One of the things that makes Pack Holidays special is the people behind the properties.

Every cottage, lodge and bungalow has its own story — and so do the owners who lovingly create spaces where guests and their dogs can truly relax. From rescue dog heroes and beach lovers to horse riders, skydivers and lifelong animal enthusiasts, our owners are as unique as the places they share.

We thought it was time to properly introduce some of the wonderful humans (and dogs!) behind the scenes.

So welcome to our “Meet the Owners” series — a chance to get to know the people, passions, pets and personalities that make Pack Holidays feel so special.

And yes, there will be plenty of dogs.

Because obviously.

SAM – SARETTA

Meet Sam – Owner of Saretta

If there’s one thing you notice immediately about Sam, it’s just how much dogs are at the centre of her world.

Having worked in animal welfare for more than 30 years, she has spent decades fostering, rehoming, hand-rearing and caring for countless dogs and cats. Creating a genuinely dog-friendly holiday cottage wasn’t just an idea — it was something deeply personal.

When the opportunity came up to take on Saretta, Sam felt incredibly proud to become the owner of such a well-loved cottage. Her own childhood holidays were simple UK seaside breaks filled with family time, beach walks and happy memories, and she wanted Saretta to capture that same feeling for today’s guests and their dogs.

“I really wanted Saretta to be somewhere people could properly switch off, slow down and make special memories together.”

As someone who has owned nervous and reactive dogs herself, Sam also understands how difficult it can sometimes be to find holiday accommodation where every dog truly feels welcome. Becoming part of the Pack Holidays family mattered for exactly that reason.

“Every dog deserves a holiday — whatever their personality or quirks.”

One of Sam’s favourite things about Saretta is how easy everything feels once you arrive. Within just a few minutes, guests can be on the beach, enjoying a coffee, grabbing an ice cream, visiting the pub or wandering through the village shops. It’s the sort of place where days naturally slow down.

“There’s something magical about the dunes, the sea air and the peaceful atmosphere here.”

There are lots more plans for Saretta over the coming year, with Sam always thinking of new ways to make the cottage even more welcoming, practical and dog-friendly.

But one of her favourite things of all?

Seeing guest photos of muddy paws, sleepy dogs after beach walks, and happy holiday memories being made.

Because honestly, dogs living their best lives on holiday is basically the entire mission statement here.

SHARON – LUNA

Meet Sharon – Owner of Luna, Happisburgh

If there were awards for biggest hearts in the Pack Holidays family, Sharon would be dangerously overqualified.

Life at Luna revolves around rescue dogs, muddy paws and giving animals a second chance. Since 2024, Sharon has fostered around 30 rescue dogs from Romania — something she describes as “busy, chaotic and incredibly rewarding.”

One of those rescues was Luna herself.

“We were told she was a ‘smallish’ dog…”

What arrived was an enormous 80cm Tibetan Mastiff cross.

Naturally, Sharon’s son fell instantly in love and decided Luna was staying forever. So when the bungalow in Happisburgh was renovated, there was really only one possible name for it.

Luna quickly made herself useful during the refurbishment too — mostly by “helping” with the landscaping by charging enthusiastically through the brambles while Sharon spent three months transforming the property.

Seeing Luna experience Happisburgh beach for the first time is still one of Sharon’s favourite memories.

“The sand, the waves and that massive Mastiff smile — that’s exactly why I do this.”

For Sharon, dogs are family, and holidays should include every member of the family. Creating somewhere genuinely welcoming for dogs was always the goal.

“We wanted Luna to feel like somewhere dogs can properly relax and feel at home.”

One of the things Sharon loves most about Happisburgh is the sense of calm. The huge skies, peaceful beach walks and slower pace make it the perfect place to escape everyday life — especially with a dog by your side.

And judging by Luna’s enthusiasm for beach zoomies, giant naps in the sunshine and supervising the garden, the official canine review is extremely positive.

Honestly, Luna looks like she could tow a small caravan uphill while still smiling. Iconic behaviour.

MATTHEW AND HARRY – The Heart Behind The Old Farm House and The Coach House

Tucked away within the beautiful Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, Brackenthwaite Farm is one of those places that instantly feels special. Peaceful, welcoming, full of animals, muddy pawprints and countryside calm — the sort of place where dogs can properly exhale and humans usually do too about ten minutes later.

Behind it all are Matthew and Harry.

For Matthew, Brackenthwaite Farm has always been home. In fact, aside from perhaps the first six months of his life, he’s lived there forever. The farm has been part of his story since his parents bought it back in 1976, when it already had one holiday cottage welcoming guests to this beautiful little corner of Lancashire.

Fast forward to September 2022, and Matthew and his husband Harry officially took over the business together.

“It’s a big commitment,” they admit, “but every little improvement we make gets noticed and appreciated by our guests.”

And that’s something guests quickly realise when they stay here. Brackenthwaite Farm isn’t a “business first” kind of place. It’s personal. Every improvement, every thoughtful detail and every dog-friendly touch comes from people who genuinely live this lifestyle themselves.

With three dogs of their own — plus Harry’s parents’ dog also living onsite — they completely understand what travelling with dogs should feel like.

