The Hermitage cottage Wins Sykes Holiday Cottages Award
In a proud moment for Somerset's tourism sector, a holiday home situated in the county has clinched a coveted accolade. Vanessa Beattie-Jones, the owner of the 18th-century stone cottage named 'The Hermitage', has been awarded silver in the 'Best in the South West of England' category.
The Sykes Gems Awards, initiated by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages, witnessed an overwhelming number of submissions from across the UK and Ireland. Despite the stiff competition, The Hermitage managed to emerge as one of the winners.
Situated in Nunney, a quintessentially English village not far from landmarks like Stonehenge and Glastonbury, The Hermitage stands out with its historical character. Among its unique features are thick stone walls and a fireplace reportedly constructed using pieces of the ancient Nunney castle's wall.
Since its doors opened to the public in 2011, Ms. Beattie-Jones has observed a consistent rise in bookings, especially given the recent boost in staycations to Somerset. Current records suggest The Hermitage is almost entirely booked for the entirety of 2023.
The Sykes Gems Awards, established in 2017, seeks to honour standout contributors in the UK holiday let industry. This year's assessment process involved meticulous examination by a panel of esteemed figures, including Sykes' CEO Graham Donoghue and COO Bev Dumbleton, as well as Sophie Swietochowski, The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor. The panel considered various factors including guest reviews, owner submissions, property photographs, occupancy rates, and available amenities.