Lake District luxury pad vying to be crowned best self-catering holiday provider

A “super-luxe” home on the shores of the Lake District’s Ullswater has been included in the ultimate A-list of the best self-catering holiday providers of the year.

The six-bedroom Waternook Estate has been named one of three finalists by VisitEngland – the national tourist board – in its 2017 Awards for Excellence.

The Waternook Estate will go head-to-head with two other homes – Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages in the East Midlands and Smallshaw Farm Cottages, Yorkshire.

The property, where guests enjoy the privacy of 26 acres and half-a-mile of private beach line and can even arrive by helicopter, was bought by Dominic Gordon in 2012.

The 33-year-old entrepreneur had the vision to transform Waternook into one of the most exclusive destinations in the UK, where families and friends can come together to escape, relax and indulge.
 
The home – recently named in the top 12 in Great Britain by the Sunday Times is let through Windermere-based Lakelovers.

Paul Liddell, managing director of Lakelovers, said:  “This beautiful home on the shores of Ullswater really is something special and we are chuffed that VisitEngland has put it forward as a finalist.

“The Lake District is a spectacular place and Waternook is a spectacular match.

“Dominic has put so much into creating a divine and super luxurious holiday home and offers guests an impeccable service – even a concierge service.

“Together with Dominic, we ensure that guests to Waternook are well looked after and get the quality of service they expect and deserve.

“We wish Dominic and Waternook the very best for the finals in April.”

Gordon, who picked up a string of awards for his impressive home in 2016, said: “At Waternook we always strive to deliver the very highest standards of excellence for our discerning guests, ensuring every stay is bespoke to their needs.

“We are overjoyed with the news of being shortlisted as a finalist and hopefully this shows we are achieving the best for our guests but we are always looking for new ways to increase and improve our offer so we continue to offer the best.”

Last month, Gordon joined business giants British Airways and Harrods when he signed up to VisitEngland’s GREAT China Welcome – an initiative, which aims to make Britain the most welcoming destination in Europe for Chinese visitors.

He translated his website into Chinese and set up Weibo and WeChat to make his business ‘China ready’ in a bid to help boost Lake District tourism from China and cash in on China’s high-spending tourists.

The winners of VisitEngland’s prestigious Awards for Excellence, which celebrate the best in English tourism, will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 24 at the Hilton Waldorf, London.

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “The awards shine a spotlight on an industry driven by the highest-calibre people and organisations who deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination and driving the economic benefits of tourism across the regions.

“Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England. We received more than 600 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt that the finalists represent the very best in the industry. I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck.”

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