And honestly, when you have ten acres of countryside and a fully enclosed outdoor dog play area, it’s fair to say the dogs are living quite a better life than most humans currently managing spreadsheets under fluorescent office lighting.

But it’s not just the dogs who make Brackenthwaite Farm feel alive.

The farm is also home to hens, other poultry, goats, sheep, alpacas and four kune kune pigs — all enthusiastically monitored by two particularly invested border collies who apparently believe “farm management” is a full-time personal responsibility.

“We suspect the collies think supervising the pigs is their main purpose in life.”

Together, Matthew and Harry bring a brilliant balance to the business. Matthew brings a lifetime of lived experience on the farm, while Harry’s background in hospitality has helped shape the warm, welcoming atmosphere guests now love so much.

“Taking over the business and putting our own stamp on it felt like a natural step when the opportunity came along.”

One of the things they love most is sharing this often-overlooked part of the UK with guests.

Brackenthwaite Farm sits within the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape — a nationally protected area recognised for its outstanding natural beauty. Yet somehow it still remains wonderfully under-the-radar compared to nearby giants like the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

And that’s part of its magic.

“This area still feels peaceful and undiscovered.”

Within this relatively small area, guests can explore beaches, woodlands, caves, meadows, hills, cliffs, nature reserves and centuries of local history — all while staying somewhere genuinely dog-friendly.

And when Matthew says dog-friendly, he means properly dog-friendly.

“All the local pubs welcome dogs because honestly… around here, they have to!”

It’s this combination of authenticity, warmth and genuine love for dogs that makes Brackenthwaite Farm feel so special. Guests aren’t just visiting a holiday cottage — they’re becoming part of an ongoing story that Matthew and Harry are lovingly building together.

And with more cottages still to come, that story is only just beginning.

Which is lovely really. Humans building beautiful places for dogs to sprint around joyfully while dragging muddy sticks through carefully cleaned kitchens. The circle of life.

JULIE & MICK – THE BYRE & THE MILL

Meet Julie & Mick – Owners of The Byre and The Mill

For Julie and Mick, Stallion Valley isn’t just somewhere they live — it’s the life they dreamed about building together.

Back in 2002, they bought Cwm March from Fred, the previous owner, who at 79 felt it was finally time to move somewhere easier to maintain. For Julie and Mick, it marked the beginning of a whole new chapter.

“We wanted the good life — beautiful surroundings, animals, nature and somewhere we could truly enjoy.”

More than twenty years later, that dream has grown into something incredibly special.

Nestled in the heart of West Wales, Stallion Valley is filled with wildlife, ponds, woods, horses and peaceful spaces to slow down and reconnect with nature. It’s a place they love sharing not only with family and friends, but with every guest who comes to stay.

“We want Stallion Valley to be somewhere people can relax, have fun and enjoy the beauty of West Wales.”

Animals have always been a huge part of life there, and guests quickly realise this is somewhere created by genuine animal lovers. Whether it’s birdwatching, spotting local wildlife or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, there’s a real sense of connection to nature throughout the valley.

Julie and Mick are also hugely grateful to past guests, whose feedback and encouragement over the years have inspired many of the improvements and developments across the properties.

And while the stunning scenery certainly helps, it’s the warmth and personality behind Stallion Valley that guests often remember most.

Well, that and probably the dogs living their best woodland-fantasy lives carrying branches twice their own size through bluebells like tiny deranged forestry workers.

GILL & IAN – POMPIAN LODGE

Meet Gill & Ian – Owners of Pompian Lodge

Gill and Ian didn’t want to create a “motel.”

They wanted somewhere homely, welcoming and filled with the sort of warmth that makes both humans and dogs instantly relax.

Set within a peaceful four-acre former farm in West Lancashire, Pompian Lodge sits beside their beautiful 18th-century cottage — complete with ancient oak ship beams, countryside views and what they jokingly describe as “two creaking owners who gave up on the 9–5.”

After 19 years there, it’s safe to say they’ve fallen completely in love with the place.

Dogs are at the heart of everything they do. Over the years they’ve loved and lost three much-loved canine companions who are now buried peacefully in the garden, and that connection has shaped the welcoming atmosphere guests feel when they arrive.

“We’re completely dedicated to making sure guests and their dogs have the best possible stay.”

The lodge itself was designed to feel spacious yet cosy, with one huge bedroom and a large open lounge, diner, kitchen and pool room perfect for relaxing after long countryside walks.

And yes — there’s a dog swimming pool.

Which is objectively one of the greatest inventions humanity has managed between electricity and garlic bread.

Their black lab Ben also plays an important role in guest relations, usually by somehow locating anyone carrying biscuits within a three-mile radius.

Meanwhile, Gill competes with her horse Ad Blue, who recently won two classes at the Horse of the Year Show, while Ian’s hobby is slightly more adrenaline-fuelled — skydiving, with over 500 jumps across the UK and Europe.

Because apparently running a dog lodge wasn’t enough excitement.

Locally, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to walks, countryside and beaches, with Formby’s famous pinewoods, sand dunes and red squirrels being one of their favourite recommendations.

But what really makes Pompian Lodge special is the feeling guests leave with — relaxed, welcomed and already planning their next visit.

Usually alongside a damp but deeply fulfilled dog.