Rocking Stone Cottage

England · Derbyshire · Matlock

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A lovingly restored barn conversion with some of England’s most stunning countryside on its doorstep - Rocking Stone Cottage is the place to uncover the Peak District

Sleeps 4
2 bedrooms
3 bathrooms

£198-325 per night

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Highlights

Luxurious and stylish refurbishment in a magnificent rural Peak District setting
Great for pairs of couples, this cottage has two equally large and lovely ensuite bedrooms.
Stunning bathrooms complete with roll top bath and walk-in rain showers
Outdoor terrace with gas-fired BBQ and beautiful views
The pretty village of Birchover has two nice pubs and two druid stone circles within a short walk
Breathe in the fresh air with spectacular walks right from the front door and cycle trails around the local area.
This place is so lovely that Hollywood has come calling - classic movie The Princess Bride was filmed here, with the site of Buttercup's cottage located just behind the house.

ensuite bathroom with roll top bath and walk in rain shower

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The master bedroom has fabulous views out of the enormous window and an ensuite shower room

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You should know

Just a few miles from Bakewell and Matlock, and 20 minutes from Chatsworth House

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Eco Credentials

Top Scoring

Repurposed / renovated building

Biodiversity improvement actions

EV charging point

Other Green Credentials

All energy efficient appliances

Energy Performance Certificate rating C

Eco cleaning products

Organic and ethically sourced soap / shampoo

and 7 more

A magnificently converted barn with views across the surrounding fields, Rocking Stone Cottage brings a touch of rustic chic to the Peak District. Within a short drive of Matlock and Bakewell – both just over five miles away – you will be perfectly placed to explore the best of this beautiful region.

It's perfect for a romantic stay for two, or a getaway for two couples, with two gorgeous equally sized bedrooms both with luxurious ensuite bathrooms.

Found at the end of a bumpy track, Rocking Stone Cottage has been thoughtfully renovated and furnished. You have a pretty terrace right outside, letting you enjoy a drink or two while admiring the countryside view – and there’s a barbecue too.

The views are just as good from the main bedroom, thanks to the large arched window looking out on the fields where sheep, cows and wild rabbits roam. The same room has an en suite shower and king-size bed with a pocket-sprung mattress and luxury bedding. A second bedroom can be converted to a twin and its bathroom features a decadent free-standing bath as well as a walk-in shower.

The living space on the lower level is just as inviting. The centrepiece fireplace is occupied by a warming wood-burner, with a plentiful supply of logs to hand. TV doesn’t dominate the sitting room, but you do have one, complete with Freeview channels and DVDs. Alternatively, there are books to read and board games to play, as well as Wi-Fi.

With exposed beams and bare stone walls, a good-looking kitchen and dining space has another terrace just outside. Underfloor heating beneath the wooden floor is another nice touch and, as this area is open-plan, you can adjourn seamlessly to the lounge after dinner.

Rocking Stone Cottage and the surrounding area are so picturesque, they've been used as filming locations. Many scenes from the much-loved 1980s film The Princess Bride were shot here. Buttercup's little cottage, seen at the start of the film, was located behind the house, and nearby Haddon Hall, a beautifully preserved medieval manor, was Prince Humperdinck's castle.

In the Peak District’s south-eastern corner, Rocking Stone Cottage has some of the area’s best-loved attractions in easy reach. Only 20 minutes away, Chatsworth House is a local landmark, worth a visit for its impressive gardens alone.

The Crich Tramway Village combines a tram-based museum with a recreated ‘period’ street, while the Heights of Abraham is all about caverns and cable cars. For straight-up family fun, there’s the Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park or, for the adults, Buxton Opera House hosts a diverse programme of live entertainment.

Lovers of historic houses won’t want to miss nearby Haddon Hall, while those that walk or cycle may like to tackle the Monsal Trail. Rock-climbing and caving have also made their mark around these parts – both exhilarating ways to see the incredible landscape.

