Deck chairs in a garden

Dog-friendly cottages with an enclosed garden in South Cornwall

South Cornwall is the identical twin sister of North Cornwall. Sure, they’ve a lot in common. There are beaches galore, ice creams at every turn, and a very strong stance on whether it’s cream or jam first. But there are some subtle differences if you look close enough. If you’re looking to explore this southern region with a happy dog in tow and work out what makes it special, then we’ve got the perfect spots for you to check out – best of all, they’ve got an enclosed garden for your four-legged friend to enjoy!

Written by Jem Brownlee

5 minute read

Logi’s Boathouse

At Logi's Boathouse, you can count the number of places with this view on one hand. If you arrive in good time, there’s a kayak waiting for you as well as a dog life jacket for the salty sea dogs. But if relaxation’s on the cards, you’re in for a treat. There’s a spot on the deck to chill under festoon lights, with a fantastic view of twinkling Plymouth in the distance and an outdoor bath to slip into with a glass of something chilled.

This dog-friendly cottage has an enclosed pebbled garden at the front and an enclosed astro-turfed deck looking out on the water at the back. Your dog will be thrilled sniffing every corner as you relax with your favourite drink watching the sun set over the water.

Everything’s within easy reach here. There are three shops in the local village, which is an easy 15-minute walk, or The Devonport Inn’s a 14-minute drive if you’re not in the mood to cook. A stretch of the legs is always going to be a doddle too, with walks along the shingle beach just two seconds from the Boathouse (you've got your own private steps leading down to the shoreline). And a little further, you'll find the Rame Head Heritage Coast just a short drive away.

Stay at: Logi's Boathouse, Millbrook >

The Dairy at The Cornish Place

The Dairy is a luxurious spot that's got everything two- and four-legged guests need to relax -- an enclosed garden for your faithful friend to trot about happily in and a wood-fired hot tub for equal measures of human joy. That being said, it doesn’t end there. You still have the large bath in the bedroom to slip into with a book in hand, or a spot out by the firepit to watch the stars with four and two-legged friends alike.

If you're a foodie be sure to head for local ingredients to cook in the spacious kitchen or out on the BBQ. But if you don't fancy cooking and your dog is using big, wide eyes to sway your decision-making process, then there’s The Fox & Hounds pub just a mile or so up the road, where dogs on leads are warmly welcomed – and most excitingly, they offer a dog snack menu!

Stay at: The Dairy at The Cornish Place, Gwennap >

Round House East

With history, landscape and adventure all on offer at Round House East, it doesn’t get much better than this. This period dog-friendly cottage may be from the 1820s, but the interior is modern in comparison, and brightly decorated. The lovely enclosed cottage garden is a good spot to soak up the rays with a good book as your dog sniffles about the grass at your feet.

For days out, there are the secluded coves of Great and Little Molunan a 20-minute drive down the road – both allowing dogs, so everyone can go for a day out exploring (but probably just the humans snorkelling). On the way back, grab some fish fresh off the boat at Curgurrell Farm Shop and Da Bara bread for dinner.

If planning’s your forte, then The Hidden Hut is fantastic (if you can book it!) – their feast nights, served at a long table on the sand, are legendary.

Stay at: Round House East, Truro >

A barn

The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick

If you can’t decide between the patchwork fields, or the salty spray of the waves, you’re in luck. With the sea just a ten-minute drive, and the rolling countryside all around, you'll find the dog-friendly cottage The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick. Found on the Lower Tresithick Farmstead, you’ll be relaxing on the south-facing decking, looking out over the Cornish apple orchard, perhaps with a book, your favourite tipple and a wide grin.

This is the place to cook up good food, with a BBQ out on deck to enjoy on those sultry summer nights, or when the cooler weather’s around, a feast at the large dining table indoors. Either way, that enclosed garden is just waiting for a dog to do excited spins while you grill sausages.

You might explore the local woods and fields, or simply stay close by to enjoy the 12 acres of farmland on site and the possibility of an entire field to run rampant in for the hound.

Stay at: The Old Barn at Lower Tresithick, Truro >

A cabin overlooking a sea view A table set up overlooking a sea view

The Cabin at Halzephron House

If you’re looking for ‘by the sea’ then look no further than this. At The Cabin, the view from the breakfast bar is out over the cove below, with the sea crashing against the rocks. There are hints of luxury at every turn, from a double-ended bath for slinking into after a long day, to a wood burner to dry off in front of, you have all you need for shoulder-dropping comfort.

The large French doors open onto the lawn, where you’ll find an al fresco dining space to lap up the fresh sea air in the morning, or from your dog’s perspective, an enclosed garden to bound about in! Go just a little further, and you’ll find the secret garden overlooking the sea.

If everyone’s in need of a treat for good behaviour, then wander on down to The Halzephron Inn, a dog-friendly pub just one minute’s walk down the road for a menu of local and seasonal produce.

Stay at: The Cabin at Halzephron House, Helston >

A house at sunset A garden with a hot tub at sunset

Bar-K

The term ‘luxurious’, doesn’t quite cut it here. Bar-K has everything you need and more to let loose in South Cornwall. The inside is spacious, with a large kitchen to cater to all eight people you could bring with you, and a dining table to match! There’s a cinema room for entertainment, as well as a games room, and the lounge has plenty of space to lie about in. The rooms are clean, crisp and spacious, and the bathrooms? Spa-like, and well-equipped with rainfall showers and tubs.

But the outdoors is where it steps up a level. There’s a large, enclosed garden for the dog to run about in and a big table for al fresco dining. But to really relax, try out the outdoor shower, the sauna or the hot tub – and watch the dog bound about happily as you breathe very deep sighs.

Stay at: Bar-K, Saltash >

Honeysuckle Cottage

Honeysuckle Cottage is a charming dog-friendly cottage that has all the classic features you could hope for, with exposed beams, an open-hearth fire and a four-poster bed. This is the sort of spot to escape to with the dog and really relax. When you’re not enjoying the enclosed garden with your faithful friend, letting them trot about as you sip a coffee out at the garden table, you might be making use of the communal pool spa and sauna on site.

For a proper stretch of the legs, there are 150 acres of space to explore on the estate. Or further afield, head to Siblyback Lake, which offers a great 3.5-mile circular walk, as well as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

When you're suitably tired, make a trip to The Plough at Duloe for a reward where great local seafood is as common as bowls and ear scratches for the dog.

Stay at: Honeysuckle Cottage, Looe >


Written by Jem Brownlee

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