Seymour House, Exmouth

Seymour House is a whole-house rental a few streets back from Exmouth seafront, and its best feature for dog owners is also its simplest: the garden at the back is fully enclosed. Guests travelling with dogs pick that out ahead of anything else about the property, because it means letting the dog out first thing does not involve finding a lead.

Dogs stay free of charge here, which is not a given on the East Devon coast, and the house is let in its entirety. There are no shared corridors, no other guests' doors, and no reception to walk a wet dog past.

The house itself draws consistent praise. Guests describe the kitchen as properly equipped, the beds as comfortable and the decoration as thoughtful rather than generic, and those who have met the owners describe them warmly. It reads as a property someone looks after rather than one that is simply let out.

The beach is a short walk, and a convenience store and petrol station are close enough to cover a forgotten pint of milk without moving the car. Exmouth seafront, the estuary path and the western end of the Jurassic Coast walks are all within reach for longer outings.

The trade-offs are the usual self-catering ones. Nobody is on site, and nothing is provided beyond the house, so the dog's bed, bowls and towels come with you. No limit on the number of dogs has been published, so confirm directly if more than one is coming.

It suits couples and small families who want a quiet, well-kept base within walking distance of Exmouth beach, with a secure garden to open the back door onto.