Dog Friendly Villas In South East

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• David - Verified booking

  The owner Mandy welcomed us on arrival and was always on hand if needed.

  A few suggestions were offered of places to visit and we also used the information provided in the welcome folder. We were able to book tickets for a steam day on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and everyone was delighted that Mandy was in the garden waving when we steamed past. The property was spotlessly clean and plenty large enough for 6 guests. We did struggle for fridge space on occasion, however put some of the items in the freezer and just cooked from frozen or remembered to defrost. The doors and some of the beams are low, but for a property originally built around 1600 it’s to be expected, you don’t tend to bump your head twice. The kitchen was clean and we didn’t generally want for anything that wasn’t there apart from some scales, the cast iron ones sufficed but we’re very heavy to move. We used the wood burning stove on the first evening. Our elderly parents were in the ground floor bedroom with ensuite but found that once the living room and dining room were up to temperature the heating went off and this bedroom was cooler than the rest of the house. It needed a bit of balancing act with the heating to ensure the radiator was on just before they went to bed and got up in the morning. There was no welcome pack on arrival so ensure you take essentials. Princes Risborough is only just up the road by car and has a large M&S Simply Food, Tesco Superstore etc. Our two dogs enjoyed the large enclosed rear garden, unfortunately however whilst the weather was kind it was not warm enough to spend a great deal of time outside. There is a vacuum cleaner in the cupboard which was handy with a border collie, and so many properties don’t provide one. We had a great week, found plenty to do, however book restaurants early. We found the Black Goo Cafe and Tap Room in Thame, the cakes are amazing and the portions enormous. We had takeaway and we’re still eating the slices 3 days later. My only comment is that we had two cars and it’s unlikely that you’d be able to park a 3rd on the driveway without blocking in the owners vehicle. We had a great week, and even visited Bicester Shopping Village where we haven’t been for nearly 25 years and would suggest getting there early.

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• Juliet - Verified booking

  Bakehouse Farm is a real gem.

  We came for a family wedding and had been told by my sister who lives nearby, to book it as it looked lovely and has great walks from the doorstep. After driving our hire car from Luton airport with my partner and 2 elderly relatives all thinking they knew better than google maps, it was a great relief to leave the car and relax into such a beautiful old house in a village, all of which seems to have been untouched by time. This house is full of lovely, ancient and unspoilt features and has a very special welcoming atmosphere. It's also amazingly clean, especially given all its little nooks and shelves. Mandy had kindly called me a day or two beforehand to explain the things we needed to know. When we arrived (an hour later than I'd advised her) she gave us a warm welcome, showed us into the house and then left us to recover from the journey. She had provided good written information about the house and recommended the village pub just a short stroll away. As we walked there in the evening sunshine, we passed under a railway bridge just as there was a hoot from the steam engine above. The barman gave us another warm welcome. The pub is just as beautiful and full of character as the house, with tables on the green, and cosy inglenooky tables inside. The food was delicious. The surrounding countryside is very green with lots of hedges full of birds singing and other wildlife, pretty fields, woodland and some hills - well worth staying here for a proper length of holiday. Mandy left us in peace but was on-hand next-door to help us with any questions and came over very quickly to help us when we were too dopey to turn on the hob. We spent a lot of time drinking coffee and laughing in the sunshine at the garden table and we may have pinched some maple leaves and forget-me-nots to adorn our wedding hats - sorry Mandy - and thank you for a perfect stay at Bakehouse Farm - we just wished it had been for longer!

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• Helen - Verified booking

  We had a lovely stay at Bakehouse Farm, we were very lucky with the weather so could make the most of the beautiful and fully enclosed garden.

