The name, the Plucking Barn originates from the days of old when the barn was used to prepare ducks and chickens. Today there is no trace of that, but instead you will be greeted by friendly owners who have created a modern and very comfortable holiday cottage, in an ‘upside down’ style to take advantage of the gorgeous views. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms, one a double and the other a twin. They both have access to the lovely shower room with walk-in shower. There is thermostatically controlled radiators upstairs, and underfloor heating on the ground floor. Upstairs, the living area is open plan with a spacious modern and well equipped kitchen and dining space which leads to the living area where there are two comfy leather sofas and chair. You can sit here and take full advantage of the amazing countryside views or step out through the patio doors onto the balcony and enjoy sitting at the table with a coffee or a glass of something chilled and breathe in the fresh Welsh air. There’s also an outside seating area right by the barn with barbecue, table and chairs and a great enclosed paddock for exercising dogs right opposite.
The location of the Plucking Barn makes it an ideal base for day trips around west and mid Wales. There are over 60 miles of glorious coastline in Cardigan Bay. There are lots of beaches and coves and many are dog friendly all year round if you are bringing your pet on holiday with you. The pretty coastal resort of New Quay and the colourful Georgian harbour town Aberaeron can be easily reached within 30 minutes’ drive. You’re very likely to see dolphins in the bay and there are boat trips available to watch them and the other wildlife. The Victorian seaside and university town of Aberystwyth is also within easy reach and here you’ll find a traditional pier, promenade and the old electric cliff railway to the summit of Constitution Hill where you can enjoy a really panoramic view of the bay.
If outdoor activities are your thing, there are plenty of options for walkers and cyclists of all abilities as well as horse riding, canoeing and more. Families can enjoy a day out at the National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines at Pumsaint, the Silver Mountain Experience (silver-lead mines) at Ponterwyd or the red kite feeding centre at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian. Or why not take a trip on a traditional steam train from Abersytwyth to the falls at Devil’s Bridge? There’s far more to see and do here in this diverse and culturally rich part of Wales than can be written in a few lines, so why not book a break or a longer stay at the Plucking Barn – you won’t be disappointed. Beach 13 miles. Shop 3½ miles. Pub and restaurant 5 miles.

This 19th-century Coach House, once part of a country house estate and still retains many original features. Set in 4 acres of grounds within the owner’s 60 acre farm, situated on the beautiful Brendon Hills, it is close to Wimbleball Lake, which is renowned for its fly fishing, sailing, rowing, paddling board and excellent activity centre. Haddon Hill offers wonderful moorland walks and the West Somerset coast is only 15 minutes away, offering stunning scenery and the fossil beach at Kilve. The pretty country village of Dulverton is a 10-minute drive, and the medieval village of Dunster with its castle is another popular local attraction. Exmoor National Park was designated as the first Dark Sky reserve in Europe. The property is ideal for exploring Exmoor, activity holidays or walking/training your dogs who are always welcome at the Coach House at no extra cost. Upton has some excellent pubs, restaurants and tearooms and some lovely quaint village shops selling local produce. Shop 7 miles, pub 3 miles.

Located only 8½ miles from the centre of Bournemouth, Fortis House is a great base for large groups of families or friends to book an exciting mid-week getaway together in the wonderful south coast county of Dorset. Travel down a long private country road and arrive at the gates into the sweeping driveway, with ample parking for up to five cars.
Relax or party with your friends and family in this secluded property, which is also dog-friendly, with its huge 2-acre gardens, outdoor swimming pool (available summer season only) and six-seater hot tub. This venue is very private and peaceful with no nearby residents to worry about during your holiday time.
The property can sleep up to 22 guests, across five bedrooms, and there are three bathrooms, large kitchen and dining areas, a utility room and games room. There is a Sky TV service in the living room, including Sky Cinema and Sky Sports, free superfast Wi-Fi is provided and the table football and American pool table in the games room will provide great entertainment and memories. Beach 8½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.

Hillcrest House is a detached, spacious holiday property and is beautifully renovated. Set in the peaceful village of Brown Edge, a stone’s throw away from a pub, this fabulous property boasts an open plan living area and kitchen with a host of appliances and a large central table to entertain at. The large living area has a beautiful feature wood burner and is the perfect place to get together, laugh and talk long into the night.

The property offers 5 individually designed well-appointed bedrooms all with their own en-suite facilities, so no need to fight for the bathroom! The top floor has been designed to accommodate 5 guests, so ideal if you have kids in your group, as it is the perfect place for them to escape to whilst you relax downstairs. A fully functional, ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower room and kitchen area, is ideal for less mobile guests, or grandparents wanting space and independence from the rest of the party.

Brown Edge has a post office, general store, and a couple of pubs. A wider range of amenities can be found 5 miles away in Hanley. The market town of Leek, which is renowned for its antique shops, is just 6 miles away. Ideally located for exploring the Staffordshire moorlands, Cheshire, and the Peak District National Park, it is a great area for walking, and there are lots of attractions within easy driving distance. These include Biddulph Grange Gardens, 4 miles, the Potteries at Stoke-on-Trent, 8 miles, Trentham Gardens, 11 miles, Lyme Park House and Gardens, 16 miles, and Alton Towers Theme Park 17 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub, and restaurant 100 yards.

This beautiful Victorian country house, formerly stables and a groom’s flat, sits between its own large garden and the cobbled courtyard of Lochside House. Ideal for family gatherings and parties, it is also the perfect base for exploring Northumberland and the Scottish Borders with its fine beaches, historic buildings and stunning scenery. The large secluded garden and inner dog proof yard is complete with BBQ, firepit, garden furniture, badminton and a large hot tub for relaxing in, or for family and friends to splash wildly in. To the front there is a beautiful outlook over the SSSI Yetholm Loch wildlife reserve with a backdrop of green rounded hills. The surrounding parkland grazes horses and rare breed Soay sheep. Across the whole valley are extensive new native tree plantings along with other associated environmental works. Farm and woodland walks ideal for exploring, nature lovers and dog walks.
Inside, you can enjoy the comfort of soft sofas surrounded by period furniture and paintings, lots of books, an open fire, grand piano, Wi-Fi, television and a DVD player. There’s a special place for everyone in this spacious house. The well-equipped kitchen has an electric range and a large dining table. An adjacent barn houses a shared snooker table and dart board. The lawns of Lochside House also have a shared trampoline and swing.
The Yetholm Loch wildlife reserve can be reached along beautiful woodland walks and is home to many species of birds and animals. If you are lucky, you may see an osprey swooping down to catch a fish or an otter playing in the sunshine. There is a family boat which guests are welcome to use for fishing, or for the fun of rowing surrounded by wonderful scenery. The village of Yetholm is a couple of miles away with pubs, garage, butcher, grocery store and post office. Kelso is only 7 miles away with supermarkets and a wide range of other shops. Edinburgh and Alnwick with its famous gardens are about an hour’s drive. Extensive hill walking and beautiful beaches within a thirty minute drive.
Lochside Stable House can be booked together with Lochside Garden House (S4484) and Avenel Cottage (UK10920) to accommodate up to 29 guests.