WHEN you book a break in an award-winning property you are guaranteed to be staying somewhere very special.
There are holiday homes recognised with gold or silver awards by tourist boards due to their high levels of hospitality and customer service.
Other luxury self-catering accommodation have green awards conferred upon them because of the actions owners have taken to minimise their impact on the environment. You can also find self-catering breaks where the venue has been recognised for quality of access for disabled people and those with impaired movement.
And then there are the five star-rated holiday properties where guests are assured of enjoying luxurious furniture, fixtures and fittings in very attractive cottages, converted homes and country mansions.
Here are some examples of outstanding award-winning properties for luxury self-catering holidays:
The Milking Parlour, Devon
This property, which dates back to 1750, has recently been renovated and can accommodate up to 16 people in six bedrooms. The Milking Parlour, which has gold awards from Green Tourism and Visit Britain, is set in 100 acres of private land and guests enjoy stunning sea views. Eco-friendly features include air source pumps, solar panels and natural spring water.
The Milking Parlour, Devon
The Piggeries, Lancashire
Oozing with character, this former farm building has been transformed into a wonderful five star self-catering cottage while retaining its period features. Ideal for a romantic stay or a break for a small family – it has two bedrooms – The Piggeries has an open plan living area and designer kitchen with lovely exposed beams overhead. You can dine outside in the open gardens or gaze out at views of the Cumbrian coast or the Lake District.
The Piggeries, Lancashire
Trevase Granary, Herefordshire
This is a gold award-winning barn conversion with impressive views of the Black Mountains. There is plenty to keep guests occupied and chilled with a games room and a tempting covered Jacuzzi overlooking the garden. Up to 16 guests can stay in eight en-suite bedrooms at Trevase Granary, which is five star rated. One of its stand-out features is a 30ft dining room with oak table and seating for 20.
Trevase Granary, Herefordshire
Chapel, Gloucestershire
A highly distinctive holiday home set within 27,000 acres of Royal Forest of Dean woodland and countryside, Chapel can accommodate up to four people in its two bedrooms. Dating back to the 19th century, it’s been converted from its former life as a Methodist chapel by local craftsmen. The property is five star rated with luxurious bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen.
Chapel, Gloucestershire
The Coach House, Suffolk
It was built more than 350 years ago and combines wonderful historic features with plenty of luxurious mod cons. The Coach House is a gold award winning cottage with beautiful wooden floors and exposed beams throughout the property. Guests can relax in an idyllic 17th century walled garden and with one comfortable bedroom it is perfect for a romantic getaway.
The Coach House, Suffolk
Hoste Barn, Norfolk
A stunning 50ft vaulted timber-framed roof is one of the first things you notice about this five star, gold award-winning barn conversion.
Five star-rated Hoste Barn was formerly used for threshing and is part of an old grade two listed 17th century manor house.
Hoste Barn, Norfolk
With accommodation for up to six people in two bedrooms, it was rescued 24 years ago and sympathetically restored. The work led to a conservation award.
