About Us

WHO ARE WE AND WHY DO WE LOVE HAVING DOGS ON HOLIDAY HERE IN NORFOLK SO MUCH!?

George with Polly (Great Dane), Penny (Cocker Spaniel) and baby Roberta (human!)

George Simson started work for East Ruston Cottages in 2020 and very quickly became a key member of ERC team.  She is now is in charge of the day to day running, many business decisions, customer care, owner liaisons and so much more (and has enabled Sue to step back and spend more time with her dogs!)  After 12 years service in the RAF, George took a complete and very successful career change and is now in charge of Norfolk's longest running and most dog focussed holiday agency!

She knows the area very well having grown up and lived here for many years and customer service is her top priority!  George works from her home in Potter Heigham with her Great Dane, Polly and super cute Cocker Spaniel, Penny, as the perfect office additions and can often be seen walking them on the beaches near her home.

She had her first baby, Roberta, in January 2024 ... and was back to work just a few weeks later!

George can be contacted on hello@eastrustoncottages.co.uk

ERC SuperPower:  Looking after guests and owners
Favourite dog type:  Spaniels
Wine preference:  If it's wet, she's drinking it!
Cake weakness:  Carrot cake (drooooool!)
Favourite sport:  Juggling *badly* (Baby. Work. Family. Life)
Most visited dog friendly cafe:  Bridgestones in Potter Heigham (for the carrot cake, obvs.)

Sue with Ernie, (Romanian rescue mix) and Mabel, (Border Terrier)  The reactive one!

Sue Allen founded East Ruston Cottages back in 2008 as she regularly went on holiday with friends and up to 6 dogs and knew just how difficult it could be to find a properly dog friendly holiday, somewhere that would allow all the dogs and...

  • not charge for them
  • have a safe, properly fenced garden
  • know they were allowed on the sofas and more
  • not have to stick to a load of silly rules!
  • not have to stay somewhere 'dog-eared' just because we had dogs!

So East Ruston Cottages started because she wanted to provide what dog lovers really WANT on holiday!  With a love of both dogs and Norfolk, the company started with just two properties and has grown from strength to strength.  In 2024 she made the decision to step back a bit for George to take charge - a decision that will keep ERC growing and thriving for years to come!

Sue can be contacted on sue@eastrustoncottages.co.uk

ERC SuperPower:  Cafe coffee quality testing!
Favourite dog type:  Rescues
Wine preference:  Red, smooth and fruity (since you asked!)
Cake weakness:  Anything with nuts in.
Favourite sport:  Horse riding
Most visited dog friendly cafe:  Shambles in North Walsham

Roger with Sonny (now RIP)

Working away in the background is Sue's wonderful partner Roger - a train driver by trade, he does much of the background work and he generally keeps both Sue and their dogs cared for, sane and fed!

Into mountain biking (tricky here in flat Norfolk!), paddle boarding, squash, canal boats and camping as well as dog walks and bbqs on our great Norfolk beaches!

ERC SuperPower:  Taking guests money!
Favourite dog type:  Border Terriers
Wine preference:  Beer please!
Cake weakness:  Any and all
Favourite sport:  Mountain biking
Most visited dog friendly cafe:

Happily we live in probably the most dog friendly county in the UK!  Norfolk is just SO very dog friendly - the beaches, the countryside, the cafes and pubs - and we know it all really well as we walk our own dogs here and often eat in the dog friendly cafes and pubs!

The team we have built up is the best we have ever had and ALL of them own and love dogs - and most of our owners do too!  At last count we had over 50 between us!

We love what we do and are passionate about offering properly dog friendly accommodation that is truly dog welcoming and even "dog obsessed"!  We understand the needs of reactive dogs particularly and can help you find the right property and advise on the quietest places to walk, visit and relax.

 

THE EAST RUSTON COTTAGES ETHOS

We genuinely welcome dogs.  Since starting in 2008 it has been our focus to make our guests feel totally welcome with their dogs, whether it is one or 19! (our record number!)  We know the properties very well, walk our dogs in the area and can recommended beaches and rural walks and we understand reactive dogs too.  We want everyone to feel they are genuinely welcome here.  Have a listen to our podcast from June 2024 to find out more.  Dog Friendly Podcast

Kerry with whippets Bertie and Shadow

Kerry Jordan does a huge amount of our social media, mail outs, collaboration work and more and is, of course, a true dog lover! She is a great dog photographer - check out her website Fur & Fables - and knows LOTS of dog people, working alongside many other small dog focused brands and businesses.  She has really helped us in our collaborations with other brands and businesses and is as helpful and hardworking as you can get, whilst at the same time being creative and having great ideas.  In 2023 her dog photography business was selected by Theo Paphitis and won the Small Business Sunday award - a huge win for a one woman band!

ERC SuperPower:  Amazing photos of dogs
Favourite dog type:  Whippets
Wine preference:  Pink
Cake weakness:  Lemon
Favourite sport:  GeoCaching
Most visited dog friendly cafe:  Cafe Carmel in Bacton

 

"Our first time at Hidden Gem but not East Ruston Cottages.   The cottage is absolutely wonderful and has a very homely feel.  We have had a really relaxing holiday in a stunning location and Hidden Gem is like a home from home.  The beach and dunes are beautiful and the garden has been perfect for our two hounds!  A very dog friendly holiday cottage. All the extra little touches and the welcome gifts have been much appreciated!  We will definitely be back!! "

Phil and Clare with Pepo and Molly
Testimonial for Hidden Gem (Dog friendly holiday cottage in Norfolk)

"Our first stay at Red Roofs and we will definately be returning. Beautiful house and location. Garden is perfect for the dogs, house is well equipped and the welcome pack is a great gesture. We will be back next year ..... just hope you aren't fully booked!"

Vicky and Colin
Testimonial for Red Roofs

"Thank you so much for allowing us to be your first guests in Corner Cottage. My first impression was "WOW!". The cottage is amazing, you have thought of everything (even supplied fantastic weather!). The decoration is lovely, beds so comfortable. It was so nice to be able to bring the dogs so they could have a holiday with us and experience the beach for the first time."

Sandra and Steve
Testimonial for Corner Cottage
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Dog Friendly | Holiday Cottage | Norfolk

We are members of PASC The Professional Association of Self Caterers.

We have independent reviews all over the internet!

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Good Dog Guide
Dog Friendly Magazine
Dotty 4 Paws

East Ruston Cottages Limited
Reg.No. 10048164 at Companies House, Cardiff

Registered address:

Sea Lows, Crowden Road, Eccles, Norfolk NR12 0SJ