Meet the Team
Clive Sykes
Founder
Cut Clive in half, like a bar of rock, and he’d have tourism running right through him. Clive’s mother, Barbara, ran a small hotel in the Yorkshire Dales and let holiday cottages since the ‘70s. And it was with Barbara’s help that Clive set up Sykes Cottages in 1991.
Clive moved to Cheshire in the late ‘90s, and with his wife, Lynne, they built their business into the country’s leading holiday cottage agency. Having sold Sykes Cottages to a private equity firm, Clive remained as chair until 2019, when the company was sold again.
Come the first lockdown in 2020, Clive and Lynne decided to create another holiday cottage company solely for their personal portfolio of cottages. And, so, Catch the Breeze was born.
Clive, Lynne and their family continue to holiday in the UK, often spending time on the Northumberland coast or the Yorkshire Dales. Holidays find the Sykes family cycling, coasteering, paddle boarding and playing tennis and not buying bars of rock, ironically.
Tara Taylor
Guest Experience & Operations Manager
Originally from North Wales, Tara moved to Chester over 20 years ago for work and now lives there with her husband, Simon, and their son, Noah. A natural explorer, Tara loves holidays both in the UK and abroad – whether relaxing by the beach or heading off on a lively city break. Her favourite UK spots are North Wales and Northumberland, but she’s always keen to discover new places, near or far. In her spare time, Tara enjoys walking, cooking, and spending quality time with family. She and her husband also take weekly dance lessons together.
Tara joined Catch The Breeze Retreats in September 2021 as Guest Relations Manager – a role she finds incredibly rewarding. She never takes for granted that guests are trusting the team with their precious holiday time, and takes great pride in helping to create memorable and seamless stays. Since she started, the company has grown from five properties and a small team of three, to ten beautiful homes supported by a dedicated team of six. Tara has been part of exciting changes, from renovating existing properties to welcoming newly built ones, and feels proud to represent such a stunning collection of retreats.
Before joining Catch The Breeze, Tara spent 30 years working in the luxury travel industry – contracting, selling, and reviewing high-end hotels around the world. It’s a background she feels very fortunate to have experienced, and one that shaped her guest-focused approach today.
Sam Honour
Estates Manager & PA to the Sykes Family
Before joining Catch the Breeze Retreats, Sam’s career spanned from cabin crew for Japan airlines and British Airways to working at her local veterinary surgery thanks to her beloved Labrador, Jet. Sam then found herself working for a small independent holiday cottage company in North Wales, a role very similar to her one now; this isn’t Sam’s first rodeo!
Worlds collided after Sam then started working at Sykes Cottages which led to her beginning her Catch the Breeze Retreats journey. Sam’s very much a people-person and any opportunity to have a chat and listen to others’ life experiences is always at the top of her list when meeting guests.
The guest-centric ethos that Sam has curated has been brought in full force, wholeheartedly committing to providing experiences that offer something truly special.
Sam is a self-confessed dog lover with a passion for travel, homemade cakes and the occasional glass of red wine. Whether it’s her garden or a holiday abroad, exploring the outdoors is Sam’s calling, especially Portugal which holds a special place in her heart.
Rachel Bradshaw
Marketing & Social Media Executive
Rachel joined Catch the Breeze Retreats in January 2025 as a Marketing & Social Media Executive, bringing with her over a decade of experience in the creative industry.
Her background is rooted in all things creative – from marketing and communications to website design, photography, content creation, and even working with the press.
Away from work, Rachel is a passionate, self-taught photographer with a deep love for wildlife and the natural world. Her happiest moments are spent outdoors – whether walking through the Cheshire countryside under golden summer skies or capturing the early morning mist as it rolls over the hills.
As a keen wildlife enthusiast, she’s always learning more about British species, from recognising different bird calls to observing local ecosystems.
Rachel’s particularly excited about using her skills to showcase the beauty of the properties and the local areas, helping guests make the most of their stay through inspiring and informative content.
