A COTSWOLD holiday cottage company is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for an award.

Unique Cotswold Cottages is up for an accolade in the regional Rural Business Award and will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final.

The regional final will be held virtually in October, with the national final taking place early next year.

Launched in 2018 with just one property, the business has now been expanded to four unique Cotswold properties – in Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Winchcombe – and is set to grow further in the coming year.

The cottages have been restored and are aimed at attracting couples wanting a luxury getaway.

They have consistently achieved excellent reviews with several guests stating it is the best holiday accommodation they have ever stayed in.

The cottages have seen two marriage proposals so far and lots of anniversaries and birthday celebrations at the historical cottages.

Amanda Stecker, founder of Unique Cotswolds Cottages, said: “I am thrilled to be nominated for this prestigious award. Since launch, we have aimed to ensure an excellent experience for our guests which has led to us achieving superb guest reviews and a significant year on year growth in income. We are delighted that our hard work has paid off with this recognition from the Rural Business awards.”

Director and co-founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses. We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do. On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to Unique Cotswold Cottages and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”