Portbridge Nest, Chew Magna

Portbridge Nest is a compact, modern annexe in the Chew Valley, a short drive from Bristol Airport, and it draws a steady stream of dog owners using it either as a countryside base or as an overnight stop before an early flight. Self check-in runs on a keycode, so a late arrival with a dog in the car is straightforward. Guests describe it as spotless, and dog owners who react to pet hair report finding no trace of it despite the property taking dogs.

The significant caveat is the outdoor space, and it comes up again and again. The grounds are large and attractive, but dogs are restricted to the patio rather than the lawn, and the fenced area is not fully dog-proof - there is a gap under the gate that a small dog can get through, so a number of guests have found they could not let their dog off the lead at all. If a secure garden is the reason you are booking, this is not the property for it. A resident dog also comes and goes around the grounds, which most people take in their stride but which is worth knowing if yours is reactive.

Noise is the other thing to weigh. Guests have reported being woken in the night by dogs barking close by - in at least one case enough to rule out using the place again before an early flight - and the road alongside the property attracts motorbikes on summer evenings. Neither comes up in most stays, but both matter more than usual when you are trying to sleep before a dawn departure.

Inside, it is comfortable and well thought through: a very comfortable bed, good WiFi, a properly equipped kitchen and thoughtful touches such as a fan brought over in hot weather. Parking is adequate but tight for a large estate car, and the entrance gate code takes a moment to get right on arrival.

Best suited to dog owners who are content walking their dog on the lead and want a clean, modern base for the Chew Valley lakes or a night near Bristol Airport. It earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.