Two romantic holiday cottages for two in the Peak Park
"We would both like to thank you for making us feel so welcome - I have to say it was one of the best holidays we have ever had in this country - there was nothing to fault it or compare with it." July 2010
Our luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Peak District offers all couples the real chance to relax in peace and comfort in an idyllic rural setting.
From cowshed to contemporary luxury: a romantic retreat for two in the beautiful Peak Park countryside
Tom's Barn galleried bedroom: perfect romantic escape for two with en suite two-seater bath
Relax together in front of the Tom's Barn log burner - your dog will love it too!
We provide plenty of maps and walk books in both barns, also a Netbook for your personal use
Five star luxury for 2: the extra-wide/long king size bed with Vi-Spring mattress in Douglas's Barn
Soothing contemporary luxury in Douglas's Barn sitting room. Boots disapproves, but no pets here!
The slow cooker provided in both barns means you can come home to a delicious meal after a day's walk
From ancient cowshed...
From the outside - in spite of pots of flowers and pristine paintwork - our two luxury Five Star holiday cottages in the Peak District don’t seem to have changed very much since their more modest beginnings as cowsheds. However, not is all as it seems.
...to contemporary luxury
The minute you open the door it can quite take your breath away - no ancient farm buildings these! Both Tom's and Douglas's Barns instantly reveal themselves as very much 21st century luxury living, exuding warmth and welcome. Shut the door and you will find yourself in the perfect romantic hideaway for two, far removed from all the pressures and strains of normal life. All our guests - couples of all ages - most of whom lead busy stressful lives - so appreciate being able to enjoy a totally relaxing time together in their rather special home from home.
Our approach? Trying to keep one step ahead
Our aim is to make both our barns the perfect relaxing romantic treat for two: the sort of holiday cottages we would love to stay in ourselves (we haven't found one yet...!). We are lucky - our barns are very popular and in great demand - but we never want to rest on our laurels; we are aware that standards progress and our guests' expectations increase so we are constantly trying keep one step ahead, thinking what extra we can do.
Our style? Understated luxury
We may have luxury cottages but ours is an unflashy luxury: nothing twee, no unnecessary frills or fussiness but everything good quality, spotlessly clean, extremely comfortable and in excellent condition. We do not make economy purchases but use well respected suppliers (including it must be said Ikea when appropriate!).
Mainly we use such as Farrow & Ball for all interior paint, and Valti for outside, John Lewis and The White Company for linen and towels, Vi-Spring mattresses (and bed in Tom's Barn), Gilchrist & Soames for 'toiletries'; we buy top of the range electrical equipment.
What extras can you expect to find?
We try to provide everything - within reason - you might need (see Tom's Barn & Douglas's Barn for more detail).
- You will find fresh flowers and awaiting your arrival a welcoming tea tray with a freshly (home-) made cake or biscuits. We provide some staple fresh ingredients (some owners call this a 'Welcome Hamper' such as a loaf of bread, a pint of milk, some butter and half a dozen freshly laid local farm eggs.
- There is also flour, sugar rice etc, tea and coffee and some dried herbs and spices. Each barn has its own mini herb garden in a pot by the front door and in the summer months we leave you a jug of fresh herbs from our garden. You will find all household staples such as loo paper and tabs for the dishwasher.
- There are books to read, some DVD's and CD's, maps, walk books and some well-worn games. You will always find the current edition of the local 'stunner' otherwise known as the Ashbourne Daily Telegraph, Derbyshire Life and the Radio Times.
- There is (free) Wi-fi internet access (ask for the password) and also, for those that don't want to bring their own, a Sony netbook for your own use, already programmed with a number of links to useful local websites.
Relaxation:
We want coming here to feel a treat rather than a hardship... We want you to go home feeling totally indulged, relaxed and refreshed, ready to meet the real world again.
- Rest and relaxation? That is easy, you can't help it!
- Gourmet eating? If you want to cook - all the equipment is there including a slow-cooker; if you'd rather go out, you can follow the links on the Netbook to book a delicious meal somewhere, or to arrange a caterer...
- Pampering/self-indulgence? Just fill the whirlpool bath (but go easy on the soap bubbles...) light a candle and find - and fill - the plastic champagne glasses.
Activities?
If you can drag yourselves away there is so much to do in the lovely Derbyshire Peak District countryside surrounding us. Barbecues in your own garden area, countless walks right from the door including the High Peak and Tissington Trails, Dovedale is nearby, and Carsington for water sports, Chatsworth and at least five other stately homes within an hours' drive, local fishing, golf, tennis (actually in Parwich itself) and so on. You will find plenty of information in your barn.
Contact - if you want it - with the outside world
- Mobile signals are improving, but still dodgy: O2 and Orange are the best but not perfect yet but you can usually get a signal outside..
- Each barn has its own landline telephone for your personal use (no charge but there is an 'honesty jar').
- We have free Wireless Internet Access in both of our cottages.
All you really need to bring
All you really have to think about are your personal belongings and anything particular you may want to eat and drink. You will be able to top up any necessities at the shop-in-the-pub. Anything organic or more exotic could be ordered in advance of your arrival from Riverford Farm or Waitrose and we'll put it away for you in your barn to await you.
Then all you have to do is relax, forget about the outside world and enjoy yourself.
Recent comments from our guests
“What a perfect way to spend out first week of marriage! This place is a gem and we definitely want to come back! The weather, place, amenities and people have all been wonderful. Thank you John and Marion!” July 2010
“It’s great to return after six years and find everything as wonderful as we remembered." June 2010
“Wonderful home away from home. Glorious weather for exploring hills and dales. Lived up to all expectation and beyond – many thanks.” March 2010
“After five visits leaving doesn’t get any easier!" Feb 2010
"FANTASTIC, excellent break. A perfect rest from the busy world we live in. The snow made our holiday. What a romantic retreat! We will be back, thank you Marion and John.” Jan 2010
“The perfect romantic retreat for the start of our married life!” Dec 2009
