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Staffordshire family celebrate triple success at the 2025 Skyes Gems Awards

Staffordshire holiday homeowners Jenny and Scott Walker are celebrating a remarkable milestone after all three of their properties at Hollydale were recognised at the Sykes Gems Awards 2025.

By contributor Kym Morris
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  • Parlour Barn – Winner, Best Hot Tub Property 2025

  • Pastures Barn – Winner, Best for Young Families 2025

  • Hollydale Cottage – Silver, Best for Young Families 2025, following its Best for Families title in 2023



Owners Jenny & Scott Walker pictured with their beloved Highland cows at Hollydale Cottages in Leek, Staffordshire, a luxury countryside retreat that’s just swept the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards across all three of its properties.
Owners Jenny & Scott Walker pictured with their beloved Highland cows at Hollydale Cottages in Leek, Staffordshire, a luxury countryside retreat that’s just swept the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards across all three of its properties.

Located in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside near Leek, the Hollydale collection has become a firm favourite among families looking for luxury, comfort and connection. Each property offers its own private hot tub and sauna, while all guests share access to a huge Western-style games room filled with entertainment for every age, including pool, table tennis, darts, karaoke, arcade games and more.

Hollydale House in Leek, Staffordshire — the flagship property at Hollydale Cottages. The luxury countryside retreat features a private hot tub, outdoor dining area, and panoramic Peak District views. Recently recognised at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards for its outstanding guest experience
Hollydale House in Leek, Staffordshire — the flagship property at Hollydale Cottages. The luxury countryside retreat features a private hot tub, outdoor dining area, and panoramic Peak District views. Recently recognised at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards for its outstanding guest experience

Jenny, who lives in Great Heywood, Staffordshire with her husband Scott and 2-year-old daughter Summer, said: “Starting Hollydale was a completely new venture for me, and I’ve poured my heart and soul into it. Our whole family has been involved from day one, and that’s what makes these places feel so special. Seeing all three properties recognised is beyond anything we imagined.

For anyone thinking of doing this, my biggest piece of advice is to stay in your own property before you welcome guests. You see the details that matter, like whether that table really fits there or if the lighting feels right, and you experience it exactly as your guests will. That’s how you create something truly special.”

The incredible games room at Pastures Barn, part of the Hollydale Cottages collection in Leek, Staffordshire. Complete with pool, table tennis, air hockey, and foosball, it’s a family favourite that helped the property win Gold for Best for Young Families at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards
The incredible games room at Pastures Barn, part of the Hollydale Cottages collection in Leek, Staffordshire. Complete with pool, table tennis, air hockey, and foosball, it’s a family favourite that helped the property win Gold for Best for Young Families at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards

Hollydale has grown into a peaceful countryside escape, surrounded by rolling hills and home to Highland cows, alpacas and wallabies, which have become a much-loved part of the guest experience.

James Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer of Sykes Holiday Cottages, added: “Now in its eighth year, it’s wonderful to see so many outstanding properties celebrated in our 2025 Sykes Gems Awards. 

“Our owners put an incredible amount of effort into maintaining high standards at their properties throughout the year, and these awards are a great way to recognise that dedication. With so many fantastic entries it was tough to narrow it down, but Pastures Barn and Parlour stood out as a clear winners. 

“With holidaying close to home continuing to remain popular – and the average UK holiday let generating £24,700 in 2024 – more second-home owners in Staffordshire may be inspired by Jenny and Scott to consider taking the leap into the market themselves.”

The private hot tub at Parlour Barns, part of the Hollydale Cottages collection in Leek, Staffordshire. Overlooking rolling countryside and a field of friendly Highland cows, the property was awarded Gold for Best Hot Tub Property at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards.
The private hot tub at Parlour Barns, part of the Hollydale Cottages collection in Leek, Staffordshire. Overlooking rolling countryside and a field of friendly Highland cows, the property was awarded Gold for Best Hot Tub Property at the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards.

About the Sykes Gems Awards

The Sykes Gems Awards celebrate outstanding holiday properties across the UK and Ireland. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts using owner entries, guest feedback, occupancy data and property amenities.