Huge Garden House for Contractors and Families

This is a large detached house on a residential street in Ollerton, a former colliery town on the edge of Sherwood Forest, and it is set up for dogs rather better than most self-catering of its type. The garden is the reason. It is fully enclosed and split between a hard-surfaced area and a separate lawned section with a summer house and picnic bench, so a dog can be let off the lead safely without everything happening on one patch of grass. Guests travelling with dogs consistently pick it out, including those working with assistance dogs in training who needed exactly that mix of surfaces.

Dogs are accepted rather than merely tolerated, and the host is the other thing guests keep mentioning: clear instructions before arrival, quick replies, a welcome pack, and a willingness to take a dog added to a booking at short notice. An extra charge has applied when a dog is added, so confirm the amount with the host at the time of booking. Inside, the house is warm and roomy, with plenty of space in the kitchen-dining room and off-street parking, which makes loading a muddy dog back into the car considerably easier.

Ollerton is not a holiday town and the property is upfront about who it serves, working as a base for work trips, family visits and groups rather than as a scenic retreat. The walking makes up for it. Broughton Brake woodland is a few minutes away with a network of paths, and Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park are a short drive for longer outings. There is a convenient local shop and the neighbours get good marks.

The one caveat dog owners should note is the air fresheners, which guests have found strongly scented. Easy enough to move out of the way on arrival, but worth knowing if your dog has a sensitive nose. Otherwise this is a straightforward, well-run house with a genuinely good dog garden, and it earns a 4.4/5 paw rating. Best suited to working guests, families and groups who need enclosed outdoor space more than a view.