Hill Brow, Hope Bowdler

Hill Brow is a 1920s detached bungalow in the south Shropshire hills, and its real selling point for dog owners is the garden: a big, wildlife-filled cottage plot with bird feeders, open views and a little gate onto the fields beyond. Guests travelling with dogs come back to it year after year, and it earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.

Up to two pets are allowed per booking. Beyond that the property publishes no pet fee and no size restriction, so confirm the details directly if you are travelling with a large dog or want to be certain about charges. The house is furnished in a hard-wearing, lived-in style that suits muddy dogs far better than a pristine holiday let would.

Garden security is the one thing to get straight before booking, because guest reports genuinely differ. Some describe it as well fenced and secure enough to let a dog roam off-lead. Others say it is only mainly enclosed, and that a dog inclined to jump a fence or push through a hedge could get out. There is a low gate to a neighbouring field with sheep in it, and working farm dogs next door who will see off a visiting dog that wanders past. Several guests with dogs have solved this with a long line outside. The decking also gets very slippery in the wet, which catches out dogs as well as people, and there are warning signs up.

Away from the garden the setting is quiet and properly rural, with walks straight from the door and local farmers happy to point out routes. Church Stretton, the Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley are about ten minutes' drive, and Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge are all comfortable day trips, with plenty of dog-friendly cafes and shops in the nearer towns. The owners live close by, leave a welcome gift and homemade bird food, and are quick to help.

The house is quirky rather than smart, and reviews reflect that. It can be cold outside high summer, the conservatory swings between too cold and too hot, and some guests have found surfaces less clean than expected. The lane exit is narrow and blind, so take it slowly.

Best suited to owners of steady, recall-reliable dogs who want space, birdsong and hill walks, and who do not mind a house with more character than polish.