Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
‘A fantastic cottage and location; thank you for all the small things like marmalade (yum!) and eggs. Would love to come back. For food: we had a great meal at the Coach and Horses in Fenny Bentley.’ Nov 2010
‘Beautiful cosy cottage, exceeded our hopes. Had a wonderful relaxing week. Thank you for creating such a stunning retreat.’ Nov 2010
“We found this cottage in ‘Somewhere Special’ in 2007. This was our 5th visit to somewhere very special! Thank you!” August 2010
‘We’ve had a lovely honeymoon break in this beautiful cottage and wonderful setting.’ Nov 2010
‘We have had the perfect autumn break – with not so perfect weather! The area is beautiful and we have been on some fantastic walks. The barn is ideal in all respects – don’t want to leave. Can’t wait to come back. Thank you, John and Marion, for making us so welcome. Oct 2010
‘Absolutely perfect cottage and hosts. Everything provided for a relaxing break, loved the flowers and the cake. Thank you so much, Marion and John. PS Boots popped in to se us on Sunday – adorable!’ Oct 2010
“We have had a fantastic week! This is by far the best place we have ever stayed in the UK.” August 2010
“We have had a lovely week in this beautiful cottage. Lovely surroundings. Homemade cake, fresh flowers and all the other extras were much appreciated. Hope to return.” July 2010.
‘Another fantastic visit (their fifth), fully relaxed following our stay.’ Nov 2010
‘Would definitely revisit. We highly recommend Ladybower Dam, Poole’s Cavern, Bakewell…’ Nov 2010
‘Came here last year and immediately rebooked. We weren’t disappointed. Once again Marion and John have thought of everything and the place is so clean. Cooked lots – the kitchen is better equipped than mine! We’ll have to come back one day; I can’t bear not to!’ Oct 2010
‘Fabulous place to chill – so relaxed we didn’t do much at all, but enjoyed every moment in the beautiful barn. Hope to return. Thanks to John and Marion for providing such a welcome place.’ Oct 2010
“Our second stay in Tom’s Barn – already booked for next year! Such a wonderful place to stay – everything you could anticipate in a cottage…and more!! Everything is spotlessly clean and so comfortable.” Sept 2010
‘What a gem! From the generous welcome, homemade cake, spotlessly clean cottage… a true find. Lovely walks, walk at Chatsworth we particularly liked…Thank you…’ Oct 2010
‘Lovely cosy barn and tasty welcome tray! Perfect surroundings and hosts. Delicious homemade marmalade from Marion, will try to make some when we get home. Enjoyed a morning run on circular route from the gate outside the barn, up the hill, left at the top and left again back into Parwich (about 3 miles) and virtually traffic free at 8am. Just returned from the George – highly recommended!’ Oct 2010
Thanks for a great lemon & poppy seed cake, Marion – wonderful! Just wished we could stay longer. Thank you so much.” Sept 2010
Now here as promised are the latest comments from our guests, gleaned this summer from the Visitors’ Book in Douglas’s Barn.
In many ways, Douglas’s Barn is the ‘dark horse’, dwelling with quiet dignity beside the older, better-known dog-friendly holiday cottage, Tom’s Barn. It has been going just four years. Its name is not reflected in our website and as you know Douglas’s Barn does not take dogs. However, it has a loyal band of followers and has an even higher occupancy rate (99% last financial year) than its older sibling! Tom’s was 95% (still excellent!)
“Our 4th visit and just as wonderful as the previous three. Our usual good weather was the icing on the cake! Thanks so much to John, Marion, Janet and Boots and see you all in 2011.” July 2010
“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 (NB they stayed last time in Tom’s Barn!) and find everything as wonderful as we remembered. We’ve had an action week of walking and cycling and have enjoyed returning to the peace and tranquillity of Orchard Farm and the comforts of Douglas’s Barn.
Thank you John and Marion for your warm hospitality and all the ‘little extras’, especially the seriously good Bakewell Tart.” June 2010
“We have had the most wonderful stay here – beautiful surroundings, fabulous cottage and warm hospitality…” June 2010
“A wonderful stay again. I can’t contribute to the suggestions book as everything is just perfect. Many many thanks to you all.” June 2010
“Excellent accommodation, extremely well-equipped, superb location!” May 2010
“The perfect place to relax and unwind. Cakes were delicious. Thanks for all you do to make this cottage so special.” May 2010
“Wonderfully relaxing holiday in the best-equipped cottage we’ve had the pleasure of staying in. Bath is a real help in easing the aches from the delightful walks which abound.” May 2010
‘What a treat to stay here!’
