The AA has announced the winners of the AA Bed and Breakfast Awards 2014 at a ceremony held at the St Ermin’s Hotel in London , including the title of Friendliest Bed and Breakfast of the Year.
The awards, presented at the annual ceremony, include guest accommodation for England , Wales , Scotland , Northern Ireland and London as well as the awards for Funkiest Bed and Breakfast and Friendliest Bed and Breakfast.
AA Friendliest Bed and Breakfast 2014 sponsored by eviivo – River Garth Guest House, Penrith
Sitting on the south bank of the River Eamont provides River Garth Guest House (pictured above) with stunning views and a relaxing setting. However this riverside setting also brought heartbreak when it was flooded in 2005 and, having refurbished completely, disaster struck again in 2009 when a second flood blighted the property. But Irene Nixon’s resolve to carry on won through and after a redesign and rebuild to raise River Garth’s accommodation to the first floor, she was once more welcoming guests to her home. Guests are made to feel like part of the family and nothing is too much bother for Irene.
Prawles Court , Ewhurst Green , East SussexAA Guest Accommodation of the Year for England 2014 – Prawles Court , Ewhurst Green , East Sussex
Rob and Candida Machin have been running Prawles Court Country House B&B since 2010. Set in 27 acres of gardens and ground the Elizabethan house offers guests the grand feel and style of a Country House Hotel with the warm and friendly service of a bed and breakfast. Each of the four rooms is completely unique, individually furnished and full of character. Guests can also make use of the drawing room with sumptuous sofas and log fires, whilst breakfast is served in the light filled Orangery.
Aikenshill House, Foveran, AberdeenshireAA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland 2014 – Aikenshill House, Foveran, Aberdeenshire
Located just six miles north of Aberdeen and a short drive from at least three of the best links courses in the UK, Aikenshill House is an ideal base for exploring Aberdeenshire. Fully renovated in 2007 the 100 year old property offers contemporary living in a traditional wrapper with stunning views across the Buchan countryside. After 25 years in the fishing industry James Duthie and his wife Shona make guests feel at home as soon as they arrive.
Tyddyn Mawr, Dolgellau, GwyneddAA Guest Accommodation of the Year for Wales 2014 – Tyddyn Mawr, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
In the 28 years since Olwen Evans opened her doors over 23,000 guests have been welcomed at Tyddyn Mawr. Guests can enjoy stunning views over the Cader Idris mountain in the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Breakfasts of locally grown and sourced products give visitors a flavour and taste of Wales and its culture. Over the years Olwen has continued to evolve and adapt to her customers needs and it is this attention to detail and dedication to the tourism industry that has seen her receive this award for the second time.
Whitepark House, Whitepark Bay, County AntrimAA Guest Accommodation for the Year for Northern Ireland 2014 – Whitepark House, Whitepark Bay, County Antrim
Whitepark House is run by Bob Isles with help from his wife Siobhan and is one of the most interesting and atmospheric houses on the North Antrim Coast. After extensive renovations in 2006 guests now benefit from beautifully decorated rooms as well as a wonderful conservatory for summer breakfasts. Guests from around the world return to Whitepark House for both the wonderful location and the wit and charm of Bob.
Sydney House ChelseaAA Guest Accommodation of the Year for London 2014 – Sydney House Chelsea
Set in the heart of historic Chelsea between the King’s Road and Fulham Road, Sydney House Chelsea is a seven storey Edwardian townhouse that exudes style and elegance. Guests in the 21 bedrooms benefit from high standard accommodation including Vi-Spring mattresses, all glass bathrooms and gorgeous sleek linens. There is also the added bonus of the glorious breakfasts created by chef Donna who has developed a dedicated following amongst regular guest and a number of local residents who are addicted to her breakfasts.
The Bull Inn, Barton Mills, SuffolkAA Funkiest Bed and Breakfast of the Year 2014 – The Bull Inn, Barton Mills, Suffolk
All of the 15 rooms at The Bull Inn are individually designed in a unique and funky way with designer wallpaper, bespoke glass walls and handmade soft furnishings. Whether it is an image of a licking cow in the shower, a silver leaf Versailles curved end bed, a cow print headboard, zebra print tiles or a king size gold bed each room has something to take your breath away. Owners Cheryl Hickman and Wayne Starling pride themselves of providing a unique atmosphere and fantastic features as well as a young, vibrant team that guests just adore.