Cotswold holiday homeowners have reaped the rewards of a staycation boom during the pandemic.
The region was one of the top-earning areas in 2021, according to new figures from Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Based on the average income figures for a four-bedroom holiday let, those in the Cotswolds earned an average of £35,000 last year.
That is up 52 per cent from 2019, when the figure was £23,000, demonstrating a huge rise in the staycation market during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Bev Dumbleton, chief operating officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “2021 was certainly the year of the staycation and we saw the strong demand for UK-based accommodation across The Cotswolds culminate in record occupancy rates and a significant boost in average yearly income for our owners.
“With the interest in holidays closer to home likely to remain a fixture for years to come, those considering investing in a holiday home in 2022 could see great success – particularly if they choose a location like the Cotswolds which has proven fruitful for those already in the market this year.”
The Cotswold figure is some £7,000 more than the national average for 2021, £28,000, which was itself up 33 per cent from 2019.
The only region where holiday homeowners earned more was Dorset, with an average of £36,000.
The Peak District, Devon and Somerset rounded out the top five.
Top-earning regions for holiday homes in 2021*:
1. Dorset - £35,864
2. The Cotswolds - £35,027
3. Peak District - £33,833
4. Devon - £33,071
5. Somerset - £32,708
*Based on the average annual income of a four-bedroom property, as the median property size
To celebrate the success, we’ve gathered the top five most highly rated holiday rentals in the Cotswolds, according to TripAdvisor.
The Vine, Winchcombe
This house wing in Winchcombe accommodates two guests and features an outdoor seating area as well as a skylight for stargazing.
The average price per night is £94.
Traditional Cotswold Stone Cottage, Winchcombe
Another property in Winchombe, this cottage houses up to four guests and costs an average of £140 per night.
The picturesque property comes with a private garden and bikes available for hire.
Pinnock Wood Farm Shepherds Hut, Guiting Power
This unique property is situated on a working farm between Winchcombe and Guiting Power.
The hut houses two people, and requires a booking of at least two nights, costing around £100 per night in August.
The stand-out feature is no doubt the wood fired hot tub.
Blacksmiths Cottage, Winchcombe
There seems to be a running theme here.
This three-bedroom property in Winchcombe houses six guests with prices from £100 per night.
Misty View Cotswold Cottage, Winchcombe
Rounding out the top five highest-rated Cotswold holiday lets, according to Trip Advisor, is this two-bedroom cottage that houses four guests.
Costing £125 per night, the property features a farmhouse-style kitchen and a beamed living room.
Further information about each of the properties can be found here.
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