Debbie & Richard Greaves, owners of A Corner of Eden ’s luxurious self – catering cottages, are celebrating after being shortlisted in The Rural Business Awards 2018.

A Corner of Eden’s three beautiful holiday cottages in the Eden Valley have been selected as 1 o f 5 Northern Region finalists in the ‘Best Rural Tourism Business’ category overcoming competition from hundreds of other tourism businesses .

A Corner of Eden are the only Cumbrian based finalist in the Rural Tourism category. The R egion covers a wide area from the North of Scotland down to South Yorkshire and across from Cheshire to Tyne – and – Wear.

A Corner of Eden began in 2005 when D ebbie and Richard bought a derelict farm in Ravenstonedale near Kirkby Stephen , Cumbria . Over the last 12 years they have lovingly converted the old Georgi an Farmhouse that sleeps 8 , transformed a redundant barn into the eco – chic Angel Barn for 6 complete with luxury wood – fired hot tub and also created the rustic Shepherd’s Cottage which now provides a cosy romantic re treat for two , with a quirky outdoor roll – top bath in the walled garden . Their success is reflected in high occupancy levels, many returni ng guests and the contribution the business makes to the wider Cumbrian rural economy.

Debbie and Richard said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted, it shows the hard work and care that our family & loyal cleaning team have put in over the years. Eleven other businesses have been shortlisted from Cumbria in other categories and we very much look forward to meeting ot her owners from companies such as Cranstons Butchers and the Hawkshead Relish Company at the Northern Region awards ceremony on the 9 th October. We can only hope and keep our fingers crossed that we and other Cumbrian finalists are lucky enough to go thro ugh to the National Awards judged early next year. ”

The Rural Busin ess Awards were established in 2014 by Jemma Clifford and Anna Price – two business owners from rural Leicestershire. The awards aim to recognise busines ses operating across the r ural sector acknowledging the breadth and depth of opportunity presented by the Great British c oun tryside and celebrating the achievements of our rural businesses . The Rural Business Awards works with many partner organisa tions; t he Country Landowners A sso ciation have been involved since year one and Amazon are their headline partners for 2018.

Joint Founder of the Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “Congratulations to A Corner of Eden for being named as a Finalist in the North Region of the Rur al B usiness Awards. Owners Debbie and Richard have a real dedication to delivering a wonderful visitor experience for all of their guests. Engaging with the local community, strong sustainability and environmental credentials and a luxury product have all contributed to the success of the business and, of course, to them being shortlisted for the Best Rural Tourism Business Award (North). We all wish them the best of luck at the Regional Award Ceremony in October.”

To find out more about A Corner o f Eden , please visit

www.acornerofeden.co.uk