Features

Essential

Baby Friendly
EV Charging Point
Family Friendly
Internet / Wi-Fi

Heating

No Dogs

No Smoking

Underfloor Heating

Living Spaces

Games/Books

Bed/Bath

Bath

Hairdryer

Shower

Towels (bath)

Tech

DVD Player

Satellite TV/Freeview

Smart TV/FireStick

Sonos/Smart Speaker

Television

Outside

Garden/Outdoor Space

Also Available

Walking distance to pub

£198-325 per night

Please note that the minimum stay for this property is 3 nights

Rocking Stone Cottage is owned and managed by Rachael ORourke.

You can book online now at their website. Just click the button and we'll send you there to see more info and to book...

You can ask a question or make a booking request directly with Rachael ORourke.

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Reviews

From previous guests

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Coolstays user

We had a truly wonderful stay. The Cottage was gorgeous; incredibly comfortable and welcoming. The scenery was stunning, and there is plenty to do in the area. Very deserving of a 5 star rating!

Stayed August 2024

Coolstays user

Beautiful cottage in a fabulous location with great walking and a walk in to the village and local pubs. Very relaxing stay with lovely hosts and fabulous local information provided in advance.

Stayed June 2024

Coolstays user

A beautiful cottage in a fabulous location. A very special place to relax and recharge. Lots of lovely places to visit nearby and beautiful walks from the front door. Gerry and Rachel are fabulous hosts. Looking forward to returning.

Stayed February 2024

JeremyKaren

Our sixth stay in four years - yes, we absolutely love this Cottage! Our favourite place to spend Christmas. Isolated, peaceful. A 5 minute walk to two pubs in Birchover, The Red Lion and The Druid Inn. Approached via a winding farm lane. Greeted by Cracker, an elderly white horse, and Razzie, a rust-coloured pony, belonging to the cottage owners in the former farmhouse behind the cottage. “Cottage” = 300-year-old stone barn converted into the very highest quality two floor accommodation. Parking for several cars in front of the cottage, with an electric charging point. Downstairs is open plan: spacious, welcoming kitchen / diner / lounge. Underfloor heating, large log burner, FreeSat TV, Amazon firestick, DVD player, Bluetooth speaker, BT wi-fi works well (O2 ‘phone coverage barely 1 bar 3G). Lovely sunny patio with gas BBQ. Plenty of DVDs, books and sheets describing walks. Cosy sofa with two armchairs. At Christmas time, the cottage is decorated beautifully with a real tree. Then there’s the Brownies baked by Rachael, the owner - best ever! Well-equipped kitchen - dishwasher, microwave, toaster, under counter fridge/freezer. Downstairs loo. Upstairs are two large bedrooms - one double, the other twin / double bed. The vaulted double bedroom has an amazing arched window with superb views across to Stanton Park. Two fabulous bathrooms, one with a roll top bath. Great hot water and pressure. Lots to do locally: Great Dales Public Footpaths in all directions from right outside the cottage. Bakewell is a ten-minute drive away, Chatsworth ten minutes further on. We love both. Do try the Flying Childers pub in the next village, Stanton in the Peak – Unspoilt Pub Of 2019 in the Good Pub Guide. Also try The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Rutland Square / Bridge Street. We recommend dinner at the Peacock Hotel in Rowsley. And we haven't even mentioned the friendly, owner's dogs, Charlie and Jeffrey. PS: there really is a 6 ton “rocking stone” – do go and rock it.

Stayed December 2023

Coolstays user

A picture postcard cottage, the interiors have been beautifully done (especially the bathrooms)! We felt at home as soon as we walked through the door and loved every minute of our stay! It was our first trip with our baby girl and we really enjoyed the country walks on paths which lead out from the back of the property as well as cosying up in front of the log burning fire! A true gem nestled in the idyllic Peak District countryside, we will definitely be visiting again!

Stayed October 2023

Coolstays user

You must absolutely stay here! The cottage is elegant, well thought out, clean, spacious and even better than the pictures, with everything you could need. The setting is peaceful, sprawling and beautiful. Rachael and family (including the dogs) are lovely, attentive and relaxed. It’s an excellent base from which to explore the area in any seasons, either by foot or car, and we would recommend staying here to anyone. Thanks to Rachael for being so accommodating.

