Hearthstone East Cottage, Brixham

Hearthstone East is a 16th-century thatched cottage on the edge of Brixham that sleeps eight - and it has quietly become a favourite for multi-dog family takeovers, earning a 4.8 paw rating across four dog stays, most of them parties of five-plus humans and two dogs. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome.

The secure rear garden is the recurring hero of dog-stay feedback: owners call it a genuine bonus, dogs play on the grass across its several seating levels, and one family reported their dogs didn't want to come home. Inside, the cottage is all period character - beams, an inglenook, proper thatch overhead - with enough room that two dogs and a crowd of kids don't trip over each other, and a driveway big enough for the convoy.

Two practical notes before booking. First, access to the cottage involves fourteen cobbled steps from the parking (there is a paved pathway alternative) - fine for most dogs, worth knowing for arthritic seniors or very small breeds doing it ten times a day. Second, upkeep has wobbled between stays in the wider review pool - occasional reports of an overgrown garden or tired patio fittings alongside the many spotless visits - so if garden condition matters to your dog's safety, ask for the current state when booking. No pet fee is listed; confirm directly.

The location does classic Torbay dog duty: a pleasant walk into Brixham's harbour and fish-market bustle, St Mary's Bay and the coast path over Berry Head minutes away, and Shoalstone's sea pool nearby for humans. Out of season the beaches open right up for dogs.

Best suited to big family groups with one or two sociable dogs who want character and a safe garden over modern polish - and can manage the steps.