Latest news with #Perfect10
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Scottish holiday let owners celebrated in UK awards programme
Three sets of holiday let owners in Scotland are celebrating after being recognised in a UK-wide awards scheme that showcases exceptional holiday homes. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The owners of Whitehouse Woodwrae, Culreach Lodge and Braeface Cottage were named winners in the awards programme by Sykes Holiday Cottages following outstanding guest feedback. From a stylish single-storey lodge in the Cairngorms National Park, to a spacious two-bed cottage nestled near Falkirk, these holiday lets are among some of the best in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Sykes Stars programme – now in its third year – aims to recognise holiday homeowners from across the UK that have achieved excellent feedback scores from guests over the last 12 months. David Butter, 66, and his wife Elaine, 56, are the owners of Whitehouse Woodwrae near Forfar in Angus. The owners of the Scottish holiday lets were among just 33 sets of holiday let owners to be awarded three Perfect 10 certificates from Sykes in the last year, making them Sykes Stars. To receive a Perfect 10 certificate, owners must have at least six reviews from guests each quarter giving them 100% feedback. To view the full list of Sykes Stars for 2025, visithttps:// James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: 'We love celebrating the incredible variety of holiday lets across the UK, and our Sykes Stars represent some of the very best of what's on offer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's a privilege to recognise owners like these in Scotland who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for their guests. Our winners play a vital role in shaping the UK holiday let market, especially as demand for unique, high-quality stays continues to grow. Lynne Douglas is the owner of Braeface Cottage, a stylish two-bedroom cottage located in the small village of Banknock, not far from Falkirk. 'With Scotland remaining a top choice for staycations, we're excited to see how they continue to set new standards and inspire others in the industry.' Whitehouse Woodwrae URL: David Butter, 66, and his wife Elaine, 56, are the owners of Whitehouse Woodwrae, a three-bed detached cottage tucked away in the quaint village of Aberlenmo near Forfar in Angus. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Culreach Lodge is a contemporary single-storey cottage owned by Lynne and Simon Munro. The couple, who also run a farm, golf range and coffee shop, have been holiday letting for a year, with the property previously serving as their family home for more than 25 years. Guests can enjoy stunning views over the Angus Glens and Strath, while the nearby ancient town of Forfar offers a monthly farmers' market, showcasing the best of the local agricultural produce. David Butter, owner of Whitehouse Woodwrae, said: 'We're so pleased to have been named a Sykes Star -especially since we've only been holiday letting for just over a year. 'We've worked hard to make the cottage a place where people can come and make wonderful memories, so finding out that we'd won the award is really the icing on top of the cake.' Culreach Lodge Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad URL: Set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Culreach Lodge is a contemporary single-storey cottage owned by Lynne and Simon Munro. The pair, who are both retired, began holiday letting in 2021 following the Covid pandemic, with Lynne also running a local sensory garden in her spare time. Culreach Lodge, which is situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey, offers guests breathtaking views across the Spey Valley thanks to its large picture windows. The property has been praised for its tidy and clean standard, while Lynne and Simon have added plenty of personal touches such as a welcome basket containing home made goods. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lynne Munro, owner of Culreach Lodge, said: 'We're so proud to be recognised as a Sykes Star and it really feels like all the time and effort that we've put into making sure guests have a great stay has paid off. 'We've found holiday letting to be such a rewarding job, and to anyone who's thinking about opening their own, I can't recommend it enough.' Braeface Cottage URL: Also a first time Sykes Star winner, Lynne Douglas is the owner of Braeface Cottage, a stylish two-bedroom cottage located in the small village of Banknock, not far from Falkirk. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lynne, who is a part time administrator, began holiday letting three years ago after buying a derelict cottage two doors down from her own home. Wanting to save the property from falling into further disrepair, she transformed the space into a spacious staycation, perfect for two couples or a family, along with their canine companion, to enjoy. Since opening, Braeface Cottage has been praised for its excellent amenities, as well as Lynne's kind and thoughtful service.
