Duck Hut, Compton Dundon

The Duck Hut is a shepherd's hut in the Somerset village of Compton Dundon, set in its own patch of garden with off-road parking beside it. It is small by design and surprisingly complete - a proper bed, a sitting area, kitchen facilities and a bathroom with hot running water all fit inside - and it makes an easy, low-key stop for one or two people with a dog.

The most important thing for dog owners is what the garden is not. It is not enclosed, and the hut sits close to a country lane. Guests with dogs have consistently had to tether them or keep them on the lead in the garden, and while the lane is quiet, tractors, cars and minibuses do use it through the morning and afternoon. If your dog reliably stays put, this is a minor adjustment; if you were picturing letting them off in a secure garden, it is not that. No formal pet terms are published on the property's booking listing, so confirm numbers and any charge with the owner.

The owner is the strength here. Guests describe a quick reply to enquiries before arrival, a chat on the doorstep when they turn up, and practical help when something goes wrong - an ice pack produced when a fridge overheated, for instance.

Compton Dundon suits a dog well. It is a quiet village with walking options straight from the door, and no shops or cafes to speak of, so bring what you need. The hot tub is a genuine bonus but it is shared with two or three neighbouring properties on a rota rather than being yours alone, and one party felt the weekly water change was not often enough for that many users.

Two other things. There is no covered outdoor space, so a wet week limits how much you use the garden. And cleanliness between guests has slipped at least once - a party with no pets of their own found hair around the hut and a dusty floor. At 4.5/5 for paws, this works best for a couple or a solo traveller with a well-behaved dog who will be out walking most of the day.