A HOLIDAY home owner from Malmesbury has scooped an award for his Cotswold stone converted barn in Wiltshire.

Andrew Jackson, aged 47, received a bronze award in Sykes Gems 2023 Property Owner Awards in the Best in Central England category for his two-bedroom holiday let Woodmans Cottage.

The national travel awards programme by staycation specialist Sykes Cottages celebrates some of the best people and properties in the UK’s holiday let sector.

Mr Jackson's cottage is located on the edge of Upper Seagry village near Malmesbury, and sits within his award-winning organic farm alongside several other holiday lets. 

The converted barn maintains some of its original features, such as high ceilings and exposed beams, plus some added modern luxuries, including a wood burning stove and freestanding bath. 

This cottage first became available to holidaymakers in 2016 and the property has nearly been fully-booked throughout the whole of 2023. 

The Sykes Gems Awards first launched in 2017 and is judged by a panel of industry experts including Sykes’ CEO Graham Donoghue and COO Bev Dumbleton, as well as the Sun’s assistant travel editor Sophie Swietochowski.

Properties were judged using owner entries and guest feedback, alongside details like photos, occupancy figures and property amenities.

The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Woodmans Cottage, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money. 

Mr Jackson said: “I’ve put so much into making Woodmans Cottage a success, and constantly get great feedback from our visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot. 

“We enjoy meeting the vast array of guests who choose to holiday on our farm and we have made good lasting friendships with some who return year after year.

“Some advice I have for anyone thinking about holiday letting is that there will be times when things don't go to plan so be sure to have good relationships with local suppliers to help fix things quickly to minimise any inconvenience to the guests.”

Sykes CEO Graham Donoghue said: “We’re excited to have relaunched the Sykes Gems to recognise and reward some of the best holiday lets across the country.

“A lot of work goes into running a successful holiday let so it was a difficult decision amongst so many wonderful properties, but our final winners are those consistently going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable breaks for their guests."