Stayed September 2023

Coolstays user

Lovely stay at Rocking Stone Cottage. Rachael and Gerry have truly thought of everything - the cottage is absolutely charming, really well equiped, spacious and with lovely decor. A great base for the area with loads of local information provided, and a perfect place to come "home" to. Would love to be back.

Stayed September 2023

Caroline & Max

The ideal place to come home to after a busy day exploring the beautiful Peak District. We loved everything about our stay at the superb Rocking Stone Cottage. Rachael & Gerry have managed to retain all the historic character of the original building while providing all the mod cons. Beautifully decorated and a joy to return to each day. Waking in the morning to the magnificent countryside through the large arched window is pure bliss. Perfectly positioned to explore the area with many of the top trails passing just meters away. Easy access to all the great loop walks and incredible historic houses. Rachael & Gerry are very special hosts. They went above and beyond to make our stay very memorable. Their local recommendations of walks, pubs, and local hidden gems ensured we made the most of our time. They truly made us welcome and we would love to return.

Stayed August 2023

Coolstays user

From the first contact to the post stay message, Rachael was the perfect host. The cottage is even more impressive in real life than the amazing photos can show and everything is catered for. One of the best short stays my wife and I have enjoyed. Very highly recommended.

Stayed December 2022

Coolstays user

We had such a lovely stay at rocking stone cottage this autumn! The cottage was luxurious and cosy, the views from the rooms were beautiful and Gerry made us feel so welcome! My 9 year old fell in love with Charlie the dog and also the amazing chocolate brownies given to us on arrival! Gerry took the time to show us up to the rocking stone and around their hill, to a cabin which I hope to stay in another time. We went on fantastic walks from the cottage and also on great trips to Bakewell and the Heights of Abraham. We hope to visit again soon. I would fully recommend this beautiful cottage!

Stayed October 2022

Coolstays user

We had a wonderful time in the Peak District. The cottage was absolutely lovely - it was the perfect mix of modern and traditional. The views were especially beautiful! Nick, Rachael's brother, was really helpful and dealt with any of our queries as well as showing us how to use the fireplace (using it was one of many highlights). Charlie and Jeffrey, the dogs, were lovely and friendly (and thats coming from someone who is normally nervous around dogs!). Rachael also left some delicious sweet treats! We had a wonderful time walking from the cottage to Stanton Moor and the pub there as well as to Chatsworth House. I highly recommend staying at this cottage if you are planning a visit to the area!

Stayed May 2022

Coolstays user

A superb property in a stunning location. We arrived late and everything was welcoming. The view from the main bedroom is amazing and the downstairs is a great place to spend time. The Druid Inn was a short walk away and the kids (and us) loved the rocks just behind. And a special mention to the dogs who were especially friendly. So much to see and do in the area and a lovely place to return to afterwards. Thankyou!

Stayed February 2022

Coolstays user

Rockingstone Cottage stands apart from any place me and my partner have ever stayed in together. We love, love this place! The cottage is fantastically tranquil, the wonderful woodland and hilly surroundings are so uplifting to be around and yet at same time, imbue an unbelievable sense of relaxation and quiet isolation. Rachael (host) is so fantastically caring, polite, thoughtful and amazingly pleasant. She even made home-made brownies for me and my partner and I have NEVER had anything better. Best brownies bar none! There is a superb warm and cosy pub at bottom of the hill down into the village close by (The Druids Inn), the beef cheeks is an absolute must. We loved our stay at Rockingstone Cottage so very much (I hope you can tell?!). We played the board games that were available in the living room; Jenga, Scrabble, cards and the like. Getting back from the town (Bakewell), which is a mere 10-12mins drive away, we would put on the log fire, relax on the sofas and happily stay comfortable for the entire evening. ....which leads me to say how unbelievably comfortable the beds are! It has been 20+ years since I have slept so good. Beds, bathrooms, the whole cottage is spectacular. You must make a stay at this property a life goal. Thank you so, so much Rachael, Gerry, Charlie (dog), Jeffrey (dog), Razzy (horse) Cracker (horse) ….and the sheep!!

