Owners of Jasmine Cottage, part of the holiday cottages at Chideock Grange, were thrilled to hear that they had received another Accommodation Quality Scheme ROSE Award for this year.
Selected by VisitEngland, the award recognises outstanding accommodation irrespective of star ratings, and showcase hosts that provide a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The cottages are run by the Smith family, who also own holiday lets in Beaminster and Ringstead Bay.
The business owners have won many awards over the years for their properties around the county.
Vikki Smith, one of the owners of Chideock Grange Cottages, said: “Obviously it is a big achievement. We have other cottages in Beaminster and in Ringstead as well. We are a family business and now, all of our branches have won a ROSE Award. So, it’s very good.”
The company was set up by Vikki’s father Graham Smith and grandfather Jack Smith in 1972.
Many of the cottages on site are converted barns or are grade listed, with thatched roofs keeping in tradition of when the site was a working farm.
The award-winning Jasmine cottage, has two bedrooms and sleeps over five guests, fitted with a bathroom, lounge, dining area and other amenities.
Ms Smith said the destination is increasingly popular with walkers, with its easy access to Colmer’s Hill and the Symondsbury Estate.
The grounds were even visited by journalist and TV presenter Julia Bradbury, while filming a television show in the area.
The business owners took on Chideock Grange in 2020 and moved in during Covid.
Ms Smith recognised the importance of the trade for the county that relies so heavily on tourism.
She said: “It’s our livelihood. It’s quite important and so many other businesses rely on that trade income, and it creates jobs for those in shops and on the beaches and for the attractions all around the towns. So, it is extremely important for the area.”
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, said: “The ROSE Awards honour England’s outstanding accommodation providers who combine excellent hospitality with exceptional service to create lasting memories for their guests. These establishments anchor great holidays, encouraging visitors to discover more locally whilst generating vital tourism income for communities.”