Here is a selection of the latest comments made by our guests in the Tom’s Barn Guest Book. Douglas’s Barn will follow tomorrow.
All the comments are taken exactly as written, and can be seen in the relevant Visitors’ Books if anyone wonders if we spend our spare time thinking up lovely comments!
“What can you say that has not been said before – sets the standard for others to follow.” July 2010
“Fabulous cottage, perfect surroundings and wonderful weather. Thank you for the extras and Boots.” July 2010
“What a treat to stay here, we’ve loved it. Great walks – the George at Alstonefield was our favourite pub, and okay with dogs. Thank you John and Marion and Janet for everything. PS Do go to the Gate pub at Brassington- it’s wonderful, great locals and great pub grub and good beer.” July 2010
“Had a wonderful hot week, loved the Bakewell Tart and the marmalade. Great place to stay, and thanks for everything.” June 2010
“Another wonderful, relaxing week in Tom’s Barn. Everything is fabulous – especially the warm welcome and the delicious cake…see you next year.” June 2010
“As usual a very pleasant stay, weather not quite as good as we would have liked, but still a lovely part of the country to visit. Hope to be back again next year.”June 2010
“ We had a wonderful honeymoon at Tom’s Barn – the cottage is beautifully decorated, well equipped and in a gorgeous location. Best bits: treats on arrival, especially the marmalade, the artwork and impressive beams, the bath, all the books and info, and finally John and Marion for their warmth and friendliness. Thank you!” June 2010
“Tom’s Barn – what a fantastic find! Had everything we could possibly have wanted, rounded off our honeymoon perfectly. I am sure we will return in the future! June 2010
“We spent a lot of money at H. Smith in Ashbourne – a great selection, especially of wines, and they stock our favourite ones. We recommend Vina Esmeralda 2007 – such a fruity wine for a summer day; we enjoyed sitting outside the front door with a glass!” May 2010
“It’s the finishing touches that make the cottage so special, the cake (that lasted all of ten minutes I add!) the fresh flowers that smell so lovely and freshly laid eggs!” May 2010
“Tom’s Barn the best place we have ever stayed. We have had a wonderful week, always sad to be leaving.“ May 2010
“It’s all been said before, but it’s all true! Our first visit to the Peak District and we loved it…” May 2010
And here are the comments from our recent guests in Douglas’s Barn…
“The accommodation is beautiful, the setting superb. We have really enjoyed our stay here.” April 2010
“Our stay here has been truly relaxing: lovely weather, lovely cottage, perfect hosts. What more could you ask for?” April 2010
“Losing track of how many times we have been here now – beginning to feel a little possessive! Having left a little black and white cat in Birmingham, Boots made us feel even more at home. We found her patiently waiting by the door after our lie-ins! Hope the next guests aren’t allergic…” April 2010
“Our first time in Douglas’s Barn (but sixth visit overall)…enjoyed lazy walks by the Dove, north from Milldale and south from Hartington. … Excellent weather and a very peaceful and comfortable break. Thank you for all the comforts in Douglas’s Barn.” April 2010
“Had a great week, cottage was superb, cake and marmalade delicious! The village pub and shop was very accommodating. The Bluebell Inn (Tissington) was very good, the Old Gate at Brassington – very good meal, friendly staff but a bit dark and smokey (coal fire).” April 2010
“A wonderful, relaxing anniversary break. Everything we could have wanted and more! Thank you, lovely to meet you both, and Boots.” March 2010
“More than met our expectations after reading up on TripAdvisor etc! Cake and flowers lovely, as is the cottage and Peak District. We will be back, and writing our own review on TripAdvisor. Thanks to you and Janet.” March 2010
“You really have thought of everything to make Douglas’s Barn perfect. No wonder couples who want time away, choose here. Those extra touches really do make a difference. Thank you both of you.” March 2010
“Second visit to Douglas’s Barn, which is as wonderful as ever! We managed a couple of cycle rides – coming back from the cold to luxury and comfort. We loved every minute. Thank you!” March 2010
“Wonderful home away from home. Glorious weather for exploring hills and dales. Lived up to all expectation and beyond – many thanks.” March 2010
At last I’ve found the time to enter the recent comments for Tom’s Barn. Douglas’s to follow…
“At the risk of becoming repetitive another superb week here in Tom’s Barn – John and Marion, wonderful owners, nothing too much bother for them. No complaints! New cooker a doddle, Marion!!” April 2010
“Yet another fabulous week at Tom’s Barn. Thank you Janet for the warm welcome but that is what you get every time you arrive at this lovely cottage. All the little touches were the same as last time, but when i thought it couldn’t get any better you threw in homemade marmalade (do you do internet orders?) Thank you again.”April 2010
