Bethnal&Bec in Cottered, Hertfordshire, has been named Self Catering Accommodation of the Year, sponsored by cottages.com, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024. 

This award recognises self catering accommodation businesses that provide the highest quality holidays and help to create fabulous memories for all their guests, from romantic hideaways to family-friendly breaks. 

Bethnal&Bec offers three luxury self-catering studios in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside.

The first two studios, Bethnal and Bec, opened in October 2017 after owners Vicky and Chris Saynor repurposed the dilapidated stables attached to their house.

With business thriving, the couple planned to convert another stable, but Vicky was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2018. They navigated cancer and business over the next few years, eventually opening a third studio, The Foaling Box, in October 2021.  

All three adult-only cabins are designed with luxury and comfort in mind.  

The original two studios include luxurious king-size beds, outdoor jacuzzi baths and outstanding views. The Foaling Box offers all of this and more; boasting a super-king-size bed and retro arcade games table. 

As a business, Bethnal&Bec Luxury Stays turns over £200,000 per year and stocks and sells products from 25 local suppliers. It employs four local housekeepers who help to clean and maintain the studios on a self-employed basis. 

The judges praised the “stellar and beautiful selection of properties” at Bethnal&Bec, saying that they brought “the wow factor” for all guests.  

They also commended its “well thought-out business plan” and “excellent” social media outreach. 

Commenting on the award, Vicky Saynor said: “To come here and win was amazing – I am genuinely stunned. 

“We applied with everything crossed, so to get through to being finalists was amazing, and meeting the judges was really fun. 

“It was good to have people come to our business who are in the industry, know what they are talking about and being really positive about what we are doing.” 

The other finalists in this category were LandyCampers and The Suffolk Escape. 

The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 were announced at Snape Maltings, Suffolk on Thursday, February 15. To find out about all of the winners, click here.

For more information about the awards, please visit tourismawards.co.uk 

About the sponsor  

A leading UK provider of holiday rental homes, cottages.com offers over 25,000 places to stay across the country.  

From coastal retreats to country castles, the brand is home to a number of unique, inspiring collections and helps more than 1.7 million guests and more than 200,000 pets find their perfect break every year.  

The company is part of Awaze Vacation Rentals Ltd, a leading European managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business.