Sophie Lou's Retreat

Kirby Hill, North Yorkshire

A two bedroom stone cottage for four at Kirby Hill near Richmond with underfloor heating downstairs and a small enclosed lawn behind, two dogs welcome.

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Two bedrooms that make three different arrangements, because the super king zips apart into twins and the double does not need to. Sophie Lou's Retreat is a new stone cottage at Kirby Hill above the Swale, dog friendly, four people and two dogs, with a small enclosed lawn behind it. Underfloor heating runs through the whole ground floor, which between it and the gate covers most of what a wet dog needs.

Boots come off in the entrance, with a WC beside it before anything else happens. Past that the kitchen and diner takes a wooden table under the window, and the lounge is the next room along with sofas deep enough to lose an evening in. Both bedrooms are upstairs with the bathroom between them and open country out of both. The dogs stay downstairs on the warm floor, which they will not object to.

Small families and couples travelling together are the shape, and the village is a good part of the appeal: a green, a row of stone houses, and nothing else going on. The garden is a compact one, which suits a dog wanting somewhere to stand and look more than a field to cross, and the walking off the lane starts inside a minute. Two dogs come.

Kirby Hill looks down over lower Swaledale, and Ravensworth is a mile and a half west with the broken towers of a 14th century castle standing in a field beside the road. Easby Abbey lies the other way past Richmond, a Premonstratensian ruin on a bend of the Swale reached by a level riverside path out of the town, and dogs walk the whole of that. The Dales proper begin about 4 miles west.

Book your stay

from £549 for 7 nights

Sophie Lou's Retreat takes 2 dogs and is booked through holidaycottages.co.uk.

Book with holidaycottages.co.uk

Prices are a guide only, checked 27 August 2026, and change with dates and availability. We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

At a Glance

Dogs Welcome: 2 dogs
Enclosed Garden: Yes; Enclosed garden with small lawn and garden furniture | 2 x parking spaces | Pub 100 metres, shop 1 mile | 2 dogs allowed
Sleeps: 4 guests
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Price: from £549 / 7 nights
Grading: 4 star
Arrival: in from 16:00, out by 10:00
Facilities: Parking, Wifi

Sophie Lou's Retreat from £549 for 7 nights

Book with holidaycottages.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sophie Lou's Retreat dog friendly?
Yes, Sophie Lou's Retreat welcomes up to two dogs. The cottage has a small enclosed lawn at the back and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, so wet dogs have somewhere warm to dry off after a walk.
Are dogs allowed at Sophie Lou's Retreat year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, and the setup — underfloor heating, an enclosed garden, and a boot room entrance — suggests the cottage is well suited to dog visits whatever the weather. It's always worth confirming directly with the owner when you book.
What should I know before visiting Sophie Lou's Retreat with my dog?
Dogs are kept to the ground floor, where the underfloor heating and an enclosed lawn make for a comfortable base. The entrance has a WC right beside it, which is handy for sorting muddy paws before you go any further into the cottage. Walking starts within a minute of the lane, and the surrounding area — including the riverside path to Easby Abbey — is good dog walking country.