Holiday cottage entrepreneur Clive Sykes launches luxurious self-catering property in Dolgellau

Founder and former owner of Sykes Cottages Clive Sykes has kicked off 2022 with the launch of a new luxurious self-catering retreat business called Catch The Breeze Retreats.

Within this collection is Tan Llan and its Coach House. Set in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, among towering mountains and glorious valleys, it isn’t just the location that draws people to Tan Llan. The house is also treasure in itself: set over three floors; sympathetically renovated to offer luxurious, spacious accommodation; built from hard grey stone – the unique product of local geology and local craftsmen – the architecture is bold and strong and relies more on proportions than ornament. Tan Llan has a quiet sense of belonging to the magnificent landscape that surrounds it. From the outside, it may look like a traditional country house, but the stylish interior tells a different story. The Main House offers an effortless blend of bright, contemporary accommodation, lavish furnishings and original 18th-century features including large sash windows and shutters, cast iron radiators and a bespoke slate fireplace made locally.

The five high-end properties currently under the brand are located within Snowdonia’s National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and Northumberland’s Coast, all areas of outstanding natural beauty status.

“It’s in my blood” is the simple reason Clive said for setting up Catch The Breeze Retreats.

“The vast depth of knowledge and experience gained over the years combined with my sheer passion for great holiday experiences has led me to this point. Many people have historically felt that self-catering holiday options here in the UK were boring when compared with exotic alternatives abroad, but that couldn’t be further from the truth in my opinion. There is so much to discover right here in the UK, often within only a couple of hours from your doorstep, and I’m looking forward to sharing some hidden gems and new locations with you.

“The big difference about Catch The Breeze Retreats is that we manage every aspect and place incredibly high value on our customer service. We own the properties within the group, therefore we’re able to control the whole customer experience journey, and ensure a positive stay is always had, something that can’t be guaranteed when simply paying through a booking agent.

“As soon as someone enquires with us, there is a person at the end of the phone or email who will explain the options available, the checking-in process, provide guests with recommendations for places to eat, local attractions and family day out options. Furthermore, with the local knowledge the team has, as an example, we’re able to recommend restaurants that often require booking well in advance so guests can plan their stays just as they hope and avoid any disappointment.”

“We’re not a booking agent, we know these properties inside out and appreciate the value in getting all of those little details spot on for guests. Each one is designed and furnished in keeping with their traditional features but we also add our own luxurious touches like Melin Tregwynt soft furnishings across the board.”

Clive continued: “I have carefully selected each property based on the charm and character it offers, as well as the local area’s natural beauty and visiting potential. We have three properties within the Northumberland Coastal fishing village of Craster as it is such a beautiful part of the world. From ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and tranquil coves, to the local kipper smokehouse which is well regarded to be a firm favourite of the Royal Family, there really is something for everyone.”

With over 100 years’ combined experience across luxury travel and the holiday cottage sector, the team has drawn upon its extensive and high customer service standards and combined that with their passion for providing people with fantastic holiday experiences. From the soft furnishings selected, the cleaning and upkeep of the properties, the photography, to emerging technologies and guest requests, the team appreciates it all and is excited to welcome you.

Clive continued: “Put simply, our properties are ones you won’t want to leave. It’s all about the adventures and memories that families and friends can make together in one of our properties, and the enjoyment they get from meeting and visiting local attractions nearby.”

Properties range in size from sleeping six to 16 guests, and each one is perfectly suited for families of all ages to get together to celebrate significant birthdays and milestones, as well as weekend getaways between friends.

The Catch The Breeze properties and their sizes are:

Craster Reach in Craster, sleeps 6 (from £694)

Middlerigg in Craster, sleeps 6 (from £788)

Rock Lobster in Craster, sleeps 8 (from £788)

Tan Llan & The Coach House in Dolgellau, sleeps 16 (from £1,800)

Oughtershaw Hall in Buckden, sleeps 16 (from £2,813)

For enquiries and to find more about Catch The Breeze Retreats please visit https://www.catchthebreeze.co.uk/