Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Exquisitely designed with an eye for detail, this ‘upside-down’ cottage in Alstonefield village puts the best of the beautiful Peak District at your feet
Please note: minimum stay for this property is: 2 nights low season & 3 nights high season
Harpur Barn is owned and managed by Robert I Wood.
You can ask a question or make a booking request directly with Robert I Wood.
The serenely styled Harpur Barn alone is a great excuse to visit the Peak District. The rugged exterior gives way to cool calm as you enter this two-bedroom cottage in the pretty Derbyshire village of Alstonefield, around 13 miles from Bakewell.
Completely renovated by the owners, Harpur Barn oozes comfort, with the muted colour palette adding to the light, airy feel. Unconventionally, you will find the bedrooms downstairs and the living area above – this double-height space featuring the barn’s original oak beams.
It’s all open-plan upstairs, with a log-burner in the feature fireplace and wooden shutters at the windows. From soft blankets to rattan baskets, the furnishings feel as good as they look – with a chunky dining table and curved retro armchair among the highlights. The kitchen unobtrusively shares the space, with a microwave, washing machine and dishwasher keeping a low profile but ready when you need them.
Downstairs, the two double bedrooms both have their own en suite, one with a roll-top bath. One of the bedrooms can be converted to a twin as required.
The Peak District is made for walking, whether you follow a well-trodden route or just go wandering. National Trust-managed Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak are close by, and will welcome you and your dog for some serious exploring. There’s also the Monsal Trail, formerly a rail route stretching from Buxton to Bakewell, and now popular with cyclists.
The area boasts all sorts of attractions which will appeal to adults, children or both – for instance the cable car adventures over a limestone gorge at Matlock’s Heights of Abraham, or the wonders of the Poole’s Cavern caves.
Historic house lovers will gravitate towards the famous Chatsworth House and the lesser-known, but no less impressive, Haddon Hall. In Buxton, the pretty Pavilion Gardens are a lovely spot to make a lazy day of it, and, once you’re re-energised, there’s a Go Ape adventure park in town too.
With Harpur Barn within a short walk of the nearest pub, you’re set up for a drink or two in the evening, and it’s worth making a booking for dinner at The George too – reckoned by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best 15 country pubs. Snug inside with a roaring fire on a cold day, it’s what the British countryside is all about.
For an invigorating break in real comfort, Harpur Barn will take care of it all.
Please note: minimum stay for this property is: 2 nights low season & 3 nights high season
Harpur Barn is owned and managed by Robert I Wood.
You can ask a question or make a booking request directly with Robert I Wood.
Mid-week: Low £820/High £1020
Weekends: Low £580/High £780
From Previous Guests
Have you stayed here?
Leave a reviewA delightful cottage and a perfect base for the White Peak. The property is spotless, cosy and exactly as described. There wasn't a "welcome pack" but there were all the maintenance essentials, including dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, tea, coffee and sugar. I had read the literature sent to me which has clear instructions so knew to bring the essentials with me. The location is quiet, set back from the main road, which really isn't busy and you will get the occasional farm vehicle pass by, which is great for the kids! We were well located for the Peak Wildlife Park, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Matlock, etc...I even managed to get the children to walk from the cottage to the Stepping Stones at Dovedale and back.... 13km! Very pleasant and felt very safe. Take cash - everywhere. The wifi for local businesses can be hit and miss, so cash is preferred as it doesn't need wifi ;) Great little shop in Milldale for snacks and ice creams. We didn't visit the local pub (more restaurant) as it is gourmet - but looks lovely! My only request for an improvement for staying guests would be instructions or expectations on how to leave the property for the housekeeping team, but this is very much for peace of mind, and did by no means effect our stay.
Stayed August 2023
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