As a nation of animal lovers the idea of leaving our pets at home when heading off on holiday might feel like forgetting one of the family. Such is the devotion we feel, a recent survey* revealed that over a third of us now take them away on holiday. It’s not always easy finding accommodation that welcomes animals however; Unique Cottages has a wide range of pet-friendly holiday rentals so neither owner or four-legged friend need sacrifice luxury or comfort when on vacation together.
Shore Walks and Rolling Hills
Fyne View Cottage, Nr Strachur, Loch Fyne
Fyne View Cottage, Nr Strachur, Loch Fyne
An idyllic loch side escape, Fyne View Cottage is set against some of the most spectacular Scottish landscape on the West Coast. The semi-detached cottage boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Loch Fyne in the open plan dining area, leading to the bright sitting room complete with wood burning stove for chillier evenings – the perfect napping spot for tired paws.
With the loch’s shore just at the end of the garden, and the rolling Knapdale hills nearby there are plenty of opportunities for bracing walks with dogs. For a more genteel pursuit, head to the National Trust’s Crarae Gardens just beyond Inveraray where dogs are welcome. No trip to Loch Fyne would be complete without a trip to the renowned oyster bar at Cairndow, one occasion when it is ok to leave the pets behind!
http://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/westcoast/argyll/fyne_view_cottage
(Sleep 4, £395 – £635)
The Home from Home
The Haven, St Fillans, Loch Earn
The Haven, St Fillans, Loch Earn
The picturesque village of St Fillans is home to The Haven – a three bedroom home-from-home for families with children and pets to think about. Based in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park at the eastern end of Loch Earn, this traditional cottage is spacious enough for a large brood and the sunny decking area and enclosed gardens provide a fantastic setting for little ones and furry friends to roam.
Get stuck in to village life in St Fillans, with its excellent selection of eating places on hand for those nights you fancy treating the family. Pop along to the village shop and pick up a fishing permit for the loch before packing a picnic hamper to take with you for a fun afternoon of family fishing with your pet by your side.
If holidaying with older children there are a wealth of sporting pursuits to keep them occupied – sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, golf and a variety of challenging hill walks, to name but a few. And after a busy day in the great outdoors the whole family can relax back at The Haven in front of a roaring open fire in the open plan living area.
http://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/central/perthshire/the_haven
(Sleep 7/8, £495 – £750)
Island Escape
Tigh Chruic, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Tigh Chruic, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Tigh a Chruic is an idyllic blend of old and new, with its traditional 18th century farmhouse exterior and beautifully restored rooms complete with all the mod cons. The spacious farmhouse dining kitchen complete with Aga stove and the cosy sitting room with large open fire brings a welcoming feel to the house for all visitors.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with the surroundings; a short track leads you to the rocky shore from which seals and otters can be spotted, together with a variety of birds nests nearby for spotting rare breeds. The ruins of Camus Castle and the mystical Torr Sitheig also provide plenty of family friendly spots to explore whether on two or four feet.
Skye is an area of true outstanding natural beauty – its unique landscape has recently provided backdrop to the filming of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus – and Tigh a Chruic is the perfect base from which to explore the area. Dolphins and even Minke whales swim the waters off Ardvasar, and head north towards Broadford for pretty picnic spots with breathtaking views across the bay to the Cuillins.
http://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/westcoast/skye/tigh_a_chruic
(Sleep 6, £495 – £845)
Pet Paradise
Aberchalder Lodge, Loch Oich, Invergarry
Aberchalder Lodge, Loch Oich, Invergarry
Located in the heart of Aberchalder Estate, which encompasses some 16,000 acres of beautiful woodlands, mountains, lochs and rivers, Aberchalder Lodge is the perfect setting to escape to with your pets.
As well as a very large modern fitted kitchen with breakfast area it has five large bedrooms and four bathrooms. It boasts a splendid dining-room perfect for entertaining and a cook and domestic help can be arranged for an additional charge. Visitors can indulge their taste buds with home-grown and local produce. You can purchase fresh produce from the garden as well as free range chicken and duck eggs. There are a great range of walks and hikes, allowing guests with their dogs to take in the magnificent scenery. This is also the perfect location for salmon and trout fishing as well as stalking and clay pigeon shooting arrange by the estate.
After a day outdoors you and your four-legged friends can relax and unwind. While you retreat to the drawing-room and warm your feet by the wood burning stove, your canine chums can enjoy the benefits of a heated kennel.
Sleeps up to 12 people. Weekly price ranges from £1050 – £1550
http://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/highlands/inverness-shire/aberchalder_lodge
(Sleep 10/12, £1,095 – £1,595)
*survey conducted by travelsupermarket.com showed that 39% of British holidaymakers now take their pet on holiday with them either domestically or internationally
It’s a woof from us!
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