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✅  How to book your XL Escape

All bookings for Rutland Rural Retreats are managed directly through their own website. For availability, prices, and booking details, please visit 👉 https://rutlandruralretreats.com . Clare and Kirsty will be delighted to help with any questions before you book.

Kim & Chris Ewen

We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.

With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.

Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.

If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).

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Meet Your Hosts

Clare Farmer and Kirsty Brooks launched Rutland Rural Retreats in 2022, inspired by their own three dogs — two nervous rescues and a senior with mobility challenges. Every decision here reflects their experience: secure fencing, private gardens, and adult-only tranquillity so dogs can truly unwind. Their ethos is simple and heartfelt: dogs first, humans second.
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XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise

Cancellation Policy

Home Rules & Useful Information

Rutland Rural Retreats – Adult-Only Tranquil Escapes for Dogs & Their Humans

⚲ Rutland, East Midlands

2 guests per retreat · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom · Up to 2 dogs welcomed (more on request) · Fully enclosed gardens · 3–5ft fencing with kickboards · All breeds welcomed · Adult-only site · Private & tranquil · Stunning countryside views

Tucked away in the charming conservation village of Belton-in-Rutland, Rutland Rural Retreats is a super dog-friendly glamping escape where dogs come first, humans second. With just three private en-suite cabins — each with its own enclosed garden — this adult-only retreat is designed for nervous, senior, and reactive dogs who deserve safe holidays too.

Full Property Description:

Rutland Rural Retreats isn’t just dog friendly — it was designed entirely around dogs. Created by Clare and Kirsty, inspired by their own nervous rescues and senior dog, this adult-only glamping haven puts four paws first and everything else second. Set in a secluded 4-acre meadow on the edge of Belton-in-Rutland, it’s a sanctuary for dogs who need calm, space, and security. The retreat is home to just three en-suite cabins — two bespoke Scandinavian pods and a handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut — each with its own fully enclosed garden. Privacy is a priority: the cabins are spaced apart so your dogs aren’t forced to interact with others, and fencing (from 3ft to 5ft) has been carefully designed to keep paws safe while still letting you enjoy the meadow views. For 2025, Bumblebee Pod has been upgraded with 5ft fencing and extra space, making it ideal for athletic dogs, while Woodpecker has wraparound 3ft fencing and new privacy panels. Shepherd’s Rest, the showcase hut, boasts the largest garden and its very own wood-fired hot tub for humans to enjoy while pups relax nearby. Step inside and you’ll find cosy, well-equipped spaces with underfloor heating, modern kitchenettes, and comfortable sleeping areas. Everything you need for a stress-free stay is provided — from cooking essentials to hairdryers, dog bowls, mats, toys, even a doggy teepee. Outside, each cabin has rattan seating, loungers, a fire pit, and a picnic table so you can eat, drink, and unwind while your dogs roam safely. Beyond the cabins lies Brook Farm’s 15 acres, with hedgerows and paddocks left to grow naturally for wildlife. You might spot butterflies, birds, or the resident Valais Blacknose sheep grazing in the distance, but rest assured — nervous dogs won’t encounter them from the cabins or gardens. Instead, you’ll enjoy the peaceful soundtrack of birdsong and the babble of a nearby brook as you stroll the paths. The location couldn’t be better. The Rutland Round walking trail passes right by the meadow, perfect for long strolls without needing to get in the car. Just a 10-minute drive away is Rutland Water, offering scenic lakeside walks, cycling, birdwatching, and watersports. The charming market town of Uppingham, only 4 miles away, is filled with dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and boutiques. And because you’re so well connected — just off the A47 — exploring neighbouring counties like Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire is a breeze. Rutland Rural Retreats is a place where time slows down and holidays feel uncomplicated. Whether you’re sipping coffee while watching the sunrise from Bumblebee Pod, soaking in the hot tub at Shepherd’s Rest, or enjoying sunset drinks in Woodpecker’s private garden, you’ll leave with the sense that both you and your dogs have truly been cared for.

