Cheshire Holiday Home named Best Farm Stay

18 Sep 2019 01:41
Published by: Kian French

Local holiday home owners, Anthea and Peter Hughes, are celebrating after picking up an award for their property in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The husband and wife team scooped gold in the Best Farm Stay category for their unique stable building conversion.

Chequer Stable took home the trophy at the Sykes Gem Awards - a national travel awards programme run by leading UK holiday rental firm, Sykes Holiday Cottages.

The detached cottage, which was originally a stable, is just a stone's throw away from the popular Peak District, located on a private two-acre smallholding and just next door to Anthea and Peter's family home.

After meeting in 1984, Anthea and Peter went on many UK breaks over the years and always toyed with the idea of owning a UK holiday let.

In 2012, this dream started to become a reality. They met with an expert from Sykes Holiday Cottages who provided insight into the local tourism market and was enthusiastic about the opportunity for the then dilapidated stable.

The conversion took almost four years to complete, working with architects, planners and builders along the way to ensure every single aspect of the renovation was exactly right.

Since Chequer Stable first became available to holidaymakers back in December 2016, the couple have reaped the rewards of a surge in staycations to Cheshire and its surrounding areas, and the property has been almost fully-booked since opening its doors.

Chequer Stable owner, Anthea Hughes, said: "We've put so much into making Chequer Stable a success, and constantly get great feedback from our visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot. The trophy will definitely be given pride of place for all to see.

"Since opening the doors to Chequer Stable just two and a half years ago, we have loved every minute of the process - meeting new people all the time and welcoming them into a property we are really proud to call our own.

"While we both have other jobs, the income we make from Chequer Stable is a great added bonus and will be a retirement income for us when we do finally make the decision to finish working."

The Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the best people and properties in the UK's growing holiday cottage sector and were judged by a panel of industry experts including The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Jacob Lewis.

Chequer Stable beat off tough competition from other shortlisted properties. However, the judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Chequer Stable, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.

The one-bedroom holiday let is an ideal getaway for those seeking a relaxing break. The farm's quirky collection of animals, including llamas and all sorts of poultry, have proved to be a source of great entertainment and guests enjoy having them right on the doorstep as they free range around the property.

Now in its third year, Sykes received 2,500 entries from throughout the UK and Ireland across 30 categories - ranging from Best for Romance to Best for Glamping, alongside regional winners.

Graham Donoghue, Sykes Holiday Cottages' CEO, added: "We launched the awards to recognise and reward the hard work of the owners who are part of the Sykes family. Back then, we had no idea how popular they would be, but we've been overwhelmed by the response and this year received a record number of submissions.

"I love being part of the judging panel - you hear about peoples' passion for holiday letting and everything they do to go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable breaks throughout the UK.

"More and more travellers are opting for staycations over holidays on the continent, and last year we saw a real boost in bookings to Cheshire. Because of this, those with a second home or money to invest are increasingly turning to holiday letting - who knows, we may see them on the Sykes Gems shortlist next year!"

To book Chequer Stable, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Peak-District-North-Wales-Snowdonia-Arclid-Green/Chequer-Stable-26406.html?_hsearch=1908215d5d189367ac8&_price=267&_display=1

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