A HOLIDAY home in Anglesey which was transformed from a listed barn has been crowned a winner in a search to find Britain’s best lets.

Tithe Barn was awarded the top prize in the ‘best renovation’ category in Sykes Holiday Cottages’ competition to find Britain’s best holiday let.

The awards saw holiday home owners from across the UK competing to be crowned the winner of several categories, including best renovation, quirky holiday let, sustainable holiday let, interior design and view.

Lawyer Richard Burnett purchased Tithe Barn alongside three friends, Stephen Harvey, Richard Francis and Mike Barclay, with the group deciding to invest in the property after successfully renovating another holiday let close by.

When they bought Tithe Barn in January 2020, it was completely forlorn and uninhabitable, but the four men saw its potential and set out to turn it into a luxury holiday let.

Investing roughly £500,000 into the re-build and renovation, the group faced the challenge of renovating a listed property, with numerous restrictions and planning permissions required.

But after an extensive renovation and issues with materials and labour shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the property finally opened to holidaymakers in July 2021.

The group will receive a £500 cash prize as well as free consultancy and advice from the experts at Sykes.

Richard Burnett said: “Myself and my partners in this project are thrilled to be recognised for our renovation of Tithe Barn.

“It was a huge challenge, but one we tackled as a team and we’re so pleased with the end result.

“Being recognised for the award is one thing, but what is even more satisfying for us is the guest feedback we receive – they’re often bowled over by the property and for us that is what really matters.

“It’s a special property that holds a wealth of history and we are immensely proud of the transformation we achieved, after buying it in a state of disrepair.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to get into holiday letting to go for it!

“But my one piece of advice is to make sure you have got the location right, as that is key to a successful holiday let. Get it right and you should see a good return on your investment.”

The expert judging panel included The Times and Sunday Times’ deputy property editor Carol Lewis, The Holiday Let Success podcaster Elaine Watt, and Sykes’ chief executive Graham Donoghue.

Properties were judged on a number of factors, including customer reviews, location and facilities on offer.

Judges were also asked to consider if each property would be the first choice for holidaymakers looking for a staycation.

The competition was launched to inspire holiday let owners and celebrate excellence in holiday cottage accommodation across the country.

Graham Donoghue added: “These awards don’t just showcase the very best of Britain’s holiday lets; they also highlight the hard work that goes into holiday letting across the UK to make Britain’s staycation market the success it is today.

“Tithe Barn was certainly a worthy winner of our best renovation prize. It beat off tough competition, but it is clear to see that this holiday let is nothing short of first class accommodation!”

To view the full list of winners, visit: www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/britains-best-holiday-let-crowned.

To find out more about Tithe Barn, visit: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Anglesey-Henblas/Tithe-Barn-1041113.html.