Two dale holiday let owners in County Durham are celebrating after being recognised in a prestigious national awards scheme that champions the individuals behind the UK’s best holiday homes.
Steve and Mary Nesbit, who own Badgers Sett near Barnard Castle, along with Richard and Helen Teward, owners of West Reins in Middleton-in-Teesdale, have both been named in the 2026 Sykes Stars awards, run by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The Sykes Stars awards recognise the holiday lets that have consistently received outstanding feedback from guests over the past year.
Nestled on a working farm between Staindrop and Winston, Badgers Sett has built a loyal following among couples seeking a peaceful rural escape.
The single-storey wooden cabin combines cosy interiors with countryside charm, complete with a private log-fired hot tub, decking area and views across rolling farmland.
Created as part of a farm diversification project and designed specifically with couples in mind, the secluded retreat offers guests – and their four-legged friends – the chance to relax and unwind. Visitors frequently highlight the tranquil setting, local wildlife and thoughtful extras – from champagne buckets to honesty-box logs – in their feedback.
Steve said: “Badgers Sett was created to give guests a chance to properly switch off by soaking in the hot tub under starry skies, spotting wildlife in the fields and enjoying the quiet pace of rural life.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many guests return year on year and leave such thoughtful reviews.
“That consistency is what this recognition is really about.”
Meanwhile, West Reins reflects more than two decades of holiday letting experience.
Converted from what was once a shed in the couple’s garden, the single-storey retreat now overlooks sweeping countryside and sits just a short stroll from the centre of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Blending comfort with contemporary finishes, including underfloor heating and a light-filled conservatory, the cottage has developed a strong base of returning guests who come back to enjoy its panoramic views.
To be named a Sykes Star, owners must achieve 100 per cent positive guest feedback across three quarters of the year – a benchmark achieved by Badgers Sett.
West Reins received the exclusive Sykes Superstar accolade, requiring owners to maintain 100 per cent positive feedback across all four quarters. With thousands of properties in the Sykes portfolio, only seven achieved this distinction in 2026.
Richard Teward, owner of West Reins, said: “We’ve always focused on getting the details right, from comfort and cleanliness to the little touches that make a stay feel special.
“Many of our guests come back time and time again, which means the world to us. Achieving Superstar status for 2026 reflects the care that we put into every single booking and it feels great to be recognised.”
James Shaw, chief commercial officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “Our Sykes Stars awards shine a spotlight on owners who go above and beyond to deliver fantastic staycations for their guests.”