“Tom’s Barn – what can I say – you thought of everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our ‘short’ stay – it was a wonderful relaxing place. The walks were very pleasant and there is still so much more to discover – we would love to come back again! Thank you.” April 2010
“A wonderful time was had by us all. Tom’s Barn was the perfect setting for our last holiday before the arrival of our twins! Rest and relaxation was the order of the day and this was helped by the comfort and the little extras that were provided by John and Marion in the barns. We were very sad to leave. Thank you.” April 2010
“A lovely relaxing week away from it all – everything we could need in the cottages and lots of lovely dog walks on the doorstep. Locals very friendly and happy to chat – any problems and John and Marion are available. Attention to detail excellent – I particularly appreciated the padding on the upstairs beam on several occasions!!” April 2010
J&MF-S ”It felt strange being our own guests, and even stranger writing in the Visitors’ Book…! It made a very pleasant change to be guests, and casting aside all pretensions to modesty, we loved our short stay here. We have always tried to make our barns the kind of place we’d enjoy ourselves, so perhaps it is not surprising, but quite a relief all the same. It was useful, too. We did identify one or two things that weren’t quite up to snuff but a quick word in the owners’ ear ensured these were quickly rectified. (Couldn’t find the frying pan, the phone too crackly to use with any comfort, tatty chopping boards…). Can’t wait for the chance to try Douglas’s Barn (again) now.” March 2010
“Superb stay. Tom’s Barn is so cosy and it’s the best equipped cottage we’ve ever stayed in. The George (Alstonefield) well worth a visit, as is Ye Olde Gate Inn (Brassington) as both allow dogs in the pub. The George’s food was the best. John and Marion are great, very helpful as needed but equally, left us to enjoy the cottage. We would love to return -… a fantastic introduction to the Peak District. Thank you!” March 2010
“We had a great time. The barn is fantastic and the attention to detail is excellent. Really relaxing break. The ‘steak and stilton pie’ from the butcher’s in Tissington was fantastic, as were the walks. We look forward to returning!” March 2010
“Tom’s Barn is a haven of peace and tranquillity, where stress just slips away. Beautifully appointed and equipped to ensure a most enjoyable stay. It is those extra touches such as the welcome tea tray, flowers, information packs that set this accommodation apart, not to mention the friendly welcome from John and Marion. We would love to come back and would have no hesitation in recommending this as the perfect getaway. Thank you so much.” March 2010
We do appreciate all your comments but, particularly in this case, about where you’ve enjoyed (or not) eating; they can be very helpful for future guests planning their stay.
Here are some recent comments from our guests about some of the local pubs and eateries:
One or two more comments from our guests who were here over Christmas and the New Year and enjoyed almost more snow than we did in the Alps!
“A wonderful end to the year and beginning of a new one. I think we started planning our next trip the minute we walked in the door!
Many thanks!!” Jan 2010
“Thank you for providing the ingredients for the best Christmas ever! We loved the cottage, the long walks in the snow and the peace and quiet. Bliss! Top notch accommodation – will tell friends.” Dec 2009
“Cottage and Marion’s Bakewell Tart as wonderful and fantastic as the Derbyshire Dales!” Sept 09
“Our third stay in Tom’s Barn, and it’s as lovely as ever.”
“ We’ve had the most perfect week, eating, walking, relaxing… We really appreciated all the thought which has obviously gone into making it a real home form home.” April 2009
“Had a wonderful week here in Tom’s Barn – such a perfect piece of heaven!” April 2009
“What a wonderful stay – Derbyshire is ridiculously beautiful! This is what English living is all about – friendly people, lovely countryside and great pubs. The cottage, like its hosts, is warm and inviting. The lovely extras do not go unnoticed…” April 2009
” Fabulous week so good to get so far away from the world just a short drive up. Already booked our third visit for November this year. Stock up the wood pile, Hooch (the dog) didn’t want to leave!” April 2009
“How we have enjoyed our week in Tom’s Barn! So cosy – wonderful accommodation – simply everything one needs…” March 2009
” For two weary people and one enthusiastic dog this weekend has been a real tonic: idyllic location and Tom’s Barn is just perfect.” March 2009
” A fantastic find! I want to take the log burner back with me!” Feb. 2009
” Words can’t express the joy of visiting Tom’s Barn: John and Marion’s kindness, as well as stepping back in time with Parwich village life. A truly memorable experience – we will definitely return and tell all our friends.” Feb. 2009
” A great week, made all the nicer for the snow and log burner!” Feb. 2009
” This is our first cottage holiday and i really don’t think we cold have picked a better place…” Jan. 2009
We have no regrets in choosing the Dales over Sicily! This is a lovely cottage in a beautiful spot.”
