A GUESTHOUSE has been shortlisted for a prestigious national tourism award, thanks to its “stunning views and good old fashioned hospitality”.

Meadowcroft Barn Bed and Breakfast in Bury Road, Edgworth, is in the running for the guest accommodation of the year award from Visit England, the national tourist board.

Owner Kath Bullen said: “I’m very passionate about the guesthouse and dedicated to showcasing this excellent place to stay.

“Our guests love the tranquillity, the views and the excellent food I provide.”

Visitors can stay at the five-star cottage from £45 per person per night, including breakfast.

They can even watch a horseshoeing demonstration next door, where Mrs Bullen’s son, Simon, runs a blacksmith’s in a 17th-century farmhouse.

Mrs Bullen opened the guesthouse following her husband’s sudden death.

She invested £150,000 in transforming the old stone building into two high-quality bed and breakfast en-suite rooms with a shared kitchen and lounge.

Mrs Bullen has already won Visit Britain’s top Five Star Gold Award, as well as an award for the quality of her breakfasts.

Then last year she won the coveted Manchester Tourism Bed and Breakfast of the Year award.

According to Mrs Bullen, people flock to the guesthouse to walk, ride horses and mountain bike along the 32-mile Weavers’ Way trail.

Meadowcroft will be going head to head with four other guesthouses.

Two are in Cornwall and the others are in County Durham and Lancaster.

A judging panel will reveal the winner at a ceremony in Leicester on May 22.

Mrs Bullen said: “I am thrilled I have got to this stage and, without wanting to jinx it, I am hopeful we will win.”

VisitEngland’s chief executive, James Berresford, congratulated Meadowcroft for the nomination.

He added: “This is no small achievement in a year when we have received a record number of submissions.

“The quality of submissions this year has been outstanding and Meadowcroft can justifiably take credit and pride in earning a place at the top of their category in England.