The School House, Ironbridge

The School House is a converted village school in the grounds of the Marnwood estate on Buildwas Road, a mile or so upriver from Ironbridge, and it is one of those properties where the setting does most of the work for a dog. The cottage stands in large private grounds with horses and cattle in the neighbouring fields, and a footpath runs from the estate along the river into Ironbridge itself, around twenty-five to thirty minutes on foot. Guests bringing dogs describe them as being in heaven with the space and the fresh air.

Inside, the conversion is the draw - exposed brick, carved wooden staircases, tiled floors and underfloor heating that gets singled out in winter - and it is generously sized for a couple or a small family. The owners leave welcome hampers, answer questions quickly and have let guests charge an electric car during a stay.

The dog-specific detail worth knowing is about boundaries. The estate as a whole is fenced, but the area immediately outside the cottage is not enclosed and there is a neighbouring cottage close by, so guests have kept dogs on extending leads rather than letting them range. With livestock in the adjoining fields that is the sensible approach anyway. Beyond the gates there are footpaths in several directions, and the gorge and its museums are walkable along the river.

Two caveats. The stairs creak loudly enough to have woken a sleeping baby, and dog hair has been left in the property on at least one changeover, so it is worth a look round on arrival if anyone in your party is sensitive to it. The listing publishes no pet terms - no fee, no limit on numbers, no weight or breed restriction - so agree those with the owners at booking. For dog owners who want space, quiet and a walk into a World Heritage gorge without moving the car, it is a very good fit.