What’s the flat like?
This one-bedroom property, attached to host Pam’s home, is all on one level. The spacious flat has been very well designed and also has its own enclosed garden. There are some great walks and sandy beaches nearby. Bournemouth city centre is approximately a 15-minute drive away.
How dog-friendly is the flat?
Very. Dogs are incredibly welcome here and will have some treats and water bowls waiting for them when they arrive. Throws for the sofas are provided and they will love exploring the pretty enclosed garden, which is adorned with fairy lights. There is also a dedicated poo bin, which is handy. Pets are allowed everywhere in the flat, aside from the bedroom, which has been recently carpeted. There is no additional charge for dogs to stay.
Tell me more about the flat
As mentioned earlier, this modern one-bedroom apartment is attached to the owner’s house but completely separate, with its own parking space, front door and enclosed garden. You enter into the light-filled living area, which has a leather sofa and armchair, coastal prints and a large flatscreen TV, plus an equally large houseplant in the corner, which gives the flat a homely vibe.
The kitchen, with access to the lovely secure garden, is at the back of the property (keep reading to find out more) and in between, you’ll find a small but perfectly formed shower room with complimentary toiletries and spacious bedroom. The latter has a very comfy double bed, plus a desk and small rail to hang your clothes. Everything is spotlessly clean, too.
Lots of books and leaflets about the local area are provided, as well as a good selection of board games. Pam’s welcome pack – which had been personalised for us – was one of the most comprehensive I have ever seen and packed with information and suggestions for dog-friendly places to eat, drink and visit.
What’s the food like at the flat?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own food, but Pam provides a great welcome pack to get you started. Ours included a loaf of bread, butter, a couple of beers, milk, shortbread and cereal – which came in the form of an old-school variety pack and made us feel like kids again! There was also some porridge and honey as well as a great selection of tea, coffee and condiments, not to mention some fresh flowers.
You’ll find everything you need to cook up a storm in the modern kitchen, which has trendy grey cupboards and a bright red splashback, plus a table and chairs for four. Plenty of pots, pans and utensils are provided, and there’s even a Ninja blender allowing you to make your own smoothies and juices.
If you don’t fancy cooking though, there are lots of dog-friendly places to eat out nearby. The Iford Bridge, just behind the flat, welcomes dogs inside and out. You’ll also find lots of pet-friendly spots in the super-cool Southbourne area, a short drive away. We loved SoBo Beach, the Brown Dog and the Way Out Back Brewing Company. Several takeaways are also within a two-minute walk of the flat.
Where are the best dog walks near the flat?
The flat is a two-minute walk from the River Stour, where you can walk for miles along the towpath, spotting local kayakers and paddleboarders. Iford Meadow Nature Reserve is close by too, and this lovely open space is a great place for dogs to have a good run. Guided walks take place throughout the year at Iford Meadows, which are often free to join and a good way to learn about the local area.
I can highly recommend the wonderful walk from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford Sandbank – one of our all-time favourites. It offers a great mix of beautiful views, beaches, woodland and colourful huts and can be found a short drive – or cycle – from the flat. There are also a couple of cafes at the start and finish where you can refuel. Click here to see a couple of suggested dog walking routes that take around 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
The Bournemouth area is also blessed with miles of beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy and welcome dogs – or at least have dog-friendly zones – all year round. Southbourne Beach, just along from Hengistbury Head, is the closest to the flat and offers great views of the Isle of Wight. Seasonal restrictions do apply here for dogs but there are still areas where you can go, and grab a drink or bite to eat from the super-cool SoBo Beach restaurant.
Are there resident dogs at the flat?
No, but when we visited, Pam had recently lost Molly, her 16-year-old Springer Spaniel, so loved meeting the boys and giving them some fuss.
What Ernie and Stan loved about the flat
The dog treats, the secure garden, having lots of great walks nearby
What I loved about the flat
The spacious layout, not being overlooked, the great location
How to book the flat
Overnight stays start from £90 per night. To book, see Pam’s listing on Airbnb or email her direct at pam.dawes@hotmail.co.uk.
