The finalists have been announced for the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year award, sponsored by cottages.com, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.
This award recognises self catering accommodation businesses in the East of England that provide excellent and memorable experiences for their guests.
Here are this year's finalists.
Gladwins Farm Holiday Cottages
Based in Nayland on the Suffolk/Essex border, Gladwins Farm Holiday Cottages is a family-business that has been operating for the past 30 years, offering a relaxing pet friendly stay to visitors in a beautiful countryside setting.
It comprises 10 bespoke holiday cottages and three newly built, eco-friendly lodges, which can house up to 80 guests in total. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, a woodland walk, tennis court and indoor swimming pool on site.
The business employs a team of 12 and this past year alone has hosted 2,754 holidaymakers, with a yearly turnover of £600,000.
It also has a strong sustainable ethos and strives to reduce its environmental impact, introducing a number of green initiatives including the use of energy efficient lighting and cost-saving solar panels and trackers and supplying locally sourced food and fairtrade drinks.
The judges were impressed with the facilities available to guests at Gladwins and said that the site offers “a safe and exclusive environment, where adults can relax and enjoy comfort and children can run free.”
They liked that the “family team spirit” in the business really shines through and felt that this makes guests “feel welcome and immediately at ease”.
Hippersons Boatyard
Occupying its own small area of the Broads National Park on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles is a family-owned microbusiness which provides unique experiences to those looking to enjoy the Broads.
The business began life in the 1950s but was purchased by its current owners in 2014. It offers a range of unique self-catering accommodation, from secret hideaways to quirky houseboats, as well as dayboat, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and pedal boat hire for guests to explore the Waveney river and valley. Each accommodation also comes with a private rowing boat for the guests’ exclusive use.
Hippersons has implemented a strong marketing policy which enables it to target customers across the UK. It also aims to work in harmony with the local environment and has re-wilded many areas of the boatyard. Since launching this initiative, the business has seen a significant increase in wildlife.
The judges really liked the “unique properties in an unspoiled location” at Hippersons.
They commented on the level of service in the business, which is “tailored to individual guests’ needs”. They also praised the “bespoke, purpose-built furniture made from repurposed materials within the properties.”
The Suffolk Escape
Nestled in the heart of a family farm in Hintlesham, Suffolk, The Suffolk Escape is a collection of self-catering holiday lets with views of the local countryside.
The business was launched in March 2013 with four luxury, lakeside log cabins. Each cabin features two en-suite bedrooms, an open plan living space, log stove, private hot tub, dining deck over the lake and a patio with outdoor sofas.
Through consultation with previous guests, the owners identified a need for accommodation that could sleep large groups and so the Sheepyard Barn was born. Opening in April 2017, this barn sleeps up to 12 guests and features a private indoor pool, wood-fired pizza oven, large hot tub, timber-framed outdoor lounge and spacious open-plan living space.
The business strives to offer exceptional customer service and works to continually develop its offering in order to supply a truly memorable experience.
The judges were impressed with the property they stayed in, commenting that it “offers a great experience for guests to enjoy.”
They noted that there has been “significant thought and investment” into sustainability and the business’ environmental impact.
They also liked the personal touches added for guests, such as a welcome pack with local produce, recipes and more.
The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 will be announced at a black-tie event held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16.
To view the full East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 finalists supplement, please click here.
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