A show house on Miller Homes’ Longshore Village development at Blyth in Northumberland, Northern England, includes an innovative pet-friendly feature.

The company recently opened the four bedroom, detached Sherwood show home which has interiors inspired by its coastal location – an added bonus for walking pets.

Miller Homes worked alongside Newcastle-based Q Interiors to come up with the perfect place for the family pooch – in the open space beneath the stairs which not only has been created with easy clean tiles but also has space for a dog bed and toys.

The team used research which showed that dogs find being in the vicinity of their owner rewarding and so the close proximity to the main family areas of the house results in a happy pet.

Karen Randles, senior interior designer at Q Interiors, explains: “Gone are the days when dogs were relegated to the utility room or a kennel outside, so we wanted to give them a dedicated space where they felt included and part of the family, but also safe and secure.

“It was important that the space was near the front door of the home, where a dog can relax but still feel like they are protecting the property.

“Under the stairs can often become a dumping ground for all sorts of clutter and designing this area allowed us to be playful, while still making strategic choices to make the most of the space at hand.

“The shape of the area, with its sloping ceiling and three enclosed sides, is very comforting for a dog as smaller spaces help them relaxed and feel safe, especially if there is a lot going in the home with children or other pets.

“Having their own space to retreat to gives them some peace and can stop anxious behaviours like barking. The room includes a wicker bed with washable pillow and an aesthetically pleasing basket for toys, as well as practicalities such as food bowls and hooks for leads and harnesses.”

Miller Homes has also launched a number of incentives which are available until the end of January to help people secure their new homes on the estate.

Aisling Ramshaw, sales director at Miller Homes North East, says: “The new development is in a fantastic location, right by the sea but with easy access to Newcastle and the wider Northumberland area.

“We create homes for every member of the family, and that includes much loved pets. We hope visitors to the show house will be inspired how this could work for them.”

To arrange a viewing, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/north-east/south-newsham-blythe.aspx.