Devon holiday home picks up national award

Local holiday home owner and artist, Tina Stokes, is celebrating after picking up an award for her property in Devon.

Tina scooped silver in the Best in South West England category for her stunning waterside-facing property, Searles, in the heart of Lympstone. 

Searles took home the trophy at the Sykes Gem Awards – a national travel awards programme run by leading UK holiday rental firm, Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Tina, who has lived in Lympstone for over 25 years after moving to study a degree in art, bought the property back in 2010 and has since undertaken major renovation works.

After a long-term private let, Tina decided to rent Searles out as a holiday home to share the location with more people. 

Searles is ideal for a seaside break with family and dogs, or a getaway with friends. Every room in the property boasts estuary views and the local pub and shops are a short walk away. 

Searles owner, Tina Stokes, said: “I’ve put so much into making Searles a success, and love getting great feedback from the visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot. The trophy will definitely be given pride of place.

“I’m thrilled that the cottage has been so well received, and more importantly that guests enjoy their stays. It’s worth all the effort when I see how happy visitors are when staying at Searles and to be recognised for it is truly wonderful.”

Since Searles first became available to holidaymakers, Tina has reaped the rewards of a surge in staycations to Devon.

The Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the best people and properties in the UK’s growing holiday cottage sector and were judged by a panel of industry experts including The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Jacob Lewis.

Searles beat off tough competition from other shortlisted properties, as the judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.

Now in its third year, Sykes received 2,500 entries from throughout the UK and Ireland across 30 categories – ranging from Best for Romance to Best for Glamping, alongside regional winners.

Graham Donoghue, Sykes Holiday Cottages’ CEO, added: “We launched the awards to recognise and reward the hard work of the owners who are part of the Sykes family. Back then, we had no idea how popular they would be, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the response and this year received a record number of submissions.

“I love being part of the judging panel – you hear about peoples’ passion for holiday letting and everything they do to go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable breaks throughout the UK.

“More and more travellers are opting for staycations over holidays on the continent, and last year we saw a boost in bookings to the region. Because of this, those with a second home or money to invest are increasingly turning to holiday letting – who knows, we may see them on the Sykes Gems shortlist next year!”

To book Searles, visit: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devon-Lympstone/Searles-980889.html