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Dexters Den - Exotic Animal Retreat

Deepdean, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Swimming pool
Quirky
Romantic
Luxury
Internet access
Working farm
Enclosed garden / patio
Decorated for Christmas
Complex
Country houses
12 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: OC-50561

Set at the heart of a picturesque valley, surrounded by 60 acres of open countryside and ancient woodland, find pure tranquillity in this characterfully restored 17th-century cottage. This is the ultimate romantic couples retreat with a peaceful water garden, established gardens and a shared swimming pool on the grounds to explore.

Characterful dark wooden floors and painted stonework complimented by hand-woven curtains in the open-plan lounge/diner create a true warmth, perfect for a romantic evening cuddled up on the comfy sofa or enjoying some locally sourced treats seated around the dining table. Let the superb views over the garden from the hand-crafted cottage-style kitchen inspire your cooking before heading up the cottage-style stairs to retire to the en-suite king-size bedroom for a dreamy slumber, and when you wake, enjoy the views across the gardens and onto the valley. Outside, sip your morning coffee at sunrise or a glass of something chilled at sunset from the comfort of the sun loungers. Take a romantic stroll around the shared grounds with an outdoor pool, English country gardens and acres of woodlands to explore. There are shared viewing areas to watch the exotic and farm animals in the owners’ private animal rescue sanctuary. The holiday cottage income directly funds the Owner's Exotic Rescue centre.   

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Forest of Dean offers plenty to keep you entertained; enjoy an idyllic stroll around the sculpture trail at Beechenhurst (9 miles), hire a canoe from Symonds Yat East (7 miles) to explore the Wye Valley from its best watery angle or visit to the Dean Heritage Centre (9.5 miles) for a dose of history, culture and art. The local Go Ape 9 miles away offers adrenaline thrills aplenty whilst the charming market town of Ross-on-Wye 3.5 miles away offers some of the best local produce from its array of shops, cafes and restaurants.

  • 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
  • Two pets are welcome
  • Regret no children
  • These properties are not open for group bookings
  • Although the rescue centre is not open to view you can close your eyes and be transported to the sounds of an exotic jungle
  • Lar Gibbons can be noisy when singing
  • Wildside Exotic Rescue Open days from 10;30 to 15:30 for small group tours on 9th May, 23rd May, 6th June, 27th June, 11th July & 5th September (please contact the owner to book, additional charge payable directly)
  • As featured on Extraordinary Portraits - Series 5: 3. Living with 200 Wild Animals BBC in March 2026. 
  • Please note as this is an animal sanctuary access to the holiday cottages is restricted to booked guests, to secure peace and tranquillity and to ensure the safety and peace for the rescue animals
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

 

 

Harriet Devonald

This property is personally managed by Harriet.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 10 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 starsOverall cleanliness 4.5 stars4.5
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 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 stars4.5
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Gwen 27th June 2026

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

The cottage was lovely and kept as cool as possible with the thick walls and small windows. The weather was extremely hot. Thank you.

Reviewed by Sam 30th May 2026

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

Such a magical stay. The opportunity to observe the rescues from a distance is such an amazing opportunity. You are transported to another realm. Fab cottage and the dogs loved the garden.

Reviewed by Susan 23rd May 2026

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

Reviewed by Michelle 13th September 2025

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

What a beautiful place to stay! A home from home with all the things you need for a relaxing stay. The garden is huge with different areas to sit and relax and enjoy the view of the valley and the ponies, gibbons and parrots. I didnt use the pool in the end as I wasnt brave enough with the cold weather!

Reviewed by Kristina 5th September 2025

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

Reviewed by Steph 15th August 2025

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

Wonderful find! Immediate setting, amidst the sights and sounds of the rescued animals, is incredible. Combined with the lovely cottage, outdoor swimming pool and stunning scenery, its almost impossible not to enjoy a restful, restorative holiday. Our dog also loved the enclosed garden.

Reviewed by Audra Maria 7th June 2025

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

Tranquil serenity. Beautiful cottages, with the sole purpose of supporting this not for profit sanctuary for wild captive animals keep as pets. Human kindness and love for animal welfare is at the heart! Dedicated to end the wild pet trade. A truly magical place!

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

8 more
Show 20 more

Location

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.

2 more properties at this location

Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Kune Kune - Exotic Animal Retreat

Sleeps: 2 | Bedrooms: 1

£936 - £1,203

The Cockerel - Exotic Animal Retreat

The Cockerel - Exotic Animal Retreat

Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2

£1,002 - £1,333

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

Wales Cottage Holidays is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.