Full Property Description:

Rutland Rural Retreats isn’t just dog friendly — it was designed entirely around dogs. Created by Clare and Kirsty, inspired by their own nervous rescues and senior dog, this adult-only glamping haven puts four paws first and everything else second. Set in a secluded 4-acre meadow on the edge of Belton-in-Rutland, it’s a sanctuary for dogs who need calm, space, and security. The retreat is home to just three en-suite cabins — two bespoke Scandinavian pods and a handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut — each with its own fully enclosed garden. Privacy is a priority: the cabins are spaced apart so your dogs aren’t forced to interact with others, and fencing (from 3ft to 5ft) has been carefully designed to keep paws safe while still letting you enjoy the meadow views. For 2025, Bumblebee Pod has been upgraded with 5ft fencing and extra space, making it ideal for athletic dogs, while Woodpecker has wraparound 3ft fencing and new privacy panels. Shepherd’s Rest, the showcase hut, boasts the largest garden and its very own wood-fired hot tub for humans to enjoy while pups relax nearby. Step inside and you’ll find cosy, well-equipped spaces with underfloor heating, modern kitchenettes, and comfortable sleeping areas. Everything you need for a stress-free stay is provided — from cooking essentials to hairdryers, dog bowls, mats, toys, even a doggy teepee. Outside, each cabin has rattan seating, loungers, a fire pit, and a picnic table so you can eat, drink, and unwind while your dogs roam safely. Beyond the cabins lies Brook Farm’s 15 acres, with hedgerows and paddocks left to grow naturally for wildlife. You might spot butterflies, birds, or the resident Valais Blacknose sheep grazing in the distance, but rest assured — nervous dogs won’t encounter them from the cabins or gardens. Instead, you’ll enjoy the peaceful soundtrack of birdsong and the babble of a nearby brook as you stroll the paths. The location couldn’t be better. The Rutland Round walking trail passes right by the meadow, perfect for long strolls without needing to get in the car. Just a 10-minute drive away is Rutland Water, offering scenic lakeside walks, cycling, birdwatching, and watersports. The charming market town of Uppingham, only 4 miles away, is filled with dog-friendly pubs, cafés, and boutiques. And because you’re so well connected — just off the A47 — exploring neighbouring counties like Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire is a breeze. Rutland Rural Retreats is a place where time slows down and holidays feel uncomplicated. Whether you’re sipping coffee while watching the sunrise from Bumblebee Pod, soaking in the hot tub at Shepherd’s Rest, or enjoying sunset drinks in Woodpecker’s private garden, you’ll leave with the sense that both you and your dogs have truly been cared for.

Paw of Approval

Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.

Got a question about this holiday home? 

Contact us or send us an instant message now

Amenities:

Dog-Friendly Details That Matter 

- All breeds welcomed — including XL Bullies and reactive dogs. - Up to 2 dogs per cabin as standard (more by request). - Fully enclosed private gardens with fencing between 3–5ft. - Fencing designed with nervous & reactive dogs in mind — privacy pickets and kickboards included. - Dog bowls, mats, teepees, toys, and outdoor doggy foot pools provided. - Adult-only site for calm, quiet stays. - Hosts’ ethos: created by nervous-dog owners, for nervous-dog owners.

Neighbourhood Overview:

Rutland may be England’s smallest county, but it’s big on beauty. From your cabin, you’ll step straight onto the Rutland Round walking trail, or enjoy Rutland Water just 10–15 minutes away for lakeside strolls, birdwatching, cycling, or watersports. The nearby town of Uppingham (4 miles) is perfect for exploring historic streets, independent shops, and dog-friendly pubs. Brook Farm itself spans 15 acres, home to friendly rescue horses and Swiss Valais sheep — though you won’t see them from your cabin, so nervous paws can relax in peace. Wildlife is abundant, and the whole site is designed to feel like a calming sanctuary.
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