The Suffolk Escape has been named winner of the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year award, sponsored by cottages.com, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023. 

Located in Hintlesham, Suffolk, The Suffolk Escape is a collection of self-catering holiday lets nestled in the heart of a family farm and offering views of the local countryside.

The business was launched in March 2013 with four luxury, lakeside log cabins – each featuring two en suite bedrooms, an open-plan living space, private hot tub, log stove, dining deck over the lake and a patio with outdoor sofas.

In April 2017, The Suffolk Escape opened the Sheepyard Barn, which sleeps up to 12 guests and features a private indoor pool, large hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven, timber-framed outdoor lounge and spacious open-plan living space.

The business strives to provide exceptional customer service and works to continually develop its offer to deliver a truly memorable experience.

The judges said the Sheepyard Barn “certainly has the ‘wow’ factor”, praising the “magnificent, open, bright and contemporary space with stunning views across the Suffolk Countryside”.

They also commended the “top notch service” from the team, who “meticulously prepare Sheepyard Barn for its guests, whilst pre-empting and planning for new ways to delight customers and ensure they have the ultimate environment to create memories in this magical accommodation”.

Andrew Bryce, owner of The Suffolk Escape, said: “We are truly honoured to win this award. It’s the greatest recognition for our team and the incredible work they do, and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

“We also hope that, in these challenging times, if customers do choose us, they will feel assured of excellent value and memorable experiences.”

Andrew added that the company will work hard to try and win at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

“We also look forward to linking up with the many inspirational businesses we met at the East of England Tourism Awards to collaborate with them and share thoughts and ideas on the tourism industry in our region,” he said.

 

About the sponsor

Cottages.com is the UK’s leading provider of holiday properties and luxury homes and offers more than 24,500 places to stay across the UK.

From coastal retreats to country castles, the brand is home to a number of unique, inspiring collections and helps more than 2.1 million guests and more than 200,000 pets find their perfect break every year.

Cottages.com is part of Awaze Vacation Rentals Ltd - Europe’s leading managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business.

Serving six million guests a year, Awaze offers more than 90,000 accommodation choices in 36 countries around the world.

Its vision is to delight guests and owners through amazing brands and great customer experiences.

 

The finalists

Silver - Gladwins Farm Holiday Cottages

Gladwins Farm Holiday Cottages is a family business based in Nayland on the Suffolk/Essex border, offering 10 bespoke holiday cottages and three newly built, eco-friendly lodges, which can house up to 80 guests in total.

The judges said Gladwins Farm is a fabulous family and dog-friendly destination, describing the on-site team as “well trained and equipped to deliver a wonderful service, whilst making guests feel part of the family”.

They added that the business has been “well thought out with new and wonderful ideas to please its guests”. 

Bronze - Hippersons Boatyard

Hippersons Boatyard is a family-owned microbusiness in Beccles on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, providing unique experiences for those looking to enjoy the Broads National Park.

The business offers a range of unique self-catering accommodation, from quirky houseboats to secret hideaways, as well as canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, dayboat and pedal boat hire for guests to explore the Waveney river and valley.

The judges praised the “comfortable furnishings and well-equipped accommodation, which are perfect for fun on the water”, adding that “each property is special in its 
own way”.