To celebrate English Tourism Week, which runs from March 25 to April 2, Weekend talks to some of the stars of the luxury holiday cottage business in the region

Kate and Richard Hodgson, of Mill Granary Cottages, live on a farm at Ingleton, near Darlington, and run four 5 star Gold self catering properties. They are also opening a luxury shepherd’s hut in April. They won Best Self Catering Holiday for North East of England twice, last year and in 2008, and were runners-up in 2012. They also won Self Catering Holiday Home of the Year for the whole of England in 2008.

How did you get into the holiday cottage business?

We wanted to diversify from dairy farming as a consequence of years of poor milk prices and were fortunate to have two semi-derelict barns on our land. The first one to be converted in 2004 was originally built as a granary adjacent to a long-since demolished windmill hence the business name. The second, a derelict cow byre , was opened in 2006. We decided from the outset to aim for 5 star standard interiors. Our business has since expanded with a smaller village property in Gainford and a Grade II-listed townhouse in Barnard Castle. They are all now 5 star Gold and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved.

What have you learnt along the way?

The self-catering industry is constantly changing so you have to keep ahead of the game with a rolling schedule of improvements and attention to detail along with excellent customer service.

What do guests most appreciate?

* Comfortable beds are essential and the house should be spotlessly clean.

* A warm house on arrival, with the lights on, especially if they are arriving late.

* Milk in the fridge, tea and coffee and a home-made cake.

W: millgranary.co.uk; T: 01325-730339

Charles and Emma Ropner live at Patrick Brompton Hall, near Bedale, the home of Dalesend Cottages, luxury, romantic, self-catering cottages named Hayloft, Tack Room, Groom’s Rooms and Head Lad. For the past two years, they have been finalists in the White Rose awards, a countywide competition run by Welcome to Yorkshire.

How did you get into the holiday cottage business?

We renovated a former stable block in the grounds to preserve the building. We decided it would make cosy couples’ accommodation for those visiting Yorkshire. We have grown our business organically, taking our own bookings direct from the Dalesend Cottage website, making us the first point of contact with our booking customer. This ensures they can be advised on the right cottage for their holiday before they arrive and ask us questions if required. We focus on providing customer care and satisfaction whilst allowing guests to have their privacy. We have also added a hot tub.

What have you learnt along the way?

We have lovely booking guests and their happiness is our business priority. Hayloft is becoming a ‘word-of-mouth’ secret honeymoon cottage.

What do guests most appreciate?

A comfy bed, a great lounging sofa, modern decor, super-fast wi-fi and our welcome.

W: dalesendcottages.co.uk

T: 07780-470900

Corey Pattinson moved from Leeds to the Dales about a year ago with his partner Paul and their two dogs. They recently bought Manor House Farm, in Hunton, Bedale, where they live, and also own Evergreen Cottage on Sleegill in Richmond, #39 in East Witton and North Gate House in Middleham

How did you get into the holiday cottage business?

Fate really. It was quite unintentional. I worked in furniture restoration, painting and sales. In 2014, Paul inherited the family cottage in Richmond. We used to stay there regularly while his mum was alive and the cottage is in such a priceless setting with wonderful views across to Richmond Castle. Evergreen has an intrinsic emotional value to us both and it seemed only right that we should fully refurbish it and let it out to guests to enjoy as much as the family had over the past 30 years.

Once we committed to keep and refurbish Evergreen, we realised just how much we were in love with the Yorkshire Dales so we bought our own holiday home, North Gate House in Middleham, at the end of 2014, then fell in love with a dilapidated cottage in the beautiful village of East Witton and bought it in August 2015. The pull to the Dales proved so strong we decided to relocate and put down roots. We bought our new home in Hunton. Paul is a commercial property developer and commutes daily to his office in Leeds, and I gave up my work in furniture to run our growing holiday cottages business. The works to #39 in East Witton are due to be finished very shortly and we are looking to launch it in March 2017, with North Gate House in Middleham to follow later this year.

What have you learnt along the way?

Always put yourself in the shoes of your guests. Everything must be 110 per cent right. After a changeover I always ask myself not would I be happy to stay here, but would I be delighted to stay here. Attention to detail is essential. You also need to be on hand 24/7 to deal with any issues.

What do guests most appreciate?

* Welcome hamper.

* Quality of beds, mattresses and bedding.

* A wood burning stove.

W: gorgeouscottages.com

T: 07557 916 231

Mother-of-two Jane Harper and her husband have two cottages and a b&b on their farm less than a mile and a half from the lovely market town of Kirkbymoorside. The farm enjoys wonderful 360 degree views of both the Howardian Hills and the North York Moors.

How did you get into the holiday cottage business?

We restored the old farmhouse in 2010 and started to have b&b guests in 2011 to contribute to the costs. We gained so much from our lovely guests that it inspired us to convert one of the old outbuildings and in 2012 The Escape was born. This was a one-bedroom cottage with a huge open-plan living area blessed with 25-mile views. It proved an instant hit so we went back to the bank manager. Unfortunately, as we are self-employed they can be a little tricky, but with the double storey barn’s roof barely keeping the elements out and the floors all rotten, we finally got the finances. In 2014, we reroofed the property and in 2015 we continued the restoration. We have converted a third of this barn into The Haven. It is a three-bedroom ensuite property with lovely views North onto the moors. It has its own private patio and the use of the tennis court and billiards room.

What have you learnt along the way?

To be patient. Transforming old buildings can be hard and you need to be flexible and work with them, rather than to a diagram. As far as my guests are concerned, I try to respond as quickly as possible any time or day of the week. This isn’t a job for a nine-to-five mentality.

What do guests most appreciate?

* Our beds, from Seventh Heaven and just so comfy.

* The welcome brownies.

* The free maid service we offer.

High Park Farm, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 7HS. W: highparkfarm.co.uk