7 The Retreat, Paignton

7 The Retreat is a 4-star whole-house rental on Marine Drive in Paignton, set up as a three-bedroom three-en-suite family base near the seafront. The standout feature for many guests is the rare three-en-suite layout - so each bedroom has its own bathroom rather than queuing for one shared facility - which matters more than it sounds on a multi-night stay with family or friends.

The pet policy is concrete and worth flagging: one well-behaved dog is welcome. Two-dog households will need to look elsewhere. The host requires a credit card and photo ID at check-in, and the property doesn't accept hen or stag party bookings - both of which contribute to a quieter base than a typical seafront let.

Practical caveat for dog owners flagged by a recent guest: the back garden isn't fully secure for a dog inclined to run off. A small dog particularly may find an exit point if left unsupervised in the garden. Plan for supervised garden time only, or use the seafront walks for actual exercise. The host has also flagged a slightly tricky front door lock - workable if you read the check-in guide rather than treating it as a problem on arrival.

Location is one of the property's strong points. Marine Drive sits close to the seafront, so Paignton's beach (with seasonal dog-zoning) and the South West Coast Path are reachable on foot. Driving range opens up Preston, Goodrington and the wider Torbay coast for more varied walks and dog-friendly cafes.

The property is described by a recent family guest as comfortable, beds of good quality, and well-maintained - the host's check-in booklet was specifically praised for making the property's quirks easy to navigate.

Best suited to families or small groups travelling with one dog who want a three-en-suite whole-house base near the Paignton seafront, who'll mind the unsecured back garden, and who'll read the host's check-in guide rather than reach for the front desk.