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"Fine cottages and facilities - in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . ."

This fine courtyard of old stone barns was part of a working farm, but has now been sensitively converted to offer seventeen beautifully furnished and well-equipped cottages, ten of which are featured here. Boasting a wealth of original features, they enjoy shared use of a rich choice of leisure facilities, including a superb indoor heated swimming-pool in an adjacent purpose-designed building. With a shallow area for children, the pool has its own changing rooms and a sauna, and there is a separate games room. Brackendale Spa offers luxurious treatments.

There is a separate laundry room with automatic washing machine and tumble dryer. Close to the cottages are patio and barbecue areas. All set in 3 acres of shared grounds, offering a children's play area and plenty of space in which to relax.

This is an ideal setting for a Peak District holiday. Knockerdown Farm is conveniently situated on the road between Ashbourne and Matlock, within walking distance of beautiful Carsington Water, a superb windsurfing and sailing centre, which has an area devoted to wildlife and nature conservancy. Throughout the year they have special fun days for children of all ages. At the water sports centre you can hire (with tuition) Kayaks, windsurfers, Canadian canoes and bicycles.

Professional fly fishing is available to enable guests to try their hand at fishing this popular, well-stocked reservoir. Fine walking country is virtually on the doorstep, and the renowned Tissington and Middleton cycle trails are both close by (with bikes available to hire). The principal centres of the Derbyshire Dales are nearby Wirksworth, the market town of Ashbourne, attractive Bakewell (of pudding fame) and Matlock: all are fascinating ancient towns. At Ashbourne (5 miles) the art of glass blowing is on view at the Derwent Crystal Craft Centre. Matlock (6 miles) is popular as an inland resort, standing on the River Derwent amid lovely scenery, and offering boating, angling, bowls, tennis and cricket.

The young (and the young at heart) will enjoy a day out at the National Tramway Museum - where visitors may enjoy the fun experience of trams from around the world! Magnificent Chatsworth House (10 miles) boasts a famous collection of art treasures as well as beautiful gardens. Haddon Hall (13 miles) is England's most complete and authentic medieval house dating back to the 14th century. It is set in lovely countryside overlooking the River Wye, near Bakewell, which houses one of the National Park's information centres. One of Britain's premier theme parks, Alton Towers, within easy reach is amongst appealing countryside close to the picturesque village of Alton, offers a fun-packed day out for all the family. On site is the owners' Brackendale restaurant which is fully licensed and serves freshly prepared home-cooked food, to eat in or take away. There are several country inns within walking distance.

``...imbued with noble history...set in a dramatic and varied landscape...''
Take a beautiful Peak District National Park setting, just 3½ miles from Bakewell, add a historic hall (first recorded in the Domesday Book), and an ancient cluster of listed buildings converted to form superb cottage accommodation....and the result is the captivating blend that is Harthill Hall.
Nestling in 14 acres of grounds on an upland called Priest's Hill with excellent walking available from the doorstep, the properties have the use of an extensive range of leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming-pool, sauna, solarium, spa and beauty treatment room, and wifi bistro.
Noble names have woven the threads of the hall's long history including Henry de Ferrers, the Cokaynes and the Harthills. Henry VIII is also believed to have stayed at the hall. It was here in 1259 that Sir Richard de Hartle was issued a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander II, allowing him to appoint his own chaplain. The chapel ceased its functions as a place of worship in 1546 and now takes the form of The Chapel and Hartle Cottage.
Furnished with antiques, the eight cottages (five featured here) surround a medieval cobbled courtyard and retain a wealth of original features including thick stone walls, large oak beams, mullion windows and flagstone floors. Derbyshire's bustling market towns, villages, hills, dales and rivers, offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of customs. Boasting a varied and beautiful landscape, they also offer a blend of heritage, history and family attractions.
The beautiful market town of Bakewell is situated on the River Wye, crossed by a 13th-century five-arched bridge, with the 13th and 14th-century All Saints Church, where Saxon and Norman stonework can still be found. Within easy reach are Matlock, with Hall Leys Park offering numerous recreational facilities, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Buxton. National Trust properties and gardens nearby include, Riley Graves, Longshaw, Mam Tor, South Peak, Divedale, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall.

