360 of living room
360 of bedroom
360 of safari hut
360 of pool area
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Dexters Den - Exotic Animal Retreat

Ross-on-Wye (3mls SE), Forest of Dean
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs allowed 2
5
star
Complex of properties
Enclosed garden / patio
Internet access
Working farm
Luxury
Romantic
Quirky
Parking on site / nearby
Decorated for Christmas
Swimming pool
Towels included
11 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: 50561

Set within an enviable location in the heart of a pretty valley, this stylish cottage is the perfect retreat for a relaxing getaway. Surrounded by 60 acres of open countryside and ancient woodland, 17th-century cottages have been lovingly restored to create a wonderful holiday haven. Within the grounds you can enjoy the peaceful water garden, take a dip in the shared outdoor pool, and explore the established gardens. The forest of Dean is nearby; stroll around the sculpture trail at Beechenhurst (9 miles), hire a bike or canoe, and pay a visit to the Dean Heritage Centre (9.5 miles) for a dose of history, culture and art. The local Go Ape (9 miles) offers adrenaline thrills aplenty.

Take in the full beauty of the valley before stepping into the cosy lounge area of this stylish cottage, the dark wooden floors and painted stonework complimented by thick hand-woven curtains creating the perfect setting for a romantic evening in front of an old movie. The small dining area with a table for two is set to the side ready for a simple supper of local produce. The hand-crafted kitchen is well-equipped with electric oven and hob, microwave and fridge/freezer, and benefits from garden views. After a day’s relaxing and taking in the beautiful surroundings, head up the cottage-style stairs where you will find an open-plan bedroom, the king-size bed with pure linen sheets and ample pillows is all you will need for a perfect night’s sleep, and when you wake, enjoy the views across the gardens and onto the valley. The en-suite bathroom has WC and large, luxury shower.
Step outside for morning coffee and alfresco dining in a space furnished with your own sun loungers, parasol and table and chairs.  The garden is surrounded by 50cm-thick old stone walls which are a minimum of 4ft high, to a maximum of 9ft, and wire has been installed across the gates to ensure garden is fully secure for dogs. You are also free to enjoy the shared grounds with outdoor pool which is available between 30th April and 30th September and solar-heated during July and August. There are English country gardens and acres of woodlands to explore. Although holiday guests are not able to go into the exotic rescue centre, which is located on the same site, there is a backdrop of exotic animal sounds and some glimpses in the fields and woodlands, amongst the many farm animals and donkeys.  The income from the holiday business is directly used to fund the rescue centre. For further details search Wildside Exotic Rescue Forest of Dean.
  • 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
  • Regret no children
  • These properties are not open for group bookings
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £150 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £20. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

 

Jace Quick

This property joined our collection in 2017 and is managed by Jace.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
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 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

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

Reviewed by Christine, 5th July 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Excellent location. Having the animals and swimming pool is amazing. We have been before and probably will visit again ! Garden of the property amazing 3 seating areas and monkeys for company. Amazing for the dog too !

Reviewed by Veronica, 14th June 2024

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

Reviewed by Amanda, 31st May 2024

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

Wow , we knew we would love it , but it exceeded our expectations. The accomodation itself is very well thought out with a good eye for details , love the stone window seats , great shower. The garden area is perfect to sit and chill out listening to the birds and watching the animals. Also enjoyed the barbecue with the Serval watching us . Frank aRead morend Lyndsey are so lovely and work so hard to make this place extra special. Watching the animals was a privilege, I already miss them. We will be back Hide

Reviewed by Veronica, 10th May 2024

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

Fantastic little place in a great location. Lots to see and do, plenty of different types of walks. Frank and Lyndsey are very welcoming hosts, always available if needed. Would not hesitate to go again loved it.

