Hudson's vote 'Highly Commended'

Combermere Abbey cottages have been recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ by Hudson’s Heritage Guides in their “Best Accommodation” category for 2011.

Sarah Callander Beckett, Combermere Abbey’s owner, was thrilled to receive this accolade at celebratory Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Grosvenor Square in London on 1st December, where the awards were presented by Lucinda Lambton and Lloyd Grossman. She exclaimed:

“We are truly delighted, these awards are particularly close to our hearts as they represent the crème de la crème of the nation’s heritage, to us they’re rather like the Oscars!"

The cottages were judged alongside some of the finest heritage accommodation in the UK, which included castles, stately homes and manor houses. Hudson's Historic Houses and Gardens are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Founder of the Guides, Norman Hudson, one of the judges, commented:

"In the past 25 years we have seen an enormous increase in the importance of the Historic House to Tourism in the UK. It continues to be one of the most important reasons for overseas visitors coming to the UK.

"The tenacity, perseverance and creativity of the owners of these houses is celebrated here today. They represent the real entrepreneurial spirit that is so strong in this country! The judges have had a big challenge and the variety and quality has been so fabulous."

The cottages have undergone extensive work this year with the development of three further cottages in June, designed by Ellie Boddington, an internationally acclaimed interior decorator.

The project was part-funded by Rural Development Programme for England funding, delivered through the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).  All of the cottages attracted praise from the judges for their style, marketing and sustainable ethos.

Hudson’s Heritage Guides have been established for 25 years as the definitive guide for lovers of all things heritage from castles, priories, stately homes, cathedrals to museums.

In total 1400+ heritage sites are promoted throughout the UK and their partners include English Heritage, Historic House Association and National Trust. The new ‘Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens 2012’ is now available for sale. (www.hudsonsheritage.com)

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