North Wales Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey holiday let owners recognised in Sykes award
Bryn Eglwys Bach and Y Gorlan were named winners in the Sykes Holiday Cottages awards programme, which recognises 'exceptional' holiday homes based on guest feedback. The Sykes Stars programme, now in its third year, celebrates holiday homeowners across the UK who have received excellent feedback scores from guests over the last 12 months.Y Gorlan (Image: Supplied) The owners of Bryn Eglwys Bach and Y Gorlan were among just 33 sets of holiday let owners to be awarded three Perfect 10 certificates from Sykes in the last year, making them Sykes Stars. To receive a Perfect 10 certificate, owners must have at least six reviews from guests each quarter giving them 100 per cent feedback. James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "We love celebrating the incredible variety of holiday lets across the UK, and our Sykes Stars represent some of the very best of what's on Eglwys Bach (Image: Supplied) "It's a privilege to recognise owners like these in Wales who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for their guests. "Our winners play a vital role in shaping the UK holiday let market, especially as demand for unique, high-quality stays continues to grow. "With Wales remaining a top choice for staycations, we're excited to see how our owners in the region continue to set new standards and inspire others in the industry."Y Gorlan (Image: Supplied) Carol Jones, 56, first started letting Bryn Eglwys Bach to holidaymakers in July 2022 after she moved house and spotted the 'perfect opportunity' to convert the annexe of her new property. Ms Jones has seen success with her venture ever since, with guests often 'delighted' at Bryn Eglwys Bach's impressive panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountains, alongside its many amenities including a hot tub for stargazing. She said: "I'm so happy that all my hard work with Bryn Eglwys Bach has paid off. "It's one thing getting to meet lovely new people as a holiday let owner, but quite another to be recognised for it with amazing feedback." After a 15-month renovation project, Dewi, 57, and Rhian, 55, Evans first opened Y Gorlan, their two-bedroom barn conversion, to holidaymakers in January 2023. Read more: Garth Pier in Bangor to celebrate 129th birthday with family fun day Holyhead PIP assessment centre closes 'with no consultation or notice' Y Gorlan regularly receives 'raving reviews', with several repeat guests coming year after year. Dewi Evans, co-owner of Y Gorlan, said: "Rhian and I are very proud of our Sykes Star award which has really motivated us to maintain the high standards we've strived to meet since setting out. "We really enjoy holiday letting and getting to meet all our guests and it's always nice to know that our efforts to make our Y Gorlan a home away from home are appreciated."
Powys County Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys holiday home named as one of the best in the UK
The owners of a holiday let in Powys are celebrating after being recognised in a national awards scheme showcasing holiday homes. Pool View in Meifod, near Welshpool, was one of the Welsh holiday homes singled out for recognition as winners of the awards programme by Skyes Holiday Cottages. The awards were handed out based on holiday homes that had received outstanding guest feedback, being named as among some of the best across the UK. Pool View owners Sonia and David Hughes, both aged 61, created the holiday home after deciding to diversify the farmland that had been in David's family since the 1960s Their son Phil built the home, designed to be a bespoke holiday let with sleek interiors surrounded by Powys countryside. Sonia Hughes, co-owner of Pool View, said: 'David and I find it such a pleasure being able to share the fabulous area we live in with guests and we're so passionate about helping visitors to have a lovely holiday. 'It's the cherry on top of the cake to get such lovely feedback too, we're over the moon with our award.' The Sykes Stars programme, now in its third year, aims to recognise holiday homeowners from across the UK that have achieved high feedback scores from guests over the last 12 months. The owners of Pool View were among just 33 sets of holiday let owners to be awarded three Perfect 10 certificates from Sykes in the last year, making them Sykes Stars. To receive a Perfect 10 certificate, owners must have at least six reviews from guests each quarter giving them 100% feedback. James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: 'We love celebrating the incredible variety of holiday lets across the UK, and our Sykes Stars represent some of the very best of what's on offer. 'It's a privilege to recognise owners like these in Wales who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for their guests. Our winners play a vital role in shaping the UK holiday let market, especially as demand for unique, high-quality stays continues to grow. 'With Wales remaining a top choice for staycations, we're excited to see how our owners in the region continue to set new standards and inspire others in the industry.'
