Granary 2, Madley

Granary 2 is a converted granary in Madley, a village in the Herefordshire countryside west of Hereford, and it has the one feature dog owners tend to want most: an enclosed garden with gates. That single detail changes what a stay looks like, because a dog can be let out off the lead first thing and last thing without anyone getting dressed for a walk. There is a pond in the grounds, though, and the owners ask that dogs and children are supervised outside because of it, so this is garden time with an eye kept on it rather than a door simply left open.

The cottage itself is spacious and cosy, well equipped and good value, with parking on site. Public footpaths run past the property, so a walk starts at the gate rather than needing a drive, and the surrounding country is quiet farmland rather than busy road. Guests speak warmly of the host. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, so a pair travels here as easily as one.

It is a modest, good-value place rather than a polished one, and the reported niggles are worth knowing. Cleanliness has been described as not quite there on arrival, the steps are steep enough to be called a hazard, and the pillows, the height of the shower and a lack of hooks have all drawn comment. For a dog owner the steps are the one to think about: an older dog, or one with joint trouble, may need help with them.

None of that touches the pet side of the stay, which drew no complaints at all - the fenced garden and the footpaths are what guests with dogs come back to. With a 4.5/5 paw rating, Granary 2 suits couples and solo travellers who want an affordable, quiet Herefordshire base with one or two dogs, and who will trade a little polish for a fenced garden and walks from the door.