South Hill Farmhouse, Stow-on-the-Wold

South Hill Farmhouse is a big, beautifully equipped Cotswolds house on the edge of Stow-on-the-Wold, built for large gatherings, and it now welcomes dogs, which makes it a rare find for extended families or groups of friends who want to bring the whole party, four-legged members included. Guests consistently describe it as spotless, generously kitted out and ideal for a crowd, with the space to spread out indoors and out.

Dogs are welcome for a charge of twenty-five pounds per dog, and the standout feature for owners is the safe, secure garden, which several guests single out as a real reassurance with dogs and children about. There is also a warm welcome pack and easy access on foot into Stow itself, with its dog-friendly pubs, shops and antique dealers a short walk away.

There is one caveat that dog owners should weigh carefully before booking, because it comes up more than once: the farmhouse sits right on the main A-road into Stow. The enclosed garden means your dog is safe at the property, but crossing the road on foot to reach walks can be stressful with a dog in tow, and at least one guest found the traffic enough to put them off returning for that reason. If your dog is road-savvy and steady on the lead, or you are happy to drive a couple of minutes to quieter Cotswold walks, it is very manageable; if you have a nervous or bolty dog, factor it in.

South Hill Farmhouse suits groups and larger families who want a top-quality Cotswolds base with a secure garden and are comfortable with a roadside location. Confirm the per-dog charge and the number of dogs allowed when you book.