Eight self-catering properties have been voted the best in England and are to go through to the Excellence in England Tourism Awards 2004, in association with Enjoy England*. The winner of the Self-catering Holiday of the Year category, sponsored by Country Holidays, will be announced at the national awards ceremony at Kensington Palace in London on 22 April 2004, on the eve of St George’s Day.
The finalists have all come through rigorous awards run by England’s nine regional tourist boards, where they battled it out against hundreds of other entries for a chance to win the Excellence in England Tourism Award accolade for Self-catering Holiday of the Year.
The winner will have shown commitment to providing excellent accommodation, services and customer care as well as strong environmental policies. They will also have boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal. In addition, they will also have made provision for disabled guests in line with the new Disability Discrimination Act* (DDA) coming fully into force in October this year.
The Self Catering Holiday of the Year national finalists are:
Monkhouse Hill Cottages – Cumbria Tourist Board www.monkhousehill.co.uk
Located in the unspoilt splendour of North Lakeland and commanding panoramic views across the Eden Valley, Monkhouse Hill's nine Four and Five star cottages are set around the landscaped courtyard of a 17th century Cumbrian hill farm. Luxurious cottages for couples have private spa facilities; spacious family cottages created from ancient barns are thoughtfully equipped and full of character; and larger units have been configured especially for groups of families to holiday together. The availability of a multitude of extras, from locally produced hampers and craft beers to celebration banquets, makes this venue extra special.
Gladwins Farm – East of England Tourist Board www.gladwinsfarm.co.uk
A family-run business based upon tastefully converted medieval buildings offers delightful holidays for everyone in 4* and 5* cottages set in 22 acres of peaceful, rolling Constable Country in South Suffolk. The nine cottages suit parties from 2 to 8, all welcome to use the heated indoor pool, sauna, tennis court and fishing lake. There’s a children’s playground and pets are welcome. Recent additions include two new cottages designed to be fully accessible on the ground floors, an information centre with plenty of local information and frozen gourmet meals available round the clock. A warm welcome awaits everyone.
Dove Farm Cottages – Visit Heart of England www.dovefarm.co.uk
A working family farm where Jane and Henry have invested hugely, with hearts and minds, to convert their ex-dairy buildings into a thriving self-catering and small business venue. All 3 cottages and adjoining studio are fully accessible and finished with stylish simplicity. The whole development has been created with access in mind, from the courtyard garden area, to aspects of their farm and riverside trail. Best farming practice and a lasting commitment to the environment are demonstrated by the measures taken as part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, such as pond creation and meadow preservation. A convenient and central location, with excellent information for guests and opportunities to get involved in farm activities, like meeting the alpacas. With family gatherings and friendship reunions fast becoming a specialist service, Dove Farm Cottages flourish all year round and provide valued facilities for the local community.
Breamish Valley Cottages – Northumbria Tourist Board www.breamishvalley.co.uk
Breamish Valley Cottages can be found in the tiny farming hamlet of Branton at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, a wonderful area for walking and cycling. The cottages were created from a range of Georgian stone farm buildings surrounding a sheltered courtyard. Superbly appointed cottages are complemented by outstanding leisure facilities. These include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, gym and games room. Outdoor amenities include tennis, football, putting, croquet, adventure playground and a playhouse and tractors for small children. In 2003 five luxury single storey cottages have been added to better cater for disabled guests.
Wolfen Mill Country Retreats – North West Tourist Board www.wolfenmill.co.uk
Wolfen Mill Country Retreats is 'stress busting gem of a place' in the little know Forest of Bowland, in rural Lancashire. This charismatic 300 year old property converted into nine fully self-contained cottage style properties had recently been awarded five star status by the English Tourism Council. Recently featured on Granada television Wolfen Mill offer holiday breaks in total luxury. Wolfen Mill is ideal as a romantic hid away for couples to explore the beauty of the local fells and historic villages. The reservations has been carried to take account of the environment and the needs of less abled guests, its unique design also allows it offer accommodation to groups of family and friends who with to stay together making but also enjoy their own private rooms.
The Thatched Cottage Company – South West Tourism www.thethatchedcottagecompany.com
Based in a picturesque, typical Devon village the Thatched Cottage Company owns thatched and period 5 Star luxury cottages. Their Devon country cottages have been created from derelict 16th Century properties over the past three years. Each cottage has original features including beams, cob walls and huge fireplaces as well as an exceptionally high standard of furniture and fittings. Environmental awareness is encouraged through recycling and ‘Welcome’ hampers are made with local produce. Disability awareness is excellent. There is also careful use of colour contrasts, sensor lights, large print information and acceptance of service dogs.
Latters Oast Apartments – Tourism South East www.gardenofenglandcottages.co.uk
Latters Oast Apartments are situated near Tonbridge and the owners pride themselves on offering a warm welcome and excellent customer service. On arrival, guests will find a complimentary bottle of wine, tea, coffee and a local paper in their apartment as well as a comprehensive information pack. There are landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court, games room and mini football pitch. Children are well catered for in the play area. Marketing is through local agent Garden of England Cottages who are well trained on customer care, web-based promotion and first aid. They also have extensive up-to-date knowledge of local attractions.
Shoreline Cottages – Yorkshire Tourist Board www.shoreline-cottages.com
From a standing start in 2000, Shoreline Cottages welcomed over 3,500 visitors in 2003 to their various properties in Whitby and the surrounding area. Some of the cottages were previously owned by fishermen and are cosy and compact, while others are more spacious and feature several bedrooms. A great deal of attention has been given to decor, with an interior designer used to create a contemporary, luxurious feeling to go alongside the many traditional features. All customers are met and shown round and staff are available 24 hours a day to assist with any problems should they occur.
