswater and the northern fells are within half an hour, and the village has its own station on the Settle to Carlisle railway if you fancy a day out without the car.

A few things to size up. The layout is open plan, so the fridge is audible at night for light sleepers. The supporting roof beams sit low, which taller guests find awkward. The garden could do with better lighting after dark, which matters if you have a dog to let out last thing. And while most stays pass without incident, there have been occasional reports of lukewarm water and patchy cleaning behind the appliances, so it pays to flag anything early rather than put up with it.

Best suited to a couple with one dog who want a quiet village base, livestock-free walking and a pub across the road. Less suited to families needing separate rooms, taller guests who would rather not duck, or anyone bringing more than one dog.