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Red Dog Retreat
Holiday Home
⚲ Tylwch, Powys, Wales
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom · 3 beds · Up to 3 dogs welcomed (additional dogs considered by prior arrangement) · Fully enclosed garden · Additional enclosed woodland area (approx. ½ acre) · 6ft perimeter fencing · Reactive dog friendly · All breeds welcomed · No additional dog charges
Red Dog Retreat offers a bespoke haven in the heart of rural Wales, meticulously designed to offer reactive and anxious dogs, and their people, a sanctuary amidst breathtaking scenery. Total peace of mind with our 6ft perimeter fencing. We provide a completely enclosed space, where even the most anxious dogs can enjoy the freedom of the outdoors without any unexpected visitors or concerns. We prioritise your dog’s wellbeing from the moment you pull into the private driveway. Our self check in and option of arranging a food delivery prior to arrival, ensure a smooth start to your break.
About This Listing:
This listing for Red Dog Retreat is based on information provided and confirmed by its owners, who remain responsible for its accuracy, including that they welcome XL Bullies and have reviewed their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
Last confirmed on 19/05/2026. XL Escapes shares this information to help you make informed decisions but does not own or manage this business.
Full Property Description:
For the Four Legged Guests:
Outdoor dog shower
Dog essentials provided- towels, blankets and bowls
Additional freezer space available for raw feeders
Perimeter fencing all 6ft
6ft fenced garden area
Additional fenced woodland (approximately 1/2 acre)
Double, 'buffer', fencing on boundaries shared with our property
Road fencing all closed board, as well as several other areas
Dogs allowed on furniture/ beds
Private entrance to property
Crate available and ability to leave dogs at the accommodation for short periods
Welcome treats
Many quiet and peaceful walks in the surrounding area
No additional charges for dogs
For the Two Legged Guests:
Log cabin sleeping 4 (1 king bed and 1 double)
Hairdryer
Towels
Log burner with plentiful supply of our own wood
Bathroom with shower for the humans
Open plan kitchen, lounge, diner
Key safe check in- no need to interact with us
Internet access
Smart TV
Bluetooth speaker
Detailed walk guide of our favourite walks, listing potential triggers
Option to book a food delivery to arrive, and be unpacked by us before your arrival
Fixed price all year
The Space Outside:
Parking for two cars
The Cow Shed, providing additional freezer space, bike storage and wood storage
Outside covered area
Fire pit
Gas BBQ
Outdoor kitchen with coal BBQ
Stunning views
Not overlooked or overlooking any neighbouring properties
Full Property Description:
For the Four Legged Guests:
Outdoor dog shower
Dog essentials provided- towels, blankets and bowls
Additional freezer space available for raw feeders
Perimeter fencing all 6ft
6ft fenced garden area
Additional fenced woodland (approximately 1/2 acre)
Double, 'buffer', fencing on boundaries shared with our property
Road fencing all closed board, as well as several other areas
Dogs allowed on furniture/ beds
Private entrance to property
Crate available and ability to leave dogs at the accommodation for short periods
Welcome treats
Many quiet and peaceful walks in the surrounding area
No additional charges for dogs
For the Two Legged Guests:
Log cabin sleeping 4 (1 king bed and 1 double)
Hairdryer
Towels
Log burner with plentiful supply of our own wood
Bathroom with shower for the humans
Open plan kitchen, lounge, diner
Key safe check in- no need to interact with us
Internet access
Smart TV
Bluetooth speaker
Detailed walk guide of our favourite walks, listing potential triggers
Option to book a food delivery to arrive, and be unpacked by us before your arrival
Fixed price all year
The Space Outside:
Parking for two cars
The Cow Shed, providing additional freezer space, bike storage and wood storage
Outside covered area
Fire pit
Gas BBQ
Outdoor kitchen with coal BBQ
Stunning views
Not overlooked or overlooking any neighbouring properties
For Our Four Legged Guests:
Red Dog Retreat was created specifically for reactive and anxious dogs, by owners who understand the challenges of finding genuinely suitable places to stay.
* They warmly welcome all breeds, including XL Bullies, and there are no additional charges for dogs.
* They can accommodate up to 3 dogs, with additional dogs considered by prior arrangement.
They provide:
* Dog towels
* Blankets
* Water bowls
* Welcome treats
* A dog crate
* Additional freezer space for raw feeders
* An outdoor dog shower
* The owners have gone to great lengths to create a secure environment, including double buffer fencing between the retreat and their own property, solid closed-board fencing along road-facing boundaries, and chicken wire fitted along the bottom of the deer fencing to help prevent escapes.
* Dogs are welcome on the furniture and beds. If your dog likes to sleep under the covers, the owners simply ask that you bring your own bedding.