Clare Thornbury
Guest & Property Co-ordinator – Northumberland
Having grown up in Northumberland, Clare wanted a new adventure combining her passions of interacting with people, and being able to showcase and delight guests in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Having worked in finance for over 30 years, Clare sought this role as it allowed her to interact with guests and provide them with her top tips and local intel so that they can truly explore and get the best out of a location she adores.
There’s not much she doesn’t know about Craster and its surrounding areas as there is so much to experience; from the walk from Craster to Low Newton with a pub at both ends of the journey and a stop for an ice cream in the middle, to families getting out the buckets and spades at Embleton beach, or a visit to Alnwick Castle and Lilidorei followed by fish and chips, there really is something for everyone.
Clare is the point of contact for guests staying in Craster, and within new properties The Old Watermill and Mill Farmhouse down the road. She is always on hand to help, answer questions, and ensure guests have a happy and comfortable stay with us.
Outside of work Clare loves nothing more than exploring and going on mini breaks herself to enjoy shopping, the theatre, and live bands playing!
Ben Hart
Estate Manager for Oughtershaw Hall & The Reading Rooms – Yorkshire Dales
Ben, a true Yorkshire lad, has been looking after Oughtershaw Hall since 2014 – something he describes as a real privilege and one of the best opportunities he’s ever been given. Set right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the Hall is a place that’s become very close to his heart.
Alongside the day-to-day maintenance of the Hall, Ben keeps busy with a variety of other projects – most recently completing the River Walk at Oughtershaw Hall, a scenic path handcrafted with Yorkshire stone that now offers guests a peaceful stroll along the river’s edge. He also completed the stonework at The Reading Rooms, where he rebuilt the dry stone walls, installed the patio and drainage, and laid the turf to finish the outdoor space.
In addition, Ben runs a small farm, manages a bunk barn, walkers’ flats, and a handful of holiday lets. As a skilled landscaper and stoneworker, he can often be found building dry stone walls, garden features, and fencing.
Ben is truly passionate about the Dales and everything it has to offer. With the Dales Way on the doorstep and the famous Three Peaks close by, it’s a dream location for both walkers and cyclists.
One of Ben’s favourite spots is The Forbidden Corner near Leyburn—a magical labyrinth filled with puzzles, hidden passages, and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re looking for peace, adventure, or a bit of both, the Dales has something for everyone.
As a proud Yorkshireman, Ben never tires of the landscape here. The rolling hills, the abundance of wildlife, the quiet rivers weaving through the valleys—it’s an untouched, breathtaking place that inspires him every single day.
Janet Davies
Guest & Property Co-ordinator – North Wales
Janet joined Catch The Breeze Retreats in July 2025 after relocating to Southern Snowdonia with her husband—a move inspired by their love for the area’s natural beauty and peaceful way of life. Prior to joining CTB, Janet worked as a caretaker for the National Trust at Egryn, a Grade II listed medieval hall house near Barmouth. Her background also includes roles as an accounts assistant at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire and in administration at Barclays.
With a passion for the outdoors, Janet enjoys gardening – especially growing vegetables – hiking the many beautiful trails around Southern Snowdonia, and caring for her chickens. She also has a keen interest in beekeeping.
At Catch The Breeze, Janet plays an important role in welcoming guests to Tan Llan, acting as a point of contact throughout their stay and ensuring the highest standards are maintained across the property. Janet also provides local knowledge and guidance on walks, attractions, and things to see and do in the area.
Janet is always happy to recommend the best of Southern Snowdonia, including scenic hikes, a choice of stunning beaches, the Italianate charm of Portmeirion, and the area’s many historic castles. Guests can also enjoy fishing, dolphin watching, exploring the region’s steam and narrow-gauge railways, and dining at excellent local restaurants. One of her favourite spots is Beddgelert, a charming village known for its riverside walks, scenic views, independent shops, and traditional pubs.
Janet is excited to be part of the Catch The Breeze team and looks forward to meeting and supporting guests throughout their stay – while also beginning a personal project to research the fascinating history of Tan Llan through the local library archive.