An award-winning holiday accommodation in the Ribble Valley had humble beginnings and started out as a derelict old shed.
Oakdean Cottages in Langho won self-catering accommodation of the year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.
The accommodation, owned by Sue and Ian Sherrington, is now a popular site among holidaying families consistently receiving five stars among visitors.
The business’ three cottages had humble beginnings and are unrecognisable from the derelict sheds and outbuildings they started out as in 1995.
Property manager Anna Davies said: “Ian and Sue started their journey in 1995 when they spotted some derelict old sheds in the Ribble Valley.
“They came from very humble origins. They decided to buy them and completely convert it all as they fell in love with the area.”
Instead of hiring a building Anna said Ian, with the help of architects, revamped the cottages from scratch.
She said: “Ian built the holiday cottages himself, with the help of architects. They taught themselves how to be the best hosts that they can be.
“It was a huge gamble as they didn’t have any hospitality experience and they’d never build any accommodation before.
“At that point self- catering accommodation was really hard to come by in the Ribble Valley.”
The business, which officially opened in 2013, has three cottages in its portfolio: Hodder Cottage, Ribble Cottage and Calder Cottage.
Anna said Ian and Sue’s care and attention to detail is what makes the business stand out from the rest.
She said: “They officially opened the business' doors in 2013 and they had no idea how popular it would become.
“They always get five star reviews and have been named as super hosts Airbnb five years running.
“Ian and sue welcome everybody regardless of who they are or their background.
“They give undivided care and attention to everyone who stays and ensure every want and need is made.
“They want to make it feel like someone’s home from home.
“When people get married and the wedding party choose to stay here they roll out the red carpet, put bottles of bubbles in the cottages and put flowers in the cottages.
“One time the wedding car didn’t turn for the bridesmaids. Ian put his smart suit and took them to the venue.”
Anna said this is the first time the business has won a Lancashire Tourism Award and the team hope it will be the first of many.
She said: “We are hugely honoured to have been recognised on such a prestigious level.
“We can’t believe it and are over the moon to have won it for the first time – Ian and Sue are still in shock.
“We love families staying and understand how important it is to cater and provide for them.”
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