The Granary, Barwick

The Granary is a farm building conversion at Barwick, a couple of miles south of Yeovil, and it works well for dogs largely because of where it is. The setting is a working Somerset farm with sheep in the fields, the property has its own private garden, and village walks begin more or less at the gate. Owners have brought dogs here for a first holiday and come away recommending it.

Dogs are welcome and the private garden is the practical part of that: it means a dog can go out without a lead-up and a walk every time. The building is a whole-property let, so nothing is shared with other guests. No pet fee, dog limit or breed rule appears on the listing, so settle those with the owners directly, particularly if you are bringing more than one dog.

The owners live on the farm and the welcome is a personal one rather than a key-safe handover. Guests describe them as attentive and easy to deal with, going out of their way when a party needed help, and the interior is a comfortable rustic conversion with a wood-burning stove, a good bath and stunning views from the living room.

Barwick itself gives you quiet lanes and field paths, with Yeovil close enough for supplies and the Dorset border and the Somerset levels within easy reach for bigger days out.

Housekeeping is the one soft spot and it comes up often enough to flag: guests have reported crockery and cutlery needing a wash before use, cobwebs in the corners, and toilets that had not been cleaned to the standard the rest of the place sets. A large farm building is hard to keep on top of, but plan on wiping down before you unpack. A bedroom heater has also been found not working, the front door lock is stiff, and the lanes in are narrow.

Best suited to owners who want a rural farm base with a private garden and are relaxed enough to sort out a bit of dust themselves.