The Scandinavians seem to be leading the charge in living an all-round good life.
Not only are they fanatical about their love of dogs, but they have given the world a range of concepts that sum up their unique approach to life.
As well as friluftsliv, which celebrates outdoor living and connection with nature, and lagom, which emphasises balance, simplicity, and sustainability in all aspects of life, there’s the comforting concept of hygge, which describes the Scandinavian’s love of getting together and enjoying simple pleasures.
It’s little wonder that the Nordic regions are home to some of the happiest people in the world.
And when it comes to home design, they have spawned “Scandi-style” – a trend that has revamped interiors all over Europe and beyond.
So, if you’re keen to embrace the good life with your four-legged friend on your next holiday, find inspiration at one of these dog-friendly, Scandi-style properties.
Lyme Regis Retreat, Dorset
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Strike out along the Jurassic Coast with your hound at your heels, and you’ll no doubt fall in love with the Great Outdoors as you scour the shoreline for fossils, and take in heady views from the top of some of the highest cliffs along England’s South Coast. Back at your Scandinavian-inspired retreat, embrace the art of hygge as you fix your gaze on rolling countryside from beside the crackling log burner, fling open the bi-fold doors so that your stylish living space stretches onto the decking, or feel the embrace of nature and watch for wildlife in the garden room. This is an idyllic retreat for Dorset holidays with a dog.
Patagonia, Powys
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
You and your four-legged companion will feel content with the stylish, simple lifestyle in this eco-friendly cabin in the heart of Wales. Built in harmony with the incredible natural landscape, Patagonia blends luxury and sustainable living in a Scandi-style abode built from locally sourced timber, with solar panels and sheep’s wool insulation. So, while you lap up the comforts of minimalist zen living, inside and out, you can rest assured that this carbon-negative holiday cottage has no impact on the stunning environment in which it’s nestled.
East Bergholt Retreat, Suffolk
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Book a stay in this contemporary, wood-clad Suffolk holiday lodge designed to seamlessly fuse outdoor and indoor living. A chic, open-plan living space boasts a vibrant, minimalist style, creating the perfect ambience to gather beside the log burner after a day in the Great Outdoors. Or, open the glass doors to the outdoor living area and verdant scenery of Dedham Vale, a blissful spot for morning coffee, sundowners and bubbling in the hot tub in the arms of nature.
The Cowshed, Suffolk
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Having been transformed from a derelict farm building to a luxury, Scandi-themed getaway, this dog-friendly retreat is surrounded by the waggy-tailed walking territory of the Suffolk countryside. After bounding across rolling hills with Rover, relax beside the log burner in the wood-panelled interior splashed with Scandinavian style, or let the dogs roam in the enclosed garden while you light the fire pit and recline on the terrace until long after stars light up the dark night skies.
Palm Retreat, Deal, Kent
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
On the doorstep of the White Cliffs of Dover (one of the most Instagrammable dog-friendly locations in the UK), sink into Scandi-living in a period property decked out to resemble a scene from our favourite Swedish home furnishings store. Adopting a mix of locally sourced, up-cycled furnishings and designer flair, the bright interior invites you and your dog to flop beside the fire, and beckons the family to gather for meals inside or alfresco around the fire pit. Wonderfully situated for dog owners, Palm Retreat is just a short walk from Deal’s buzzing high street and stretch of unspoilt beach. It’s a wonderful abode for a relaxing dog-friendly holiday in Kent.
Helmsley Retreat, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Escape to the North York Moors National Park, where the rugged peaks and verdant valleys will lure you and your four-legged friends on wild walks in the outdoors. Not only will you effortlessly adopt the Norwegian-inspired friluftsliv from this picture-postcard hamlet, your chic retreat comes with its own Nordic spa in the garden, with a Swedish outdoor sauna and hot tub. The interior also boasts a dash of Scandi-style, with designer furnishings, wood panels and a log fire, so you can really embrace the hygge lifestyle after a day outdoors with your dog during a Yorkshire holiday.
Lower Hilton Cottage, Highlands, Scotland
Sleeps 6
On-trend Scandi interiors fuse perfectly with this heritage croft cottage in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Surrounded by woodland, rugged peaks and the Kyle of Sutherland, it’s a dream holiday home for dog lovers, with walkies galore on the doorstep. Back inside, charming period features are met with a minimalist, bright Scandi design, creating a sublime ambience for gathering around the hearth, family feasts and time out in nature.
Woodpecker, Weybourne, Norfolk
Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Nestled in a forest location, high in the hills above the Weybourne coastline, this glass-panelled lodge seamlessly combines Scandi architecture and the outdoor lifestyle. Enjoy energetic, dog-friendly adventures, including mountain biking, woodland walkies and hikes along the Norfolk Coast Path on your Norfolk dog-friendly holiday. Back in your contemporary A-frame lodge, the scenery and light pours into a spacious, designer interior made for coming together, relaxing, and lapping up the simple pleasures of your woodland location with your loved ones and four-legged friend.
Pitlochry Retreat, Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Decked out in colourful Scandinavian style, this contemporary wood-clad retreat is nestled in a secluded loch-side location amidst the Grampian Mountains. Made for families with dogs who want to embrace the wild, green freedom of the Highlands, this retreat is ideal for gallivanting into the hills and frolicking in the forests. Then, kick back beside the glowing log burner, rustle up local cuisine in the outdoor kitchen, and stargaze from the wood-fired outdoor bathtub.
Gatesgarth, Cumbria
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
The Lake District is the closest we’ve got to Norway’s fjordlands scenery in the UK. It’s our very own version of the land of water, ice and mountains, beckoning you to bag peaks, plunge into lakes and float across waterways in search of adventure and wildlife. After a day of outdoor adventures with your dog, return to a glass-fronted retreat where the Old Man of Coniston and Coniston Water twinkle in the backdrop. Sliding doors to the decking area allow you to lap up every last breath of fresh Lakeland air from your designer sanctuary, whether you’re soaking in the Scandinavian wooden hot tub, playing chef in the minimalist kitchen, or hunkered beside the log burner in the mezzanine-style living room boasting floor-to-ceiling windows.
Knotting Hill Farmhouse, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Sleeps 18 + 4 dogs
The Scandinavians love a get-together with their nearest and dearest, and nowhere is more fitting for a gathering for large groups with dogs, than this designer farmhouse where you can relax and recharge in true Scandi-style. Soak in the wood-fired hot tub, detox in the sauna, and leap into the Scandinavian cold plunge pool. Outdoor living is the ethos, with a wildflower roof where you can take an alfresco shower, an all-weather entertaining area and a Swedish outdoor kitchen. The interior is more extravagant than stripped back, but a dressing room stocked with party clothes begs you to have fun indoors, while a fine collection of handmade wellingtons beckons you out on adventures with hounds at your heels.
Looking for a dog-friendly Scandinavian-style retreat?
Browse our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages where you can embrace the Great Outdoors and a happy, content way of life. To find a Scandi-style retreat, use our keyword filter in your property search.
