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Dexters Den - Exotic Animal Retreat

Deepdean, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Swimming pool
Quirky
Romantic
Luxury
Internet access
Working farm
Enclosed garden / patio
Decorated for Christmas
Complex
Country houses
12 more

At a glance

  • Characterful property with private, south-facing walled garden with stunning valley views
  • Shared outdoor pool (end April-end September) within landscaped gardens and an onsite private animal sanctuary
  • Enjoy evening drinks and barbecues under starry night skies, with hundreds of romantic solar lights and the backdrop of wild exotic animal sounds
Property code: OC-50561

Set within acres of established gardens and stunning countryside, this stylish cottage is the perfect romantic getaway. Sleeping two humans and two dogs, explore the rolling hills of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before returning to your beautiful home-from-home to meet the friendly neighbours capybara, reindeer and zebra, just to name a few, all live on the grounds surrounding the property, and benefit from the conservation and rescue work that the owners do. Please note the private animal rescue sanctuary is not open to the public.

Relax in the cosy lounge area, with Fido sprawled out on the dark wooden floors, and appreciate the restoration of the property, with painted stone work complemented by thick handwoven curtains. Rustle up a tasty meal in the bespoke kitchen area, with views across the grounds, before sitting down to eat around the solid wood dining table. Say goodnight to Rover and sink into the sumptuous king-size bed. Step outside for morning coffee and enjoy a pastry with views across the gardens and onto the valley from the table. Watch a content pooch sniff around the fully enclosed garden before heading out to explore the shared grounds and outdoor pool. The pool benefits from solar heating during July and August.  (The enclosed garden for this property is surrounded by old stone walls 50cm in depth.  The minimum height is 4ft going up 9ft.  Wire has been installed across gates to ensure garden is fully enclosed).

Let Fido take the lead on the 4.5-mile sculpture trail in Coleford (9 miles) or visit the ruins and grounds of Goodrich Castle (4.5 miles) and let Mutley sniff hundreds of years of history in every room with you. Descend into the dog-friendly Clearwell Caves (12 miles) that have been formed by underground streams which have been mined for iron ore as far back as Roman times.

  • 1 bedroom – 1 king size
  • 1 en-suite shower room with a large, luxury shower
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave and fridge/freezer
  • TV and DVD in lounge area
  • Fully secure, private, walled garden for small to large dogs
  • Parking for 1 car
  • Pub and shop 2 miles
  • Complex of properties
  • Shared outdoor swimming pool (available between 30th April and 30th September, and solar heated during July and August)
  • Swimming pool area - There will be designated areas per cottage so that only one set of furniture and soft furnishings are used per cottage.
  • Tranquil, adults-only site, regret no persons under 21 years
  • Two pets are welcome
  • Regret no children
  • These properties are not open for group bookings
  • Although the rescue centre is not open to view you can close your eyes and be transported to the sounds of an exotic jungle
  • Lar Gibbons can be noisy when singing
  • Wildside Exotic Rescue Open days from 10;30 to 15:30 for small group tours on 9th May, 23rd May, 6th June, 27th June, 11th July & 5th September (please contact the owner to book, additional charge payable directly)
  • As featured on Extraordinary Portraits - Series 5: 3. Living with 200 Wild Animals BBC in March 2026. 
  • Please note as this is an animal sanctuary access to the holiday cottages is restricted to booked guests, to secure peace and tranquillity and to ensure the safety and peace for the rescue animals
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

 

 

Harriet Devonald

This property is personally managed by Harriet.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 10 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 stars4.5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 stars4.5
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Gwen 27th June 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was lovely and kept as cool as possible with the thick walls and small windows. The weather was extremely hot. Thank you.

Reviewed by Sam 30th May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Such a magical stay. The opportunity to observe the rescues from a distance is such an amazing opportunity. You are transported to another realm. Fab cottage and the dogs loved the garden.

Reviewed by Susan 23rd May 2026

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

Reviewed by Michelle 13th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

What a beautiful place to stay! A home from home with all the things you need for a relaxing stay. The garden is huge with different areas to sit and relax and enjoy the view of the valley and the ponies, gibbons and parrots. I didnt use the pool in the end as I wasnt brave enough with the cold weather!

Reviewed by Kristina 5th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Steph 15th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wonderful find! Immediate setting, amidst the sights and sounds of the rescued animals, is incredible. Combined with the lovely cottage, outdoor swimming pool and stunning scenery, its almost impossible not to enjoy a restful, restorative holiday. Our dog also loved the enclosed garden.

Reviewed by Audra Maria 7th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Tranquil serenity. Beautiful cottages, with the sole purpose of supporting this not for profit sanctuary for wild captive animals keep as pets. Human kindness and love for animal welfare is at the heart! Dedicated to end the wild pet trade. A truly magical place!

Reviewed by Glenn 6th September 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Excellent all round

Reviewed by Ann 9th August 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Really enjoyed our stay nestled in the quiet valley, loved watching the animals at peace, would return

Reviewed by Roxanne 26th July 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

8 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.