Reviewed by Viviane, 26th April 2024

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

This is a very special place to stay. Seeing the animals every day was a real treat and we became attached to some of them. The warm cottage is beautifully renovated and refurbished. It is more spacious than it seems on the photos. The bed is comfortable and the shower excellent. This cottage has a large private back garden. There are beautiful walRead moreks nearby. We also visited Goodrich- and Sudeley Castle and Symonds Yat, but it is a little hard to find other sightseeing nearby when weather is bad. Hide

Reviewed by Deanne, 8th September 2023

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

Reviewed by Tracy, 1st September 2023

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

Reviewed by Jayne, 25th August 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Kristina, 18th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We had an amazing stay with Lindsay and Frank who were very welcoming and gave us lots of suggestions for things to do whilst we stayed. Our greyhound loved all the smells and sights of the animals around the rescue, and also lots of lovely walks not far away. Cottage was a good size for our needs and very comfortable to stay in with lots of seatinRead moreg choices inside and out. Would visit again! Hide

Reviewed by Clare, 4th August 2023

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

The most relaxing holiday. You can do as much as you want or as little as you like. Cottage perfect, gorgeous new shower, garden wonderful to sit and read in and eat out in. When the weather was good it was lovely to use the pool. Very relaxing just sitting animal watching too! Just as great as last year. Im sure well be back :)

Reviewed by Heather, 28th July 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This is one of the most special places I have ever stayed. As soon as you go through the gates its like youve escaped from everyday life to a place of peace and tranquility.. if you live a hectic life and want to relax this is the place to go. Having wild animals all around you just makes it even more magical. A truly unique place to stay, would hiRead moreghly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Martin, 14th July 2023

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

Setting is absolutely glorious in its own valley with woods all around making a superb location for walks and attractions along the Wye Valley. Total tranquility with just occasional animal noises to provide contact with nature. Rather than a quick zoo like tour we thoroughly enjoyed spotting the animals and tracking their movements each day as if Read moreon safari. Our cottage had a beautiful private garden and with 4 separate outdoor seating areas we were always in the sun, when available! Hide

Reviewed by Louise, 7th July 2023

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

You can only admire the work these amazing people do for the animals, the location is stunning and extremely peaceful. The cost is not begrudged as the animals benefit but does not reflect in the accommodation

Reviewed by Mary, 23rd June 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Adored garden with its views of various animals especially on hillside. Cottage worked well, enjoyed the linen sheets, new to us. Whole place a wonderful escape from city life

Reviewed by Diane, 16th June 2023

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

Had an absolutely wonderful week with my 2 cocker spaniels. A warm welcome when I arrived after a long drive and some very welcome treats to enjoy. The cottage and garden were fantastic, so pretty and relaxing - it felt like another world. The various animals that could be seen from both the garden and the communal areas made it even more special. Read moreReally enjoyed the swimming pool. It was great to have a cooling swim in the high temperatures we were lucky enough to have. A truly magical stay! Hide

Reviewed by Hilary, 9th June 2023

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

A fabulous stay in a unique environment, we loved just sitting and watching the animals. The cottage is delightful, comfortable, well equipped, clean and furnished in keeping with the age of the property. We visited during a heat wave but the cottage was wonderfully cool and we enjoyed sitting outside for breakfast and evening drinks. The area is bRead moreeautiful with good restaurants and quirky shops in Ross on Wye. Frank & Lyndsay were great hosts, friendly and happy to chat but also unobtrusive. Hide

Reviewed by Jane, 22nd May 2023

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

What an amazing place. The cottage was lovely, well designed & equipped; and the garden was great for the dog and us. We enjoyed the viewing area of the sanctuary and loved looking at the wallabies, capybara, zebra and mountain lions - a unique and fantastic experience.

Reviewed by Dianne, 24th March 2023

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

This is the most wonderful magical place to stay. The views and whole experience are second to none. The hosts just lovely. I would recommend it to everybody.

19 more
360 of living room
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Location

Static 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.

3 more properties at this location

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Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2

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Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Sleeps: 2 | Bedrooms: 1

Available for £1,020

To arrange group bookings across one or more of these properties, call our team to check availability and book.

1/3 Deposit

Take advantage of our deposit scheme when booking 9 weeks or more in advance.