If you want to experience the most dog friendly stay this is the cottage for you!
Dog Room ✅
Dog Bath ✅
Dog Shampoo & Conditioner ✅
Grooming Table & Hairdryer ✅
Huge Secure Garden ✅
Towels for Muddy Paws ✅
Doggy Washing Machine for Dirty Towels ✅
Basket of Throws and Blankets ✅
I can't even think of anything else you'd need for your dogs apart from food, water and of course treats (which are also in the welcome hamper)
We recently stayed at Hillside, a gorgeous one level cottage, located in the heart of Richmond in North Yorkshire. Richmond is a Georgian market town brimming with shops and dog friendly restaurants.
The cottage has a open plan bright kitchen diner and a separate living room, which can be closed off from the rest of the cottage.
The Kitchen is a charming country style with sleek rounded cupboards, which are full with everything you could possibly need for your stay (and I really mean that! Harry and Allison have thought of everything).
There are snuggly mats in the kitchen and by the bi-fold doors which both the dogs loved lounging on!
All the cupboards are fully stocked from glasses for every drink, all the dinner wear you could need, as-well as sharing plates and platter and serving boards, there is a drawer dedicated for children's serve wear! Every utensil you could need, can be found in the drawers along with condiments for cooking in the cupboards. Cleaning products are also available including bin liners and dishwasher tabs.
In terms of equipment there is integrated fridge/freezer, built in dishwasher, microwave, toaster and kettle.
The extending wooden dining table is set up with six chairs as standard and will be extended prior to your arrival if 8 people are staying. There is also a breakfast bar at the other side of the large extended kitchen bench which is a great dining option too.
The living area is separate to the kitchen/dining area and is on the left side of the property. You can access it through the kitchen/diner or via the wrap around hallway.
The Living room has the cosiest feel and is complete with a log burner, fireplace and two huge relaxing sofas which are perfect for those cosy autumn/winter evenings after a long walk!
There are two huge windows in the living room which have stunning views surrounding the rear of the property with far reaching views of the neighbouring golf course and north Yorkshire countryside!
There is also a smart TV with access to Disney+ and Netflix!
Hillside sleeps up to 8 people in 4 rooms ( Two king sized rooms, one double and a twin) all the rooms have individual luxurious themes.
The large master bedroom has gorgeous oak furniture with an ensuite shower room and patio doors which lead out to the decking veranda. Chester absolutely loved sleeping on the carpeted floor and Crumble very much enjoyed going straight out of the patio doors when we woke up for her business.
The two other double rooms are also generously sized have stunning wood furniture but don't have en-suites, but they do share the equally luxurious bathroom which features a freestanding bath and freestanding tap.
Video Tour Below!
The Dog Room (Laundry Room)
Allison and Harry make it very clear they love dogs and the dog room really sets Hillside apart from any other property we've stayed at!
As you step into the dog room (Laundry room) you'll find a huge basket of throws and blankets to use around the house.
The dog wash station is a fully function dog shower with hot and cold water, the floor of the bath can be moved to suit the size of the dog. Allison and Harry have even provided shampoo's for you to choose from and towels to dry them off and once there out of the bath you can take them to the grooming table to blow-dry them dry with the dog hairdryer, the only thing they ask you to bring is brushes!
There is also a dedicated washing machine to wash any dog related laundry in, with detergent also provided!
Outside at Hillside
The Garden is equally spacious, featuring the decked veranda, summerhouse and pergola, with a playhouse for children. It has a huge grassy area and an artificial grass step.
The garden is also fully enclosed with a gate which heads down into a wooded area! The dogs really enjoyed exploring the wooded area but you have to be careful and keep them on a lead as there are sharp stones as the area used to be a quarry, but there is a path!
The steps into the garden are lit at night to make it really easy to take dogs down for their evening business!
There is also a handy rolling gate which allows you to stop the dogs going up onto the decked veranda when they are in the garden or stop them from going into the garden from the veranda - this was so handy for my two are they love to explore too much and will refuse to come back!
The garden has so many spots to enjoy! You can really make the most of the sunshine. We were bless with a clear night on our first evening staying at hillside and enjoyed stargazing from the veranda.
In the surrounding area
There are so many walks to enjoy in and around Richmond. We loved exploring the riverside paths and the National Trust’s Hudswell Woods. Another great dog friendly walk, is Richmond Castle where you can take in spectacular views of the Yorkshire Dales. The castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England and is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
Final thoughts
Overall, I cannot recommend our stay at Hillside enough. It's clear that Allison and Harry have put a lot of love and care into creating a beautiful and welcoming space for their guests, and we couldn't have asked for a more or perfect dog friendly place to relax and unwind.
Hillside cottage is a true dog friendly gem, Thank you, Hillside, for a wonderful weekend. We will definitely be back!
Thanks for reading
Sarah, Chester & Crumble xx