  Mandy the owner lives next door and was very friendly and helpful, we had an electric issue on arrival which she was keen to get resolved but was respectful of us being in the cottage at all times - this didn’t impact our stay. The blinds to the owner’s accommodation were closed as soon as we arrived so the garden was completely private, there were plenty of chairs and cushions available for us to use so we were able to make the most of the weather and enjoy the peaceful garden. The cottage has lots of character, dating back to the 16th Century and there was plenty of space for us to spread out. The beds were comfortable and the wifi coped well - we had two young adults with us so this is essential! The kitchen was well equipped, as previously mentioned there are two corner carousels that you need to push the door to access (I wouldn’t have realised!). The dog loved his stay, was made to feel welcome and enjoyed chasing the local rabbits out of the garden each morning (he is 9 and has no chance of catching them). There are some nice walks from the village and nearby, we visited Whiteleaf cross, Wendover Woods and Dunstable Downs and had a delicious lunch at The Crown in nearby Radnage. Things to note: The building is very old so some ceilings and doorways are very low, my husband and son are not particularly tall but bashed their heads several times. Also whilst there is a lovely downstairs bedroom with en-suite there are lots of odd steps internally downstairs due to the age and nature of building being extended over the centuries. If you have poor mobility where one or two steps would be an issue then this may not be suitable.

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• Srilatha - Verified booking

  One of the first things that caught our eye was the numerous house plants around, and this really makes this property stands out, as this really is a home away from home.

  We were unfortunate in one sense to experience very cold weather at the end of April 2024, but on the other hand, it meant that we spent a lot of time enjoying the cottage. We loved the view of the garden from the kitchen and the dining room (the bright red acer was gorgeous!). We all slept well (thanks for ear plugs!) - yes, the clock does strike on the hour every hour, but you do get used to it. The living areas are very well-appointed, and the window seat area with a dual aspect of the garden was a favourite. The kitchen was a joy to cook in. Oven gloves, tea towels, blue wipey clothes and 3 dishwashing tablets provided (plus we found clingfilm, foil and greaseproof paper). We used the fire everyday due to the unseasonable cold weather (logs £8.99 in the local shop – cheaper than the supermarket). Beds were super comfy, with great sheets and towels (which we always appreciate). House is super clean, and well-equipped – a real home away from home. We also used the Kent A-Z and their local OS maps, and they have a great range of books too. The location is super as lots of attractions within 30min. The Tesco “superstore” in Hawkhurst may be smaller than expected but had everything needed, plus Waitrose just opposite too. Tips for visitors: Local shop (2 min down the road) opens from 6.30am and has fresh croissants, and local produce (Sussex crisps). The telephone box library is pretty good too. Walk to the windmill, past the school opposite the petrol station. Farm shop Eggs and Apples & Hartleys (good jam donuts) recommended. Just mind the pot holes!

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• Robert - Verified booking

  The Old Stable is well presented and a wonderfully equipped holiday home.

  Everything has been provided to an extremely high standard. Despite dire weather predictions our stay was not interupted by the sound of raindrops. All good so far. This is very much a working farm and as such the sound of tractors working from 7am should not be unexpected. Another aspect worthy of note during spells of warm weather was the abundance of flies......again not unusual on a farm but preparing food is not a task for sharing with our six-legged friends. A country property was chosen for walks and enjoying the outdoors. It is not feasible to walk from the door, therefore the car is required every day . . . . Herein lies my final gripe..The A40 is a busy road and joining it is a nightmare. Forget trying to turn right because a sufficient gap is as likely as a fly swatter having a success rate capable of deterring the other house guests. Engage power setting, turn left and trust other road users are taking notice. Walking the 1.3 miles to the nearest pub was possible but conversation, bar shouting, has to be conduced during breaks in the traffic. Our stay was enjoyable and the area is full of beautiful destinations - honourable mention to the warm sausage rolls from the butcher in Burford. These and his own pork pies are not to be missed. There is little the attentive owners can do about any of this and as such my comments are aimed purely at the expectations of prospective holiday makers. Nature has her own way of retribution - on our return home our south facing windows had their share of uninvited flies!!!!

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