Standout holiday let owners with glowing guest feedback have been celebrated in a new awards scheme by holiday let rental agency Sykes Holiday Cottages. The Sykes Stars programme aimed to recognise holiday homeowners from across the UK that have achieved strong feedback scores from guests in the last 12 months.
To be eligible to receive the award, owners had to get consistent perfect feedback over the course of a 12-month period. Among the winners were the owners of a converted boat house which sits directly on an estuary, a family who have created a castle-like retreat, and a charming cottage converted by a couple keen to share the impressive local views with holidaymakers from across the UK.
Bev Dumbleton, chief operating officer at Sykes, said: “These awards allow us to showcase the best of the best when it comes to guest feedback, with the commitment and hard work of our holiday let owners never going unnoticed. Its owners like our Sykes Stars’ winners that make Britain’s staycation market the success it is today and their passion for holiday letting has led to some unforgettable breaks for their guests.”
To view the full list of Sykes Stars for 2023, click here.
Waterside – Ravenglass, Cumbria
Sleeps: Five
Price: Seven nights from £599
Sarah and John McCarren own Waterside, a former boat house located in Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District. The property, first opened to holidaymakers in October 2021, sits directly on an estuary, boasting spectacular and ever-changing views of the water and offering great opportunities to paddle board, canoe, or kayak. Sarah and John’s hard work is recognised in their guest reviews, which often mention how well-kept and comfortable the property is and how attentive the hosts are.
Gorwel Deg – Bethesda, North Wales
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £623
Gorwel Deg, owned by Delyth and Arwel Davies and first opened to staycationers in 2020, has a mixture of modern and traditional features. The original part of the house was once a quarryman’s cottage and includes pitched ceilings, wooden beams, and a slate hearth. The property has become a firm favourite amongst large groups over the years, with guests often referencing in feedback the welcome packages that Delyth and Arwel have for guests on arrival. Visitors have also praised the property’s cleanliness and shared their love for the incredible views from the hot tub.
Castle Top Retreat – Nettleton, Lincolnshire
Sleeps: 10
Price: Seven nights from £1,529
Gavin Vincent first welcomed holidaymakers to Castle Top Retreat, which he owns alongside his siblings and parents, in 2018. The property has been in his family since the 1980s but was originally part of a family mining operation, which included housing offices, washrooms, and a medical centre. Guests often comment on how beautiful and spacious the property is, alongside how impressive the sunsets are from the terrace. Holidaymakers also commonly reference how well-equipped Castle Top Retreat is, with a BBQ, sauna, and hot tub.
Crooke Barn – Withleigh, Devon
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £458
Gillian and Steve Miles first welcomed holidaymakers to Crooke Barn in December 2020, a one-bedroom holiday home in Withleigh, near Tiverton. The couple converted a barn on their farm after being inspired to take the leap into holiday letting, and Crooke Barn has become a firm favourite amongst couples and dog owners over the years. Surrounded by private fields and a secluded stream, guests often reference the hot tub, cosy furnishings, and tranquil rural views in their feedback.
Applegarth – Cloughton, Scarborough
Sleeps: Five
Price: Seven nights from £466
Applegarth is a charming three-bedroom cottage located next to owners Nigel and Sharon’s Clipperton’s home. After purchasing the property in spring 2019, the couple transformed the interior, including replacing the doors, carpets, and furniture, as well as installing a woodburning stove to keep travellers cosy in the colder months. Holidaymakers often reference Applegarth’s homely atmosphere, walking routes, and easy access to the North York Moors in their feedback.
