The owners of two local holiday lets are celebrating after picking up an award for their properties in Mid Wales.
Bacheiddon Log Cabin in Aberhosan, owned by husband-and-wife team Aneirin and Bethan Lewis, won Best Hot Tub Property in the UK, while Stuart Jones took home gold in the Best in Mid and South Wales category for his property, Old Rectory House, located in the quaint village of Aberhafesp.
The awards programme by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages saw thousands of entries from across the UK and Ireland – with both properties beating off tough competition to take home the trophy.
Bethan and Aneirin embarked on their holiday letting journey in 2018. Alongside their two other holiday lets, the couple are also farmers and Bethan owns her own outdoor catering company, Bwyd Bethan, which specialises in weddings.
Meanwhile, Stuart, who owns and runs a piano shop alongside holiday letting, purchased the impressive Old Rectory House back in 2009, completely renovating it to introduce sleek modern finishes to the stunning Georgian property.
Since both properties first became available to holidaymakers, the owners have reaped the rewards of a surge in staycations to Mid Wales, and the properties are nearly fully-booked for 2023.
The Sykes Gem Awards first launched in 2017 and aim to celebrate the best people and properties in the UK’s holiday let sector – 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.
Also recognised in the awards was Haka Lodge, located near the village of Devil’s Bridge, which won silver in the Best for Views category. The lodge is set upon a hillside overlooking the Ystwyth Valley and is complete with a veranda for soaking up the beautiful backdrop.
The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Bacheiddon Log Cabin, Old Rectory House, and Haka Lodge, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort, and value for money.
Bacheiddon Log Cabin owner, Bethan Lewis, said: “We’ve put so much into making Bacheiddon Log Cabin
a success, really prioritising giving our guests a peaceful getaway.
“We know that our guests love the property, especially its hot tub which has impressive views of the Aran Fawddwy and Cader Idris, but it really does mean a lot to have been recognised nationally by Sykes too.”
Old Rectory House owner, Stuart Jones, said: “I’m over the moon that Old Rectory House has been recognised as a Sykes Gem. Starting from scratch and completely renovating the property was no mean feat and I’m so pleased that the challenge has paid off.
“I’ve worked hard to get Old Rectory House to the point it’s at today, but this award is also a testament to the constant support Sykes has given me along the way. They’ve made the process so smooth and are always here to give a helping hand.”

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, 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.
“Staycations are as popular as ever in 2023, with many Brits having rediscovered their love of a holiday at home during the pandemic. Because of this, those with a second home in Wales might be tempted to turn it into a holiday let – with our Gem Award winners offering plenty of inspiration for those who need it!”
For more information or to book a Gems award-winner, visit sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.
To view the full list of winners, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-gems-winners-2023/
To view Bacheiddon Log Cabin, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Mid-Wales-Cardigan-Bay-Bacheiddon/Bacheiddon-Log-Cabin-1051902.html
To view Old Rectory House, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Mid-Wales-Cardigan-Bay-Aberhafesp/Old-Rectory-House-930301.html
To view Haka Lodge, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Mid-Wales-Cardigan-Bay-Cwmystwyth/Haka-Lodge-988160.html