Soar Mill Cove Hotel, near Salcombe, Devon

We enjoyed a two night stay at the lovely dog-friendly Soar Mill Cove Hotel.

Nestling into National Trust coastal fields, the Soar Mill Cove Hotel was built as a low-slung one-storey hotel so as to blend into the landscape as seamlessly as possible.

It sits above a small sandy and rocky cove surrounded by craggy cliffs that can only be reached by boat or by foot along the coastal path. From the hotel, it’s just a short walk downhill to this idyllic spot, so to all intents and purposes, as a guest, you pretty much have your very own private beach.

With dogs in tow, that’s absolute heaven, as our cocker spaniel Barney would testify. A short scramble down through a field and he was diving in to the salty splashes, retrieving sticks and stones at a speedy rate of tail-wagging knots.

Within easy reach of Salcombe, but set in the secluded calm of remote gorse fields where the only sound is birdsong, the hotel is a real haven away from the world, with plenty of dog walks along the coastal paths at our feet. A short walk uphill and you’re rewarded with the most stunning coastal views.

Our room with a view had French doors opening out directly onto a grassy space – the perfect spot to sip on Jenny’s Gin and Tonic – a brew made by owner Jenny from honey, samphire and gorse blossom all sourced from the cove.

Deliciously tasty fresh eats at Soar Mill Cove’s 2 Rosette restaurant are created by Head Chef Ian MacDonald. Choose from local catch of the day including Torbay sole, lobster and crab or local meats like west-country steaks. There’s a sectioned off area in the dining room for people with dogs. But we felt a little set apart there (like naughty school children!) so preferred eating in the bar area (where dogs are also allowed).

The picture-postcard perfect seaside resort of Salcombe itself is a few miles away from the hotel. Fine to get there by car, of course. But why wouldn’t you walk the stunning south-west coastal path to arrive at your destination when it’s right on the hotel’s doorstep? It’s about an hour and a half along the clifftop.

Soar Mill Cove Hotel, near Salcombe, Devon TQ7 3DS