Devon holiday let owners celebrated in national awards programme
Three sets of local holiday let owners are celebrating after being recognised in a national awards scheme that showcases exceptional holiday homes.
The owners of Monks Cottage, The Shippon, and Little Orchard, all located across Devon, were named winners in the awards programme by Sykes Holiday Cottages following outstanding guest feedback.
From a former cow shed in a rural location near Stockland and a barn conversion in Ashburton Down to a traditional granite cottage on the outskirts of Chagford, these holiday lets are among some of the best across the country.
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.
The owners of Monks Cottage and Little Orchard 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.
Meanwhile, the owners of The Shippon have been named Sykes Super Stars after securing four Perfect 10 certificates in 2024, one for each quarter.
To view the full list of Sykes Stars for 2025, visit https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-stars/
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 Devon 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 Devon remaining a top choice for staycations, we’re excited to see how they continue to set new standards and inspire others in the industry.”
Monks Cottage
URL: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devon-Withecombe/Monks-Cottage-1134223.html
Monks Cottage, a charming traditional granite property peppered with original period features including wooden beams and an Aga, is owned by husband-and-wife team, Simon and Nicky Heyworth.
After Simon’s parents had lived happily in the cottage for 17 years, the couple were keen to keep its legacy alive and made the decision to start renting it out to holidaymakers back in June 2023. Located within the Dartmoor National Park, Monks Cottage is often praised for its peaceful surroundings and abundance of walking routes to explore on the doorstep.
Nicky Heyworth, owner of Monks Cottage, said: “It’s lovely to have our hard work appreciated with this award from Sykes. We enjoy presenting the cottage at its best, with fresh flowers, ironed sheets, and impeccable cleanliness, and the setting is so beautiful with its views of Dartmoor.”
The Shippon
URL: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Somerset-Stockland/The-Shippon-1087064.html
Looking for an exciting lifestyle change as they entered their 50s, Sara Reece and Ozgur Erdinc moved to Devon from the Midlands in 2022, purchasing a former medieval farmstead in the Blackdown Hills AONB and converting one of its old cattle sheds into The Shippon, a one-bedroom rural retreat complete with a hot tub and stunning countryside views.
As part of the renovation process, Sara designed all the interiors of the beautiful, light and airy property. Holidaymakers often comment on its welcoming feel and how relaxing its tranquil setting is, leaving them feeling refreshed and recharged.
Sara Reece, co-owner of The Shippon, said: “It was a big leap for Ozgur and I to leave everything we knew and move to Devon, but it’s proved to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We’re naturally hospitable, have high standards and enjoy making everything the best it can be for our guests and we’re so grateful to them for their positive feedback which has led to us being named a Sykes Super Star – it’s the absolute cherry on the top!”
Little Orchard
URL: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devon-Ashburton-Down/Little-Orchard-1112988.html
Gerald and Gill Vallance stepped into the world of holiday letting back in April 2023 when they started renting out their barn conversion, Little Orchard, to support their wider farming business.
With stretching countryside views and a prime location in the Dartmoor National Park, the property welcomes lots of families, with guests often commenting on how thoughtful Gerald and Gill are as hosts, providing them with homemade cake and local eggs and milk upon arrival.
Gill Vallance, owner of Little Orchard, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named Sykes Stars as we put our all into holiday letting and work hard to provide our guests with consistently high standards and service. We love meeting all our visitors and hearing first-hand about their lovely breaks so this award is an added bonus.”
