A self-catering holiday business set on a Suffolk farm is celebrating after scooping a top national accolade.

East Anglian Daily Times: Andrew Bryce, owner of The Suffolk Escape in front of the log cabins. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNAndrew Bryce, owner of The Suffolk Escape in front of the log cabins. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The Suffolk Escape, at Hintlesham, between Hadleigh and Ipswich, took a gold award at the 2018 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in Bath on Monday, April 23.

The farm diversification business was launched by Andrew Bryce and his wife Sarah six years ago.

It consists of four log cabins set around a lake and the Sheepyard Barn, a conversion which sleeps up to 12 people, all with private hot tubs and wood burning stoves.

The barn also features an indoor swimming pool, wood fired pizza oven, outdoor lounge and hammocks, a separate children’s playroom/TV room and home cinema system.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the bedrooms at The Sheepyard Barn. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNOne of the bedrooms at The Sheepyard Barn. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

It was one of three finalists in the Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year category of VisitEngland’s annual awards, and won through against rivals from Devon and Kent with its Sheepyard Barn which opened last year.

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “These awards are a celebration of our thriving tourism industry. They highlight the people and the organisations that deliver amazing experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination.

“The finalists have shown themselves to be of the highest calibre, using their talent and innovation to deliver excellence.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Indoor pool at The Sheepyard Barn. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNIndoor pool at The Sheepyard Barn. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Andrew Bryce at The Suffolk Escape, which is a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2018. Picture:Andrew Bryce at The Suffolk Escape, which is a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2018. Picture: (Image: Archant)