Woodpecker Cottage, Abererch

Woodpecker Cottage is a whole-house rental in the Llyn Peninsula countryside, a few minutes inland from Pwllheli, and the format does much of the work for anyone arriving with a dog. There are no shared corridors or reception areas to negotiate, parking is at the property, and the garden is what guests with dogs come back to: a large, well laid out space with seating, loungers and a charcoal barbecue.

Dogs are welcomed as a matter of course rather than tolerated, and guests travelling with them describe an easy, unfussy arrival. The owner is close by and checks in early on to see whether anything is needed, and several parties mention small touches waiting for them, from a drink and biscuits after a long drive to clear directions by text for a property that is genuinely tucked away. Inside, the cottage is set up for the practicalities of a wet-dog holiday: a washing machine, washing line, pegs and basket, a dishwasher, a large bath and a walk-in shower.

The location is the other draw. The lanes around Rhosfawr and Y Ffor are quiet enough for a straightforward walk from the door, and the dog-friendly sands at Morfa Nefyn are a short drive, with Eryri and the peninsula's smaller villages within easy reach. Guests with dogs tend to pair the garden with the beaches when they explain why they would book again.

Two things are worth knowing. The twin room has a low ceiling, so tall guests should take care, and the rural setting means the nearest shops are a drive rather than a stroll. The listing does not set out a pet policy, so confirm the number of dogs allowed and any charge when you book. For a group or family who want space, a big garden and beaches that take dogs, it is an easy 4.8 out of 5.