Culverwells, Dalwood

Culverwells is a big, comfortable four-bedroom house in the East Devon village of Dalwood, with a conservatory looking out over rolling countryside, a log burner, underfloor heating throughout and a large enclosed garden. It sleeps a proper crowd, and families who have brought dogs describe holidays where the walking starts at the front door: a field next door, the village community shop and pub a torch-lit stroll away, and the coast close enough for beach days.

The one thing to be clear about before booking is where dogs are allowed to be. Guests have arrived to find signs through the house asking that dogs stay in the kitchen area only, and that restriction is not spelled out at the booking stage. Not being allowed upstairs is normal enough; being confined to a single downstairs room is a different proposition, and it has been a real disappointment for guests who booked on the strength of the pet-friendly listing. If your dog is used to settling wherever the family is, ask the owners directly how the rule is applied before you commit, and note that guests have suggested bringing a stair gate.

Up to two pets can stay. The garden is a genuine asset, enclosed and big enough to be shared happily by dogs and children, and the surrounding lanes and fields make for easy, unhurried walks. Do check the boundary before letting a dog loose near it, though: cattle graze in the adjoining field, which is fine for a steady dog and less so for one that chases.

Inside, the layout works well for a group. The kitchen is roomy and open to the living and dining space, the conservatory is the room everyone gravitates to, and the house holds its heat. The two lounge sofas sit very low, which older guests have found hard to get out of.

Culverwells earns a 4.5/5 paw rating. It suits larger parties whose dog is happy to have its own spot in the kitchen and be walked from the door, rather than owners who expect a dog to have the run of the house.