“Absolutely perfect…We wanted a relaxing weekend away from our hectic lives and that is exactly what we found here.” Nov 08
“Lovely week…fantastic walking, perfect location and loved the wood fire and the lemon cake!” Nov 08
“So good we won’t tell anyone else about it!” Nov 2008
“Very comfortable, everything we could wish for. Five Star in every respect.” Sept 08
“We had a wonderful stay. Tom’s Barn exceeded our expectations.” Aug 08
“ Excellent. Great service from booking through to arrival. Everything supplied and more (including ginger cakes!…) Everything first class – what a rare treat these days!” May 08
“The area is better than advertised, great views etc, while the ‘barn’ (!!) has to be lived in to be fully appreciated….everything one could wish for.” April 08
“Have enjoyed a wonderful holiday. Over the years have stayed in many lovely cottages, this is the best.” April/May
“ What a pleasure to come to a ‘cottage’ which actually lives up to its 5 Star billing! Excellent.“ Aug 2009
“Another great week in our favourite hideout!” Aug 09
“We have had a lovely week in this exceptional cottage – a real home from home – but with a peacefulness and tranquillity beyond words.” Aug 09
“Relaxing week full of discoveries of the district. I have no doubt we will be coming back. The accommodation was just perfect.” July 2009
“Lovely and enjoyable week: we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather or accommodation. We’d always passed through Derbyshire before, but having time to spend here has ensured we’ll have to come back.” June 2009
“We have had a lovely relaxing week in your beautiful cottage. We really appreciated all the extra touches which made it a real home from home; enjoyed lovely walks from the doorstep, eating out at the George in Alstonefield and Ye Old gate at Brassington.” June 2009
“Excellent cottage in all respects. In this day and age (Parwich is) an outstanding village for its friendly approach to visitors.” April 2009
“Fantastic place and location, first (but not last) visit to the Peak District”. March 2009
“Wonderful accommodation in a stunning location… We had a fantastic stay.” Feb. 2009
“Another fabulous stay in Douglas’s Barn. So warm and cosy: great to come back to after walks in the snow. Many thanks to Marion and John. We’ll be back again!” Feb 2009
“What a wonderful place to spend Valentine’s Day! It certainly is one of the most romantic breaks. Thanks to Marion and John for the wonderful welcome and home-made cakes.” Feb 2009
“Douglas’s Barn is the best self-catering we have ever stayed in! Beautiful cottage, excellently equipped and furnished. Thanks for the warm welcome and the extra touches.”
“We’ve had an amazing time. The cottage (Douglas’s Barn) is true luxury – beautiful décor and quality of furnishings, and the kitchen is fantastically equipped. We realised we’d heard no traffic noise or sirens – so calming compared to London.”
“From fresh herbs and a bedside posy of wild flowers to the remote control fire – everything you could possibly need: Douglas’s Barn was perfection.”
“This is a truly idyllic location and we loved everything about Douglas’s Barn. The attention to detail really means it’s a home from home…”
“Award yourself another star!”
“Lovely cottage, welcome and weather.”
“Our annual visits to Orchard Farm seem to be coming more frequent. This time we didn’t even get into the car once.”
“Congratulations on a superb cowshed to cottage conversion!”
“The birdsong is glorious.”
“Excellent cottage in a lovely area.” Oct 2008
“A lovely relaxing break in a wonderful cottage.’ Oct 08
“Stunning setting, stunning cottage – perfect in every way.” Nov 2008
I have had the pleasure of managing Tom and Douglas Barns for 10 Years and felt it was time to enjoy a bit more of my retirement. The barns will continue to be holiday cottages and will be maintained to the standard that all previous guests have enjoyed. The only change is that Sykes Cottages […]
The weather is a bit mixed but we are still getting sunny days. A perfect time of year to come and stay for a few days and have a walk in the lovely countryside, take a bike ride, visit one of the many attractions that all stay open or just relax in Tom or Douglas […]
The weather has been so wet but our barns offer a cosy retreat in beautiful countryside. Why not pack a bag for a few days and have a break . We have extended our spring prices until mid June and reduced our summer prices. It would be lovely to see you for a few days […]
