Louise and Dave Stone who are also based in Dorset, scooped up a silver award in the Best for Walking category for Willowbrook Cottage in the Sykes Gems Awards. Willowbrook Cottage first became available to holidaymakers in January 2020 after Louise and Dave, who holidayed in Dorset for many years themselves, made the decision to permanently move there and settled on holiday letting as a way to fund their retirement. Willowbrook Cottage (Image: Supplied) This has been a huge success ever since, with the pair taking almost 40 bookings in 2024 alone.
Willowbrook Cottage owner, Louise Stone, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into making Willowbrook Cottage somewhere guests can come to truly unwind and leave feeling completely refreshed. “We get lots of great feedback from our visitors, many of whom are avid walkers, and some of our guests have stayed with us as many as four times. We’re delighted to receive this award as a real acknowledgement of our efforts.
” Willowbrook Cottage (Image: Supplied) The property is popular amongst walkers, with easy access to nearby walking and cycling routes, including the Eggardon Hill circuit and route to West Bexington beach which leads onto the impressive Jurassic Coast coastal path. Properties were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Sykes’ CEO Graham Donoghue and Managing Director James Shaw, as well as The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski. The lets were then judged.