Bexhill beachfront home hand-picked by Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud as UK’s best holiday let renovation

The Black Pearl in Sussex won the Best Renovation or Transformation category in the inaugural Showcase Awards from holidaycottages.co.uk, judged by an expert panel led by him.

A spokesperson for the awards said this category honours properties that have undergone remarkable transformations, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and vision.

Kevin is best known for presenting Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “The Black Pearl has seen a comprehensive renovation and has been considerably extended over several decades.

“The original building was defined by awkward, compromised configurations; a fragmented plan of small rooms, ill-considered first-floor additions with restricted head heights, and a garden that did little to engage with its exceptional location.

“The central challenge was to rationalise the structure, unlock its setting and future-proof the building, to create a highly usable, commercially resilient holiday let.

“Now sleeping 12 people across five bedrooms, the redesign elevated the beachfront outlook to its rightful place as the defining feature of the home.

“The ground floor was opened up to form a generous, light-filled communal living space that draws guests together while framing uninterrupted sea views. Removing underperforming extensions allowed space for a poolside retreat and a gym.”

Kevin said: “This was a very strong category with a really high standard. I came to this, looking at not only the story and narrative, but its presence. Something that separates the project from the crowd.

“The transformation of The Black Pearl is nothing short of extraordinary. This is a proper architectural makeover and has been done with immense discretion and taste.

“This says to me, I am no longer in Sussex, but that I am in Maine or Denmark, and you feel you have been transported somewhere.

“The Black Pearl is a standout example of what can be achieved through thoughtful renovation. Congratulations to the owners for this well-deserved recognition.”

Paul Young, head of owner marketing at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “The purpose of the Showcase Awards is to celebrate excellence in holiday lets by recognising properties that go above and beyond to deliver extraordinary stays.

“The calibre of entries certainly didn’t disappoint; attracting over 1,000 entries in total, the judges had a tough job selecting the winners for each category.

“These awards are a fantastic way for holidaycottages.co.uk to recognise the clear passion and hard work that so many owners put into making their properties a memorable stay for guests and we extend our congratulations to the owners of The Black Pearl and all the winners of the other categories.”

The winners of each category will receive an award to display in their property, while all shortlisted properties, finalists and winners will be mentioned in dedicated blogs on holidaycottages.co.uk.

Alongside Kevin McCloud, the judging panel for the Showcase Awards also included Jayne McClure, CEO of Travel Chapter, Joby Mussell, chief commercial officer at Travel Chapter, and Stephanie Snell.

A full list of the categories and winners of the Showcase Awards can be found at www.holidaycottages.co.uk/owner-advice/showcase-awards-winners.