Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
Well, we have been away for a week, visiting friends and family in Kent and East Sussex, hence the silence on the blog, but of course behind the scenes it has been business as usual.
We’ve returned to warm sunshine, evening sundowners outside the barns and talk of barbecues planned for tonight; all the tubs are gasping and suddenly it feels like the summer we have dreamed about for so long is nearly here. Having said that it is almost inevitable that the snow will return, as has been known in April before now. Let’s hope not.
While we were away we spent three nights with my sister and husband who are over from South Africa, staying in a holiday cottage they had rented. Personally, this was most enjoyable and fun as we don’t get to see each other that much; professionally, it was quite intriguing as one couldn’t help comparing.
Although it was clean, warm, comfortable and adequately equipped it felt functional and impersonal, lacking any sense of excitement or ‘magic’. It provided a convenient base for us all, rather than a soothing retreat! Describing it thus is easy; much harder is to define why…
The weather is grey, cold and this evening threatening to hail. But all is not lost: the clumps of snowdrops in front of the house are out, and our daffodil stalks shooting up daily.
Leg-wise, things are improving even more dramatically. The bright blue ‘Scotch-cast’ is off, the crutches (almost) hurled away and I am back to walking, tentatively, on two feet again, in shoes… Not sure if we’ll be going skiing in the immediate future though.
Just a brief, sunny, update.
At last, after over a month we have warm (?) sunshine and not a bit of snow to be seen apart from the rather sad relics of our igloo. The igloo picture by the way actually made the Ashbourne News Telegraph this week see Nick on Parwich.org.
The fresh burst of snow forecast did not affect us here, but after the last month one would be naive to think we had seen the last of winter conditions. But in spite of that, our snowdrops are full of enthusiasm and promise…
Here are some useful websites for guests who are due to visit in the next few days and who may be feeling anxious about the weather and conditions on the roads:
Tom with his ice sword
For the first time in ten years we have had two guests finding it difficult or impossible to negotiate the final 200 yards up the slope to Orchard Farm All is not lost! It just means you may have to trudge up the last lap on foot; if humanly possible those of us who are mobile will come and help with wheelbarrow and sledge.
Click on the Latest Weather Report post of 7th Jan for more details.
The snow and freezing temperatures have lasted nearly a month now. Jolly jaunts into Ashbourne or carefree walks to local pubs are distant memories, trapped as we are by the external conditions and my being ‘legless’. Not so trapped that we haven’t enjoyed two lovely evenings recently with local friends…
Our guests are coping far better than us. All so far have made it, all so far have been able to leave at the appropriate time, all appear to have thoroughly enjoyed the Alpine conditions. Two of the last three have not made it – or only made it with help – up the final hill to Orchard Farm. Fortunately it is possible to leave the car safely at the bottom of the slope, and trudge up with all the belongings. Having promised help with a sledge we couldn’t find ours, but have been promised the loan of another so Friday’s arrivals and departures may be easier.
Or perhaps by then it will have thawed?
The leg by the way is coming on fine. I am becoming reasonably agile on crutches, and pretty deft at steering the wheelchair about the house.
The cold weather continues, the snow covers the surrounding hills and valleys and Parwich sparkles in the bright sunlight (at least it has been all day). We haven’t had any fresh snow today; people have been getting into Ashbourne via the Alsop road which we are told is perfectly OK if you take it slowly.
For guests who may be feeling anxious:
In ten years we have never ever had any of our guests unable to reach Parwich and us. However, there always may be a first time…? What is most likely is that you will get to Parwich perfectly well, but the final 200 yards up the little slope and round the corner to Orchard Farm may prove the last straw. Don’t let your courage fail!
If this final stretch threatens to defeat you, park your car safely at the bottom of the slope, give us a ring if you have a signal, or walk up the road if not. We (the royal we as one of us is on crutches) will come down to meet you with a wheelbarrow etc to cart your possessions up. The crutch bearer will meanwhile be preparing a restorative mulled wine or hot coffee (or both).Finally: a promise:
If on the day you are due to arrive, Parwich – and therefore Orchard Farm – is completely cut off and generally declared inaccessible from the outside world, we will offer you an equivalent break at another available date at no extra cost to you.
If on the other hand you make a personal decision for whatever reason not to risk it, although the village itself is generally deemed accessible, that will be a matter between you and your Holiday Cancellation Insurance provider.
We can provide suitable accommodation despite the cold weather
It has snowed, heavily, all day in Parwich, to the delight of anyone on holiday or under the age when road-conditions-neurosis hits in. The whole village is white and wonderful and the Parwich young were sledging until past nightfall on the hill opposite. See Wintery Fun in the Gallery for some local photos.
Meanwhile, those of us with ankles in plaster (bright blue since a visit to the Fracture Clinic at the new Derby Royal Hospital – it used to be the plain City Hospital) have not tried sledging or anything remotely more adventurous than hopping, quite vigorously, on crutches and steering a wheelchair around the house.
A trip yesterday to a village New Year’s party in the church involved four strong men manhandling the wheelchair into the church over two deepish steps (I’d never even registered there were steps before, so my disability/accessibility awareness is improving rapidly as is my admiration for the strong men of Parwich).
On a more serious note, for any guests anxious about getting up to Orchard Farm if the snow continues, we have long had a contingency plan. Until now we have never actually had to resort to it but if you are concerned, do ring for instructions.
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