Drummond House, Ardersier

Drummond House sits in three acres of garden at Loch Flemington, in the strip of Highland countryside between Inverness and Nairn, and the grounds are the whole reason to bring a dog here. Guests travelling with dogs describe them running themselves flat across the lawns day after day and sleeping through the night as a result, which is a fair summary of what three acres of garden does for a dog that has spent the week in a flat.

Pets stay free of charge, and the limit is set by size rather than a flat number: three small dogs, or two medium-sized ones. The grounds and the seating area are enclosed, but they are shared with the other properties on the site, so a dog that would rather not meet strangers is worth factoring in. The owners keep two small dogs of their own, and guests consistently describe a welcome that extends to the dog rather than merely permitting it.

The hosting is the other half of the appeal. Arrivals are met in person and the welcome provision is unusually generous for self-catering: eggs from the hens, milk, bread, butter, tea and coffee, and a help-yourself arrangement on wine you replace before you leave. Guests pick strawberries from the garden in season. Beds and towels get consistent praise, and parking is free and on site.

Two things to plan around. There are hens and sheep in and around the grounds, so a dog with a strong chase instinct needs a lead until you have judged the situation, and the lounge furniture is firm rather than sink-into comfortable, which matters more than it sounds after a long day out. The location is rural, so a car is essential: Nairn beach is about ten minutes away and is one of the better long-run beaches in the Highlands, with Culloden, Cawdor and Inverness all within half an hour.

With a 4.5/5 paw rating, Drummond House suits owners of one to three well-mannered dogs who want space, a warm welcome and a base for the Moray Firth coast, and who are happy to keep a lead handy around the hens.