Self Catering Holiday of the Year
Self-catering holidays are enjoying a huge surge in popularity, and the judges are looking for self-catering establishments or serviced apartments that have boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal.
Winners
Noelle's Cottages
Middleton Hall, Pickering
Noelle’s Cottages are a collection of three cosy, stylish and luxurious cottages, set in the grounds of a Georgian House in Middleton, close to Pickering. The three carefully renovated self-catering cottages are each set in their own secluded garden.
What not to miss: For nature enthusiasts there is an abundance of rabbits, badgers and chirruping wildlife. www.noellescottages.co.uk
Woodhouse Farm Cottages
Staplow, Ledbury, Herefordshire
Guests have a selection of three award-winning, self-catering properties at Woodhouse Farm Cottages, which nestles amid cider orchards and is a few hundred yards from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What not to miss: Beauty treatments are available by appointment. www.thewoodhousefarm.co.uk
National finalist
The Beach House
204 Queens Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire
The Beach House offers seven 5 star luxurious holiday and business self-catering apartments, situated in a select area near Bispham and within walking distance to many amenities, including a Bowling Green and Circus Casino.
What not to miss: The Pepsi Big One - No trip to Blackpool would be complete without it! www.thebeachhouseblackpool.co.uk
Brackenborough Hall Coach House Holidays
Brackenborough, Louth, Lincolnshire
Delightful self-catering holidays in a listed eighteenth century coach house in glorious Lincolnshire countryside. Guests can enjoy walking, fishing, badger-and-bird-spotting, nature trails, and guided tours of a deserted medieval village.
What not to miss: The attractive market town, Louth, well known for its independent butchers serving products supplied by local farms, is just two miles away. Try the real Lincolnshire sausages. www.brackenboroughhall.com
Regional winners
Quayside Holiday Cottages
Quayside, The Quay, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Quayside Holiday Cottages offers luxury self-catering accommodation for couples on the banks of the River Deben, one of the finest estuaries on the Suffolk coastline.
What not to miss: This haven for sailors, walkers and wildlife enthusiasts is an excellent base from which to explore the famous Heritage Coast, enjoy endless coastal rambles and river cruises. www.quaysidecottage.com
Moo House and the Cow Shed
Coastal Retreats, 45 Moor Crescent, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne
Coastal Retreats offers 24, five-star graded, self-catering holiday cottages along Northumberland’s stunning coastline featuring contemporary interiors, luxury soft furnishings, leisure club membership and fully equipped kitchens.
What not to miss: Have a special occasion? The owners can recommend fantastic local catering options. A chef will come to your cottage, so you don't have to lift a finger. www.coastalretreats.co.uk
Dove House & Swallows
Pigeon House, Hampton, Dorchester, Dorset
Dove House & Swallows are two outstanding self-catering houses nestling in 1000 acres of Dorset farmland situated along a pretty, mile-long, tree-lined drive.
What not to miss: Extra special touches includes a beautician, a tennis court and excellent chefs should guests desire catering for a special occasion. www.dovehousedorset.co.uk
Caswell House
Caswell Lane, Brize Norton,Oxfordshire
Set amid 450 acres of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, Caswell House is a gorgeous historical 15th century manor house surrounded by an ancient orchard, walled gardens and extensive lawns stretching down to a moat.
What not to miss: For breakfast, fresh local produce is used - with eggs from free-range hens, a selection of fresh fruits, juices, cereals and yoghurts, followed by either a traditional English or continental style breakfast. www.caswellhouse.co.uk