SUPERB ADDITIONAL FACILITIES Each property at Harthill Hall has one hour of private use of the facilities per day *Indoor heated swimming-pool with showers and changing facilities *Sauna (adults only) and solarium (coin-op, adults only) *Beauty therapy treatment room offering manicures, pedicures, facials and Indian head massage *14 acres of landscaped grounds with childrens play area *Private dining-room and conference facilities available by arrangement *Portrait gallery cappucino, breakfast, dinners and free wifi and laptop hire for gallery customers *Arrival on site from 1pm for communal use of facilities, key collection 4pm

"Spacious stone cottages with fine facilities, in a beautiful, tranquil woodland setting..."
In an idyllic setting in the Darwin Forest on the edge of the Peak District National Park, this group of cottages enjoys a wonderfully peaceful location from which to enjoy the area's great natural beauty. Built in traditional Derbyshire stone to blend effortlessly into their surroundings, they are set around the lake and surrounded by mixed woodland, an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.

The cottages are modern and spacious, with comfortably furnished living rooms, several enjoying views over the lake, and an excellent standard of fixtures and fittings throughout, including superbly equipped kitchens.

A central courtyard area creates a focal point, and each cottage has its own patio, as well as shared use of the nine acres of beautiful wooded grounds which include an enclosed, elevated woodland walk around the lake. By arrangement, Darwin Lake also have the use of leisure facilities at Knockerdown Farm near Carsington water - 13miles away.

These facilities include an indoor swimming pool and children's play area. This peaceful spot is the perfect stopping off point for walking and cycling amid superb countryside, and a trekking centre just around the corner provides plenty of opportunity to explore on horseback.

For the more adventurous, a whole host of outdoor pursuits is available nearby, including sailing, wind-surfing and canoeing on Carsington Reservoir, 13 miles away, while Derbyshire's gritstone edges and deep caverns attract rock climbing and pot-holing enthusiasts.

The popular Derbyshire Dales town of Matlock is only 4 miles away, with a good choice of pubs, restaurants and shops. Among the attractions here are the Peak Rail steam trains, the Heights of Abraham pleasure grounds, reached by a cable car across the gorge, dramatic show caverns and Gulliver's Kingdom. There is also a fascinating Lead Mining Museum and an excellent Tramway Museum at Crich, providing something of interest for everyone.

A short five minute drive away is the splendid Chatsworth House with its fine collections of paintings and furniture, and Haddon Hall in the beautiful Wye Valley. Village shop and local pub 2miles. Darwin Lake is the perfect place to get away from it all amid beautiful surroundings, and to enjoy the many attractions that make this region so popular.

The attractive cottages at Darwin Lake are cosily heated, insulated and double glazed throughout, with fine co-ordinated furnishings, fitted kitchen, superb bathrooms and high quality fixtures and fittings. The countryside is especially beautiful in the quieter seasons, and this tranquil location is accessible from major routes - ideal for Short Breaks and for holidays at all times of the year.

Shared access to 9-acres of wooded grounds with lake (toddlers beware!) including the Darwin Trail - a 15min circular stroll *Shared use of the facilities at Knockerdown Cottages 13 miles away *Duvets with linen and towels

Situated in the secluded hamlet of Wheston, the properties at Vicarage Farm enjoy a superb location within the White Peak, with its distinctive patchwork landscape of fields and dry stone walls.

The beautifully converted stone buildings are full of character, retaining many historic features whilst providing every modern amenity. Recreational facilities include sauna rooms in two of the properties, a shared floodlit tennis court and a large games barn with table tennis, pool table, darts and children's corner.

Visitors can relax in the large shared garden complete with barbecue, swings and breathtaking views. Set next to the owners' home and furnished to a high standard, the larger two properties have open fires, and all have full central heating, making them perfect for holidays all year round.

Just off the Limestone Way and Pennine Bridleway, this rural idyll is ideal for walking, cycling and fishing, or simply taking in the glorious views. For the adventurous, there is gliding, rock climbing and caving, all within 5miles.

Within 15-minutes' drive are the historic houses of Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, the spa town of Buxton, the market town of Bakewell, and the show caves at Castleton. Alton Towers and the pottery towns of Staffordshire are easily reached.

