The road out of Kolad climbs until the paddy gives way to forest, and then the hills open out. Eight cottages sit high on that slope, spaced far enough apart that the loudest thing you will hear from the verandah is the weather moving across the valley.

It takes a little while to understand that you are not the only guests. A cat crosses the lawn without hurrying. One of the resident rescues settles under your chair at breakfast and stays there. This hillside belongs to a working animal sanctuary, and nothing on it is enclosed. The animals go where they like, and it is the people who fit in around them. Arrive with your own and they are simply absorbed into the household.