BOUTIQUE accommodation at an estate near Worcester has been nominated in the best newcomer category of the inaugural awards of members-only travel club Voyage Privé UK.

The Laughern Hill Estate, a five star AA-rated guest acc-ommodation and wedding venue at Wichenford, started trading in May when owner and entrepreneur Christopher Palmer-Jeffery opened the doors of his family home and began operating as a wedding venue and luxury country retreat.

Mr Palmer-Jeffery said he was delighted with the operation’s early success.

“We are delighted to be nominated by Voyage Prive in the best newcomer category,” he said.

“It’s far more than we could have hoped for in our first year of operation and we are delighted to see our hard work is paying off.

“It’s been a difficult six months trying to start a new business while facing such a tough financial climate, but hugely reassuring to see a local business such as ours being recognised in a national awards ceremony amongst such high calibre competition.

“Working with Voyage Privé has been a hugely rewarding experience and has given us the opportunity to reach a huge network of guests from all over the UK who are searching for that special place to get away from it all.”

Daisy Warr, hotel buyer at Voyage Privé UK, added: “Laughern Hill is a very special place. From the moment I found this beautiful country manor, I knew it would be perfect for our members at Voyage Prive.

“Time off is a precious commodity and we know that, which is why we are so happy to recommend this real gem.

“This truly beautiful house is somewhere you can really escape from the demands of everyday life and you willleave feeling totally pampered and relaxed.

“We are so pleased that Laughern Hill has been shortlisted in our Voyage Prive Awards under the best newcomer category, it truly is like no other property we’ve ever visited in the UK.”

The inaugural Voyage Privé Travel Awards comprise of 13 different categories and the winners will be announced soon.