Stayed November 2021

Coolstays user

Without doubt, Rocking Stone Cottage is the best cottage we have stayed in and there have been many. From the initial communication all the way through the rigmarole of COVID right up to finally arriving at the cottage, we enjoyed the most personable and considerate attention. The cottage is situated in a quiet and peaceful location and lives up to its description in every way possible with luxurious accommodation and very comfortable living spaces. Views from inside as well as outside are breathtaking. During our stay we enjoyed some of the walks as well as a few of the pubs recommended by Rachael but if you’re not so lucky with the weather, a good book in front of the log fire has to be a strong option. Rachael and Gerry made our stay both enjoyable and memorable and we hope to be back again very soon. Thank you both.

Stayed October 2021

Coolstays user

We had a wonderful few days staying at this cottage - it's set in the most beautiful surroundings and Rachael & Gerry are wonderful hosts! The location is excellent and the cottage is just fantastic - it has everything you need. The homemade brownies on my birthday were an extra special treat we were very grateful for! We hope to be able to come back and stay again one day! Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to visit this area.

Stayed September 2021

Coolstays user

What a gem of a cottage. We feel in love with everything about Rocking Stone Cottage from the moment we arrived. It was beautifully furnished, with everything you need for a wonderfully relaxing holiday. The location is idyllic and the surrounding scenery breathtaking. We had great weather so were able to really enjoy outside & everything Derbyshire had to offer as the location was perfect. Looking forward to returning again early next year to recharge our batteries, relax & enjoy the beautiful wood burner in winter!

Stayed June 2021

Coolstays user

The most perfect rural retreat in beautiful Birchover in Derbyshire. Rockingstone Cottage way exceeded our expectations - the photos of the property are fantastic, which is why we booked the property in the first place, but once inside it is even more perfect. The views from every window are fabulous - we were there in June and the wildflowers in the meadow garden were beautiful. Rachael and Gerry were the perfect hosts - so welcoming and the homemade brownies were absolutely delicious! Rocking stone Cottage is in a perfect position for walking straight from the front door or alternatively visiting beautiful Chatsworth House, lovely Bakewell and Matlock and the fantastic Dovedale. If you get the chance, stay here - you won’t be disappointed!

Stayed June 2021

Coolstays user

What an amazing stay! Lovely place with some beautiful towns and walks locally. Couldn't recommend highly enough, Rachel, Gerry (and Charlie and Jeffrey) were amazingly kind and welcoming. Will definitely be returning! Thanks!!

Stayed July 2021

Coolstays user

We enjoyed a wonderful few days at the cottage. A beautiful place to stay with super comfortable beds ( a real treat after a long day’s walking ) and great showers! Lovely to sit out and have coffee in the mornings - so peaceful. We didn’t get to meet Rachael while we were there but she was really helpful prior to our stay and provided us with lots of useful information. Great brownies - very welcome after an exhausting day with a big mug of tea. We only ever seemed to be about half an hour’s drive away from wherever we were going which made Birchover a great base. Would highly recommend and look forward to returning.

Stayed May 2021

Coolstays user

We had a lovely time. The cottage was more five star hotel than holiday cottage, very comfortable indeed and very luxurious. Great beds with wonderful crisp white linen and well appointed bathrooms. A more than adequate kitchen although the nearest pub served good food so we hardly used it. The log burner was very cosy and everything was there to make lighting the fire very easy. Remote enough to afford the most stunning views from all the windows and the private terrace (with BBQ) but comfortable knowing that the owner, although not obtrusive, was next door. Not so remote you couldn't walk to the pub in ten minutes! We had a wonderful time and could thoroughly recommend Rocking Stone Cottage.

Stayed April 2021

Karen Oakes

What a lovely place! Gorgeous views, comfortable living and ten minutes walk from a great pub! Our landlady made sure we settled in and was around (but not obtrusive)when we wanted to talk. Rachael also waved us off at the end of our long weekend. Great walks from our front door and spot on recommendations for pubs and restaurants further from home. Many thanks for a lovely break.

