TWO holiday lets in Worcestershire have won national awards.

Sykes Gem Awards 2024, organised by Sykes Holiday Cottages, saw properties across the UK celebrated for their unique and exciting qualities.

The Gold award Best Farm Stay was picked up by Top Style Orchard, a timber lodge owned by Martin and Jenny Brian on Green Street Farm, near Hallow, while The Old Piggery, Defford won Gold in Best for Couples.

Mr and Mrs Brian started work on Top Style Orchard during the pandemic and opened to the public for the first time in April 2021.

(Image: Top Style Orchard) Mrs Brian said: "Green Street Farm is a working farm but we don't make loads of money off the farm.

"We were looking to diversify and we felt like going into the holiday let business was perfect for us.

"We wanted to share our passion for the production of British beef and lamb with our guests and show them what life is like on a real working family farm."

During each stay, the couple offer guests a tour of the farm to see how it is run.

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The three bedroom lodge sleeps six, with one king-sized bedroom and two twin rooms situated across the single floor of the building. 

The windows look out onto stunning views of the family's farm.

Mrs Brian described how they were delighted to find out they had won the award.

She said: "It was brilliant to find out we'd won.

"With all the hard work to keep it going, it felt like it made all the effort worthwhile."

(Image: Top Style Orchard) Despite their success, Mrs Brian explained that they aren't looking to expand the business: "I think one of the most unique aspects is that the lodge is secluded and there's no one else around and, with just one lodge, we can manage the workload as a family.

"If we wanted to add another, we'd probably then have to hire someone else to help."

(Image: Top Style Orchard) The Sykes Gem Awards were launched in 2017 and judges properties on guest feedback, property amenities and occupancy figures.

Properties were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Sykes’ CEO Graham Donoghue and Managing Director James Shaw, as well as The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski.