Shorefield, Bruichladdich

Shorefield is a whole house on the shore of Loch Indaal at Bruichladdich, on the west side of Islay, and it reads far more like a family home than a rental - books, a wood-burning stove, a den to sit in and a view straight out over the water. For a dog that is close to ideal: no shared corridors, no reception to walk past, and the water a short walk from the front door.

The house is described as suiting people and dogs equally well, though there is not yet much feedback from dog owners specifically. The terms themselves are generous: there is no limit on the number of dogs, no size restriction either, and the charge is £15 per dog per stay. What is clear is the shape of the place. It is roomy and well equipped, with a proper kitchen, and the walk into Bruichladdich for the distillery and the village shop takes minutes, with Port Charlotte a longer walk down the coast road.

Islay rewards a dog. The house has private woodland and ponds of its own, the shoreline at Bruichladdich is open and quiet, the Rhinns has miles of near-empty sand at Machir Bay and Saligo, and out of season you can walk for an hour without meeting anyone. It is a car island, though: taxis are scarce enough that guests have had to nominate a driver for a two-mile trip, and everything is timed around the ferry.

The practical caveats matter more with a wet dog than without one. There is no tumble dryer and no dishwasher, and the hot water has run short when guests wanted a full bath, which is worth planning around after a day on the beach. Some soft furnishings are showing their age, with holes reported in throw rugs and curtains, which is arguably a point in the property's favour if your dog is not a delicate house guest.

Best suited to a couple or small group heading to Islay for the distilleries and the coast, bringing however many dogs they have and a car, who want a real house rather than a hotel room.