The Story of Bethnal & Bec
As parents to four children aged 11-18 (plus Hendrix, their rescue Pointer), Chris & Vicky Saynor understand the need for adults to find rest, relaxation and fun when they have time off from the kids or work.
After meeting online in September 2015, and deciding to bring their families together, they moved to the village of Cottered in Hertfordshire. Vicky was living in Tooting Bec, and Chris had lived in London in Bethnal Green in his late 20's. They decided they wanted to start a family business, so in 2016 they took the dilapidated stables attached to their house, and turned them into Bethnal&Bec; two luxury self-catering rural retreats.
Bethnal&Bec is an adult only accommodation for anyone looking for a place to switch-off, sleep, enjoy long walks, leisurely lunches in fantastic authentic local pubs, rest, or binge-watch Netflix on a 43" Smart TV. The retreats are equipped with every home comfort you could imagine including wood burning stoves, luxury bathrooms, private hot tubs and a unique in-room honesty pantry. Perfect for a truly rejuvenating stay, whilst overlooking a beautiful wild flower meadow and uninterrupted countryside views.
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Charity Work
In November 2018, Vicky was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. As a result Vicky & Chris regularly donate nights away to Cancer charities, plus offer a permanent discount to NHS and Care home/hospice staff. Vicky is the founder of True Cancer Bodies, and they have just recently become patrons of the charity Something To Look Forward to https://somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk/
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Please head to the SUPERHERO discounts page for details on booking codes and discounts for those working for the NHS, Care sector or that have a cancer diagnosis
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During Lockdown 3 we offered our accommodation for FREE to those needing Respite from Domestic Abuse. We looked after 30 families, including pets and children. We provided free food and hot meals, and were overwhelmed with support from our local community with donations, gifts and offers of help. It was truly humbling and rewarding.
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Sustainability
We're so passionate about sustainability that we have a whole section of our website dedicated to it. We believe that we can all live more sustainably without sacrificing luxury and we're dedicated to becoming a NetZero business as quickly as possible. From being fanatical about waste management to supporting our local ecosystem with a wild flower meadow, sustainability and green living are at the core of what we do. Take a look around our Sustainability pages to find out more about what we do and maybe be inspired to make some sustainable lifestyle changes too.
Everyone Welcome
Everyone is welcome at Bethal&Bec. We are a safe space and welcome all of our guests equally. We think it's important for everyone to know that they will not be judged, treated differently or made to feel uncomfortable because of their race, religion, beliefs, gender, appearance or sexual orientation. We're all different and that should be celebrated.
Supporting Small Businesses
Vicky and Chris are passionate about supporting the local community and other local small businesses. They champion shopping small and shopping sustainably and bring this into everything they do at Bethnal&Bec Luxury Stays. Almost all of the add on food, drink and experience options available in the retreats are sourced locally and provided by local Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Essex businesses. Vicky recently took part in the Visit Herts 'Welcome Back' campaign encouraging people to get out and explore the amazing small businesses that Hertfordshire has to offer.
In The Press
We're proud to have featured in many prestigious publications talking all things Bethnal&Bec, life, family & the realities of running a small business. Take a look at some of our features on our News & Press page.
