A HOLIDAY home in Chester is in the running for a top industry award – and after spending the night there I can understand why.

With stunning views across the River Dee to the city’s meadows, RONDEVA is the type of home most of us dream of living in.

A gorgeous Georgian Grade II Listed terraced town house spread over three floors, it positively oozes character.

Owner Chris Williams tells me he inherited it from his grandfather Ronald Roberts who called it home for 50 years.

Chester and District Standard:

Chris Williams outside RONDEVA, with the bench in memory of his grandfather Ron.

Ron – who inspired the name of the self-catering property – passed away in 2013 a day before his 81st birthday.

Chris, who now works in property management, bought a park bench with a plaque in memory of his grandfather that has pride of place on the patio overlooking the river.

He has fond memories of visiting his grandfather and originally rented the house out. However, he eventually decided on turning it into a holiday home that he and others could enjoy.

“It’s the best of both worlds for me,” he says. “This way I can stay at RONDEVA and get to keep my memories of him.

“I had to completely refurbish it which cost quite a lot of time and money but I opened it in July 2016 as a self-catering holiday home.

Chester and District Standard:

The dining room.

“Feedback has been really good so far and I have a 9.7 rating on Booking.com at the moment! It’s in a great location, very peaceful and the neighbours are fantastic, making it a delightful neighbourhood.”

Indeed, RONDEVA is proving such a hit that it has now been short-listed for the Sweetest Homestay Award at Britain’s premier annual awards for the industry.

The eviivo Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise the best of Britain’s world-class, and world-famous independent accommodation – from bed and breakfasts and guest houses to vacation rentals and inns.

Chris’s application is now being judged by a panel of experts before the winners are announced at a glitzy awards dinner on October 15 at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.

Chris tells me he was delighted to find out he had been short-listed – a message he received in a no-expense-spared, Mission Impossible style talking letter.

Chester and District Standard:

The master bedroom.

“I work so hard to give our guests a fantastic and unique experience,” he says. “I’m absolutely delighted to have that recognised. I must be doing something right!"

A glance through the visitors’ book reveals a string of satisfied customers who have travelled to Chester from across the country and beyond.

The phrases “beautiful house” and “gorgeous location” appear on many of the pages and I couldn’t agree more.

I stayed on a Sunday evening and had a perfect, uninterrupted night’s sleep and walked to work the next day on a beautiful, crisp morning with a smile on my face.

With accommodation like RONDEVA on offer, there is no wonder people continue to flock to our beautiful city.

Chester and District Standard:

This was the view across the city's meadows that greeted me before my walk to work last Monday.

* RONDEVA offers three bedrooms – a master bedroom, a double and a room with spacious bunkbeds. All can be found on the top floor of the house along with a bathroom with shower.

The ground floor consists of a kitchen, utility area, dining room and lounge that overlooks the River Dee.

Also on the ground floor is a summer room, which fronts the garden and the river. The house has its own moorings with a seated area and barbecue.

For more information visit www.riverdeeholidayhome.co.uk

Chester and District Standard:

The patio seating area at the holiday home.

Paul Saxby, Events Director at eviivo, said: “eviivo are proud to be working with many of the finest businesses in Britain’s vibrant hospitality sector. These are often small, family-run businesses that play a significant role in driving tourism and jobs to their local community.

“These devoted, independent hosts take immense pride in their service and our awards shine a light on many fine examples. What unites all of our customers is their passion and tireless dedication to offering a fantastic guest experience. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and we look forward to once again recognising the very best in the industry at this year’s awards.”

For more on the awards visit https://awards.eviivo.com/

Chester and District Standard:

The front room on the ground floor of the listed building.