Trentishoe Coombe (Exmoor near Parracombe)

Trentishoe Coombe is a large whole-house rental in a wooded valley on the Exmoor coast, between Parracombe and Combe Martin in North Devon. Three dogs are welcome rather than the usual one, which makes it a rare find for households with a pack, or for two families travelling together and pooling their dogs.

Beyond that headline the owners publish little in the way of formal pet rules, so anything specific - where dogs are allowed to sleep, whether they can be left in the house unattended - is worth agreeing directly before you book.

The house earns strong marks for space and cleanliness. Groups travelling with dogs describe a property that comfortably absorbs eight people across three generations plus dogs, with enough room for everyone to spread out and still find a quiet corner. There are two outdoor areas: a courtyard garden with a jacuzzi that works as the sociable spot, and a calmer side garden. For dogs coming back wet and muddy off the moor, a house of this size and standard of equipment is a practical choice.

Location is the thing to think hardest about. This is genuine Exmoor - the coast path, the Heddon Valley and miles of moorland walking start close by, and the setting is properly peaceful. The trade-off is that the lanes are steep and narrow, the nearest pub is a stiff walk or a drive rather than a stroll, and shops are a fair distance, so check current road access when you book and consider a supermarket delivery. Guests have also found the house short on written instructions for the jacuzzi and appliances, and have waited on replies when they asked, so it pays to get the practical questions answered before you arrive.

Trentishoe Coombe suits multi-dog households and larger groups who want a remote Exmoor base with walking from the door, and who are comfortable driving to everything else. It earns a 4.2/5 paw rating.