Leader Live
27-04-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Chirk: Little Cow House holiday let wins national award
Proud owners of Little Cow House in Chirk, Tom and Heather Hughes, have been named winners in the awards programme by Sykes Holiday Cottages following outstanding guest feedback. Tom and Heather have been letting the three-bedroom property to holidaymakers since 2013. The property was originally an unused farm building on their family farm, and the couple worked with local builders to upgrade the exteriors, while Tom renovated the interiors himself by adding a new kitchen, bathroom, staircase and plumbing. Little Cow House is a firm favourite amongst families and has been praised by guests for its inviting atmosphere, with its cosy underfloor heating and plush furnishings offering a perfect base after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside. The Sykes Stars programme is now in its third year, and aims to recognise holiday home owners from across the UK that have achieved excellent feedback scores from guests over the last 12-months. Tom and Heather were one of only 33 holiday let owners to be awarded three Perfect 10 certificates from Sykes in the last year, making them a Sykes Star. To receive a Perfect 10 certificate, owners must have at least six reviews from guests each quarter giving them 100% feedback. Heather said: 'It is fantastic to have our hard work recognised with this award and we couldn't be happier with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our guests. 'We love meeting people from all walks of life and while owning a holiday let is hard work, seeing the joy people get from staying at our property truly makes it all worth it. READ MORE "Our advice for aspiring holiday home owners would be to make sure your guests feel as welcomed and special as possible. We always leave a welcome pack which is full of essentials so they can begin relaxing right away.' James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: 'We love celebrating the incredible variety of holiday lets across the UK, and our Sykes Stars represent some of the very best of what's on offer. 'It's a privilege to recognise owners like Tom and Heather who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for their guests. 'Our winners play a vital role in shaping the UK holiday let market, especially as demand for unique, high-quality stays continues to grow. With Shropshire remaining a top choice for staycations, we're excited to see how Tom and Heather continue to set new standards and inspire others in the industry.'
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blue Origin faces backlash ahead of historic all-female spaceflight with Katy Perry
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Blue Origin is receiving some backlash ahead of its upcoming all-female spaceflight. During a recent appearance on "TODAY with Jenna & Friends," actress Olivia Munn criticized the private spaceflight mission, questioning its value given the economic hardships facing many people in the U.S. and around the world. Munn highlighted what she sees as the extravagance of the endeavor, pointing out that participants are reportedly receiving full glam preparations, and questioned the necessity and purpose of the 11-minute space expedition aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle, USA Today reported. "It's so much money to go to space," Munn said during the show, adding that all the rocket fuel can't be good for the planet. "There's a lot of people who can't even afford eggs … I think it's a bit gluttonous." Related: Katy Perry, Gayle King to blast off on star-studded all-female Blue Origin rocket launch on April 14 Blue Origin has not published its ticket prices. But its main competitor in the suborbital space tourism industry, Virgin Galactic, has done so; it currently charges $600,000 per seat. Blue Origin's upcoming all-female spaceflight is scheduled for April 14, 2025. The mission, known as NS-31, will be the 11th human flight for the New Shepard program and the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963. The crew includes notable figures such as Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen and Kerianne Flynn. Adding to her criticism, Munn said that only one of the six-person crew is an actual astronaut and compared the spaceflight to the popular California amusement park, Six Flags Magic Mountain, according to USA Today. "Space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind," Munn said. "What are they going to do up there that has made it better for us down here?" RELATED STORIES: — Blue Origin launches 'Perfect 10' space tourists on New Shepard rocket (video) — Facts about New Shepard, Blue Origin's rocket for space tourism — Katy Perry will launch to space with historic all-female crew on Blue Origin rocket Celebrity participation in private spaceflights has become increasingly popular in recent years, reflecting a growing trend in space tourism. NS-31 aims to blend scientific endeavors with personal enjoyment. The suborbital flight will provide approximately four minutes of microgravity conditions, allowing the crew to experience weightlessness and observe Earth from over 62 miles (100 kilometers) above the surface, leading to a cognitive shift known as the overview effect. During the spaceflight, Nguyen, who is a civil rights activist, also plans to conduct two science experiments, one in partnership with the Vietnamese National Space Center and another focused on women's health. While the mission aims to celebrate female pioneers in space exploration, Munn's comments have sparked a broader debate about the ethics and value of high-profile space tourism amid growing environmental concerns and economic inequality.
