The owners of two local holiday lets are celebrating after picking up awards for their properties in Cornwall.

Ocean Breeze in Marazion won silver in the Best Beaches category, while See Two Seas near St Just scooped silver in the Best for Couples category.

The awards programme by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages saw a significant number of entries from across the UK and Ireland – with all three properties beating off tough competition to take home the trophy.  

Owners of Ocean Breeze, Stuart and Sharon Allen, embarked on their holiday letting journey in 2019 after deciding to diversify their farmland by building a series of holiday homes.

Not deterred by the onset of the pandemic, the couple were inspired by the beautiful coastline surrounding their farm and have installed an array of luxurious amenities in Ocean Breeze, including underfloor heating, a cloak room, and patio area so guests can dine al fresco during the warmer months.

See Two Seas is a barn conversion situated on the cliff top hamlet of Bollowal, near the town of St Just, and has an open plan living area, large dining table, and large fireplace for staying cosy year-round, owned by Harvey Thomas.

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.

The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Ocean Breeze and See Two Seas, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort, and value for money. 

Ocean Breeze owner, Sharon Allen, said: “We’ve put so much into making Ocean Breeze – and our neighbouring holiday homes - a success, and constantly get great feedback from visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot.

“When we made the decision to diversify our farmland with holiday lets, we didn’t have any experience, but since taking the leap we haven’t looked back. Helping guests make lifelong holiday memories is a joy and we love sharing our farm’s rural setting with them.

“I love to give each stay a personal touch by providing holidaymakers with recommendations on activities to do in Marazion or pointing them towards delicious local restaurants. We’re looking forward to continuing our holiday letting journey next year and can’t wait to welcome new guests!”

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 Cornwall might be tempted to turn it into a holiday let – with our Gem Award winners offering plenty of inspiration for those who need it!”