Vrbo unveils UK holiday homes of the year for the first time
UK: Expedia Group vacation rental brand Vrbo has revealed the first ever Vrbo Holiday Homes of the Year in the UK.
All of the properties on the list can be booked through Vrbo – subject to availability – and meet a strict selection criteria, including a combination of five-star ratings, guest reviews, number of bookings, Premier Hosts status [an invite-only programme that recognises owners and managers who consistently deliver excellent traveller experience], availability of family-friendly amenities and location.
Karen Mullins, senior director global audience marketing at Expedia Group, said: “The successful properties have a proven track record of earning excellent ratings and reviews, and the hosts who own and manage these places are dedicated to going above and beyond for their guests. They also offer a wide range of features to cater for a variety of needs and preferences, whether that’s direct access to the beach, outdoor living with a hot tub or cots for young families.”
Holiday Homes of the Year lists have been announced in Australia and New Zealand for the past ten years and now Vrbo is launching the recognition initiative in the UK just in time for summer.
The list of Vrbo’s UK 2022 Holiday Homes of the Year is as follows:
Thursford Castle is the result of a restoration project of a Gothic chapel set in countryside, a 15-minute drive from the coast. Featured on Grand Designs, the property can accommodate eight people [four bedrooms] from £3,942.57 for three nights.
Scotland End Barn features a dedicated games room and bi-fold doors in the living area that open out to the west-facing terrace where guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets all year round, while its host surprises guests by leaving treats and personal touches around the house. The property sleeps ten people [five bedrooms] from £1,548.40 for two nights.
Manor House is a grade two listed building built in circa 1840 with 180-degree sea views towards Caldey Island, featuring three large reception rooms, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. The property sleeps 25 [14 bedrooms] from £5,324 for three nights.
Carnell, a 500-year-old Scottish castle from the Wallace Clan, includes 2,000 acres of gardens, parkland and farms and features a tennis court, croquet lawn, pond, a river where guests can go fishing, shooting options and nearby golf courses. A full household staff also looks after guests, providing twice daily housekeeping, meals and drinks. The property sleeps 20 [ten bedrooms] from £6,540 for two nights.
As well as offering direct access to Crantock beach, Cliff House spans 4,500 square feet of space, including its own indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, small gym, two living rooms and a large kitchen with an aga cooker and wine fridge. The property sleeps 14 [six bedrooms] from £2,388.60 for two nights.
The quintessential cottage is set in three acres of its own fenced grounds in the middle of a country farming area, and is ideal for groups or large families with children. The property sleeps 16 [seven bedrooms) from £2,477.60 for two nights.
Tucked away in the rural village of Shellingford, Goodlake Barns is made up of five holiday cottages and an additional enclosed barn – named ‘The Hub’ – which is catered to be used as a shared space for big meals or to host a celebration. The cottages sleep 28 [14 bedrooms] from £3,918.76 for two nights.
Cedar Lodge is a newly-renovated country retreat designed to take full advantage of uninterrupted views over open countryside to the Carneddau mountain range in North Wales. The property sleeps 12 [five bedrooms] from £1,725.40 for three nights.
The costs of the properties include VAT and are subject to availability.
Vrbo has also revealed that many of the listed properties are located in the most sought-after UK destinations for the summer of 2022.
The top ten UK destinations Brits are looking to go on holidays in the summer of 2022 are:
- Cornwall, England
- Devon, England
- Norfolk, England
- North Yorkshire, England
- Cumbria, England
- Dorset, England
- Highland, Scotland
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Greater London, England
- Gwynedd, Wales
The list is based on Vrbo data for the domestic destinations that were the most searched for by UK holidaymakers for the summer of 2022 between 1 January and 18 May.
