We are animal lovers through and through and we particularly love dogs! There is a peculiar trait about dog lovers have you noticed? Most of us are loyal to one breed. Whether it be loveable Labradors, sensitive Spaniels or crazy Cockapoos; dog lovers find a breed and stick to it! With us its the wirehaired dachshund. Not the most common of breeds but we adore them and are onto our second dog although, if you read the breed characteristics you might wonder why. The Kennel Club describe the wirehaired dachshund as intelligent, lively and courageous to the point of rashness! They are also known to be stubborn and obstinate.......On the plus side, we have found them to be loyal, good tempered and loveable so clearly not all bad. Although Alby always maintains that as a breed you can't trust them! Pictured above is Dougie our much loved keenly missed standard wirehaired dachshund. He was big even for a standard and an immoveable object if he fancied a lie down - usually in front of the Everhot range when you wanted to cook dinner. Come to think of it, the cooking smells were probably also part of the attraction........
Sadly he died at a very early age and the void he left behind was just too big to live with so we knew we had to find a little dog to fill it. Enter Polly, a miniature wire haired dachshund who has proved herself more than capable of filling the prints that Dougie's larger paws had left behind. A loveable rascal who firmly believes that all our guests to our luxury self-catering holiday let in Wellington, on the |Somerset/Devon border have come to see her and not for a holiday at all. And of course, all guests who bring their dogs are welcomed with enthusiasm!
We opened Otters Holt at Chipley Escapes, with the aim that guests bringing their doggy family members are not only allowed but are positively welcomed. As dog owners ourselves, we know how important it is to find dog friendly destinations and this strategy has paid off. The proportion of our guests bringing dogs is more than 68% (2022 figures) and who can blame them? As a dog friendly holiday cottage, we provide dog blankets, premium and often home made dog treats, towels for those muddy walks, poo bags and a mat for mealtimes. What's more, once the gate is shut, the garden is safe and enclosed for your dogs to run around and stretch their legs after a long drive. Located between the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Quantocks and the Blackdown Hills, and the rugged scenery of Exmoor National Park; dog walking opportunities are plentiful and diverse. Furthermore, the North Somerset and Devon beaches and with the Jurassic Coast to the south, beach walks should definitely be on the agenda when you book a stay. And lastly, the village pub The Martlet, just a short walk across the fields, is dog friendly and welcome dogs too! What could be nicer than an evening stroll across the beautiful Somerset countryside with your faithful friend, an excellent meal in the pub and a walk back to a cosy dog friendly home?
It is lovely to meet our guests and their dogs. We currently have Molly, a very beautiful blonde cockapoo staying with us and last week we had Purdey and Beesche, bilingual French/English dogs who loved the beach! And who could forget our very first guest dog, Marshall, who completely fell in love with Dougie and spent most mornings racing round the garden after him!
So, treat your dog as well as yourselves and book a dog friendly, luxury break on the Somerset/Devon border and you will even be met by our official meeter and greeter, Polly, who will only be too delighted to welcome you to Otters Holt at Chipley Escapes!
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