The international sporting venues of Manchester and Sheffield are easily accessible for family days out. This is excellent riding country; there are trekking stables nearby and Vicarage Farm has its own grass livery and stabling service, available by arrangement. Tideswell, shop and pubs, 1½miles.

Shared garden with furniture, barbecue, climbing frame and swing *Shared all-weather hard tennis court *Shared games barn with table tennis, darts and pool table.

"In historic hall grounds within walking distance of Carsington's wide water - cottages of style with fine facilities . . ."
Deep in the Derbyshire Dales, Hopton Hall sits at the hub of 30 acres of grounds where its courtyard of listed stables has been transformed and refurbished to create these four very comfortable, individually styled cottages.
Designed to retain many original features, they enjoy shared use of a range of facilities, including an indoor heated swimming-pool. Two of the properties have their own private gardens, whilst the grounds include an area of woodland for visitors' use, a paddock with a seating area (ideal for barbecues and picnics), football and volleyball nets, and a children's play area with swings, slide and climbing frame. Horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and golf available locally. At nearby Carsington Water, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing can all be enjoyed, with further local fishing available on the Derwent and Wye rivers.
Surrounded by excellent walking country, Hopton Hall was built in its present form by Anthony Gell in 1575; additions were made in 1768 by Sir John Gell, who was also responsible for building the famous and unique bowed ribbon wall. Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots and (more recently) Princess Anne have all stayed at the Hall, whose splendid and historic 3-acre gardens can beviewed by arrangement. Wirksworth (1½ miles) is the `Snowfield' of George Eliot's Adam Bede and has an oddly tilting marketplace. Other main centres of the Dales are Ashbourne, Bakewell and the popular inland resort of Matlock - all with good shops and a choice of restaurants and inns. North-west of Matlock is astretch of moorland which conveys an exhilarating impression of being on top of the world: this is Stanton Moor, where there is delightful walking along sandy paths amongst the heather. About the same distance from the cottages, but in complete contrast, is Dove Dale: here a deep and wooded gorge surprises the walker at every turn.
The Tissington and High Peak Trails are also fine scenic routes through breathtaking countryside, where visitors can enjoy picnics, pony-trekking and cycling. This is the White Peak end of the National Park: among the limestone hills, quiet villages bask in lush valleys. Extravagant Chatsworth House is worth a leisurely visit for the artistry of its construction and its great collections; its grounds are equally satisfying. Haddon Hall, essentially a medieval manor house, is built to a more human scale, and has been called the most perfect house in England. Eighteen miles away is Alton Towers, the popular theme park, which will excite children of all ages, and unnerve some of their parents.

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These two delightful cottages enjoy a charming position on the slopes of the Derwent Valley, with lovely views. Restored and refurbished to high standards, they enjoy shared use of an indoor heated swimming-pool and unlimited, free use of a small golf course, set in 8 acres (plays 9 holes). Bakewell is just 4 miles away, an attractive market town with a choice of shops, inns and restaurants. Providing a point of interest for visitors, The Old House Museum displays a selection of rustic tools and costumes from Bakewell's past, whilst for walkers, the Monsal Trail proves rewarding - spanning about eight miles and passing through some wonderful limestone valleys as it wends its way north to Wyedale. There are many fine country houses and interesting National Trust properties nearby, including Chatsworth House (Chatsworth Park is within walking distance). Built by the first Duke of Devonshire in the 17th century, it is set within vast grounds, landscaped by Capability Brown, and boasts the magnificent Emperor Fountain. Haddon Hall, 2 miles south of Bakewell, stands on the banks of the River Wye, and whilst not as grand as Chatsworth, stands as a fine example of a medieval manor house. The NT also owns several proeprties in the area, which make for worthwhile visits - including Sudbury Hall at Ashbourne (a late 17th-century house with sumptuous interiors, housing the Museum of Childhood within the service wing), and Hardwick Hall and Stainsby Mill, at Doe Lea, Chesterfield. Ilam Park (running along the River Manifold, with spectacular views towards Dovedale), and High Peak Estate (a vast area of outstanding walking country) also come under NT ownership and provide wonderful walking opportunities. For watersports enthusiasts, Carsington Water is within easy reach, with sailing, wind-surfing and canoeing all available. Matlock 6 miles, with swimming, cycle hire and golf.