* Guests are provided with a detailed guide to local walks, including information about potential triggers along each route.
* The retreat is private, not overlooked by neighbouring properties and has its own entrance, helping dogs and owners settle in without unnecessary interactions.
* The owners' own reactive dog, Cooper, was the inspiration behind Red Dog Retreat, and every part of the experience has been designed with reactive and sensitive dogs in mind.
Dog-Friendly Details That Matter
Red Dog Retreat was created specifically for reactive and anxious dogs, by owners who understand the challenges of finding genuinely suitable places to stay.
* They warmly welcome all breeds, including XL Bullies, and there are no additional charges for dogs.
* They can accommodate up to 3 dogs, with additional dogs considered by prior arrangement.
They provide:
* Dog towels
* Blankets
* Water bowls
* Welcome treats
* A dog crate
* Additional freezer space for raw feeders
* An outdoor dog shower
* The owners have gone to great lengths to create a secure environment, including double buffer fencing between the retreat and their own property, solid closed-board fencing along road-facing boundaries, and chicken wire fitted along the bottom of the deer fencing to help prevent escapes.
* Dogs are welcome on the furniture and beds. If your dog likes to sleep under the covers, the owners simply ask that you bring your own bedding.
* Guests are provided with a detailed guide to local walks, including information about potential triggers along each route.
* The retreat is private, not overlooked by neighbouring properties and has its own entrance, helping dogs and owners settle in without unnecessary interactions.
* The owners' own reactive dog, Cooper, was the inspiration behind Red Dog Retreat, and every part of the experience has been designed with reactive and sensitive dogs in mind.
Local Area Guide:
Red Dog Retreat is tucked away in the heart of rural Mid Wales, surrounded by beautiful countryside, forestry and peaceful walking routes. The area is ideal for guests looking to escape busy tourist hotspots and enjoy a slower pace of life with their dogs.
There are numerous quiet walks nearby, making it a great location for reactive or anxious dogs who prefer space and fewer encounters. Popular local destinations include the stunning Elan Valley, Hafren Forest and Clywedog Reservoir, all offering miles of scenic walking opportunities.
The nearby market town of Llanidloes has a selection of dog-friendly cafés and independent businesses, while the surrounding countryside provides breathtaking views, wildlife spotting opportunities and plenty of places to explore together.
Whilst the retreat enjoys a peaceful rural setting, guests should be aware that this is a working farming area. You may occasionally see livestock in neighbouring fields and hear farm machinery or working dogs during the day. Red Dog Retreat is just next door to where we live so you are likely to hear us going about our daily life, however you will not see us.
Meet The Owners
Cooper, is a 6-year-old Vizslador and our first reactive dog. He is the reason we moved to rural Wales and is our inspiration behind Red Dog Retreat.
We realise now that as dog owners we were a bit clueless! Our first dog, Barkley, a miniature labradoodle, is one of those dogs who you can take anywhere, introduce him to anyone (dog and human) and he is fine with everything. We thought most dogs were like that. Along came our gorgeous Cooper, and in addition to being a COVID lockdown puppy, he had a couple of bad experiences with dogs and people at the wrong age which led him to become more and more anxious and reactive. Realising we were out of our league, we contacted a wonderful local behaviourist, who swept in to help. She taught us so much about positive reinforcement, how to help Cooper live his best life and how we needed to adapt as owners. It wasn’t about changing him so he would fit into our life, it was about us changing to fit into his and to allow him to lead as happy and stress-free life as possible. We soon learnt that normal life can be challenging with a very big reactive dog but we were determined to still enjoy holidays together with him. We found that true reactive dog friendly holiday locations are few and far between but when you find one that works, where you can all decompress and relax, it is pure magic. We relocated to Mid-Wales in March 2024 to ensure Cooper had as much access as possible to quiet, rural, trigger free walks and with the dream of starting our own reactive dog holiday cottage. We wanted a truly dog centred business that warmly welcomed all breeds and all personalities.
Planning permission was finally granted in Summer 2025 and after 18months of seriously hard work, we are now fully open for guests. We look forward to sharing this wonderful, slice of heaven, with you.
Nikki and Chris
Paw of Approval
Photos from XL Escapes members, with dogs who gave this business their paw of approval.
XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise
Every business you see on XL Escapes has confirmed to us that they welcome XL Bullies.
Before being listed, we ask the questions we’d want answered ourselves — from real experience living and travelling with XL and reactive dogs. That includes confirming they are happy to host XL Bullies, that their listing details are accurate, and that they’ve considered their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
We don’t assume. We don’t guess. We ask — and they confirm.
If anything changes or a business doesn’t stand by what they’ve told us, we take it seriously.
If a business listed on XL Escapes turns you away because of your dogs breed, contact us. We will review it, remove them if necessary, and refund your membership.
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