DOG-FRIENDLY AND SOME

SUE ALLEN WANTED TO CREATE BEAUTIFULL HOLIDAY LETS THAT DIDN’T HAVE A SET OF RULES FOR YOUR DOG. 15 YEARS ON, SHE HAS OVER 40 PROPERTIES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOU AND YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND/S

I think most dog owners will have experienced the dread of booking a dogfriendly holiday at some point; will you get there to find a list of laminated list of rules for the dogs? No dogs on the furnishings, no dogs upstairs, dogs only on lead in the garden, and dogs that have to sleep in the kitchen (yes, really, that was a rule!). Then there’s the worry of if the garden will be enclosed because it doesn’t mention it on the website. Are there good places to walk locally? Are there any dog-friendly pubs?

Going on holiday with your dog should be a joy! Exploring new places, creating new memories, and watching them explore. That’s where East Ruston Cottages can help you relax. The founder, Sue Allen, had the same fears and frustrations as we’ve all had at some point, she wanted to book a dog-friendly property, but there was often a limit of two dogs (Sue had three at the time), and always a charge per dog. And then, of course, that unwelcoming and restrictive list of rules! When Sue had the opportunity to convert a farm building next to her home, she decided to not only make it a dog-friendly holiday let but make it the ultimate dogfriendly holiday experience. And that’s how East Ruston Cottages started, by supplying something that she couldn’t really find anywhere else.

She started to think about all the concerns she had when booking a holiday let, things like; is there a secure outside area, solid floors which were easy to clean so people didn’t have to worry about muddy paw prints on carpets, sofas which dogs could share with their humans and most importantly she wanted to be totally flexible with dog numbers and not charge anything at all for dogs.

That was 15 years ago. Sue now manages 40 properties in and around the Norfolk Coast. She has stuck with her ethos about having very flexible limits on dog numbers. All of the cottages welcome at least three, and many properties welcome unlimited dogs and still at no extra cost. And dog friendly does not mean dog-eared! The properties range from grand converted barns to cosy lodges, all with their individual personalities, so there’s a style to suit every person and dog.

Beyond the fact that East Ruston Cottages doesn’t charge for dogs or have a huge list of rules when you arrive – what else makes them so different? Sue knows the cottages like the back of her hand, so she can offer bespoke advice to guests; if you have a terrier who digs, hounds who can jump over five feet, a reactive dog who is anxious about seeing other dogs or people or a noise nervous rescue dog, then she can recommend the cottages that will suit you best.

And there is more! The cottages have a stock of dog crates of all sizes, so you don’t have to pack them. Dog buggies are available too and you can get your raw food delivered from a local company. The humans benefit too. When you book, you can order pizza-making kits, brownies, afternoon teas, fish platters, a massage and more for your stay.

If you decide to book one of the cottages, there’s a fantastic thriving Facebook group where you can ask about the best dog-friendly places, walks and tide times so you can plan your beach trip. So many guests share their experiences and photos, so even if you haven’t been yet, you can get a feel for what to expect.

Norfolk might not be an immediate thought as somewhere to staycation with your dogs. You might be surprised though. There are over 90 miles of beaches on the Norfolk coast, which means that even in peak season, you will always be able to find a quiet stretch to walk. And if you manage to get fatigued by the glorious sandy beaches, then you still have the beautiful Norfolk Broads, woodlands and countryside to explore. It might be a surprise to know that much of the countryside doesn’t have any farm animals grazing, making them safe for walks with your pooch.

Over the last four years, Sue and the cottages have won the Dog-Friendly Magazine awards for self-catering, and it says a lot that East Ruston Cottages has had guests who visit three or more times in a year but also keep coming back year, after year, after year.

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