Harwood: Luxury dog hotel to open its doors this weekend

Farm Cottage Boarding in Harwood, formerly known as Shelley’s Kennels, offers canines a unique experience where they can enjoy a complimentary bath, heating accommodation and even watch their favourite TV shows.

The venue at Higher Bury Meadows Farm was taken over by new owners Alice Holt and Bill Brown just four weeks ago and they have since transformed it into a five-star resort for up to 38 dogs.

Alice, who has a wealth of experience in looking after animals, said: “We wanted to create a one-stop shop and a real home from home and to help shatter the misconception that boarding kennels are all damp, metal cages.

“We care for the dogs as if they’re our own with lots of cuddles and playtime.”

Alice Holt and Bill Brown are no strangers to providing the very best in doggy care services (Image: supplied) The couple has created a doggy haven with grooming and training facilities, heating accommodation, free baths, a dog taxi service, cameras in each room, five exercise sessions per day, three secure outdoor play areas, VIP suites with sofas and more.

The hotel is fully licenced, each dog has its own dedicated fridge freezer to accommodate all dietary requirements and guests are given the chance to socialise through outdoor group play.

There are even outdoor areas with fake grass for those who have allergies, an isolation pen in case of emergencies and an on-call vet available 24 hours a day.

Alice and Bill are no strangers to the dog hospitality industry having previously managed a successful home boarding business and looking after foster dogs alongside their own, one of which was rescued from Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.

Alice said: “We send owners daily updates and videos and provide one-to-one care.

"It’s like a holiday camp and some of the regulars have started to make friends with each other.

“I’ve always had dogs myself and we wanted to create something special here. The rooms are all heated and we aim to give all of our guests the best holiday possible.

“We’re already getting bookings for 2026.”

They also offer a fun wedding chaperone service for couples who want their pet to be in the good hands on their special day.

Bill said: “We can get the dogs all dressed up, make sure they’re looked after throughout the day and take them to the couple for pictures or as ring bearers or whatever they need.

“At a wedding, most of the couple's friends and family members are already there so we take away the worry of who will look after the dog on their special day.”

Alice’s son Sam worked at the kennels when he was younger and alerted his mum to the fact the kennels had gone up for sale when they were on holiday in Cape Verde.

She added: “Sam joked that we should buy it and it kind of just went from there!”

The pair also offer a fun canine wedding chaperone service (Image: supplied) The rural location is also home to foster dogs, with the couple working in collaboration with charity Protecting Preloved Border Collies.

Alice and Bill are welcoming new and existing customers into their new home this weekend, hosting an exclusive open day on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Guests will be able to look around the facilities and meet the team with tours taking place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.