Stayed October 2020

Jan

Gerry and Rachael are amazing hosts. We loved the cottage, very comfortable and lovely decorated. Eye for detail and everything was immaculate. Above all; we felt super welcome. We really enjoyed our small tour with Gerry up the hill to the rocking stone and their special cabin. We hope to be back very soon!

Stayed July 2020

Eva Solley

We had the best stay at The Rocking Stone Cottage. We didn't want to leave! It was like a little sanctuary for us after a crazy year. We wanted to relax and bring in 2020 the best way with a dreamy location, wonderful views and great memories. The owners made us feel extremely welcome. I just couldn't fault the cottage and our stay in any way. The attention to detail, the relaxing fire and open plan dining area was pure bliss for us. There were so many great walks right on our doorstep and we certainly got our exercise. I recommend this to anyone looking for some peace and getting outdoors. Many thanks to Rachel and Family for a trip we'll never forget.

Stayed January 2020

JeremyKaren

Christmas week 2019 - our second stay in six months at this fabulous cottage. The best holiday property we've ever stayed in, in the UK! 'Cottage' does not do this property justice! It's a recent barn conversion, performed meticulously by the owners, Rachael and Gerry, who live in Rocking Stone Farm next door (there really is a 'rocking stone' all six tons of it - you must go & rock it). Set on a hill above Birchover village - far enough from the village to be very quiet, but close enough to be a five minute walk to the Druid's Inn (lovely pub.) We have yet to try the other Birchover pub, The Red Lion. Plenty of parking in front of the cottage. You are first struck by the floor to ceiling front windows of the ground floor which offer superb views across to Stanton Park. The cottage is wonderfully cosy c/o the underfloor heating. The ground floor is one wooden floored room - diner, kitchen, lounge - with an imposing, local stone fireplace. We loved just lighting the log burner (plenty of logs supplied free) and curling up on the comfy sofa. There's FreeSat TV, and good free BT wi-fi. The attention to detail is second to none throughout the cottage. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The main bedroom has an arched floor to ceiling window with lovely views and a supremely comfortable king size bed. There's also a patio with a gas BBQ. Lots to do locally: try one of Rachael's recommended walks, or Bakewell is just ten minutes away, or Chatsworth is ten minutes further on. The countryside is fabulous for walking around Birchover. Do try the Flying Childers pub in Stanton in the Peak - Unspoilt Pub Of 2019 in the Good Pub Guide. We loved the Original Pudding shop in Bakewell, and also the coffee and cheese scones in the Lime Lounge Cafe. For a smart evening out, we recommend dinner at the Peakcock Hotel in Rowsley. Our first ever Christmas away from home was simply perfect. We will return as soon as we can!

Stayed December 2019

JeremyKaren

We stayed for three nights - Friday 7 to Monday 10 June - to attend the (wet!) RHS Flower Show at Chatsworth. We had stayed in the next village, Winster, over last New Year, so we already knew and loved this corner of the Peak District. Rocking Stone Cottage very much exceeded our expectations! The booking process with the owner, Rachel O'Rourke, was easy and efficient. This Cottage is far more than just a cottage - it's a high quality, two floor, stone barn conversion, next door to the farm house, where the lovely owner & family live. It is isolated, peaceful, so quiet - yet just a five minute walk to the two pubs in the village, The Red Lion & The Druid Inn (aside: Druid Inn does superb home cooked roast beef Sunday lunch!). Parking for six cars in front of the cottage (up a long gravel lane from the main road in Birchover village). Downstairs is one spacious, light, welcoming room: kitchen / diner / lounge. Very cosy, thanks to underfloor heating and a large log burner - large basket of logs provided. The TV is Freeview I assume (we didn't use it), plus a DVD player. Also a DAB radio and Bluetooth speaker. Lots of interesting books and sheets describing walks - we did the Stanton Moor walk. Well equipped kitchen - dishwasher, microwave, toaster, under counter fridge. Downstairs loo. Upstairs are two large bedrooms - one double, the other twin bed. The vaulted double bedroom has an amazing arched window and view. It's the trees and the birds close to the cottage that I really loved (not seen Redstarts before). Two fabulous bathrooms, one with a roll top bath. Great hot water and pressure. BT wi-fi worked well throughout the cottage (not sure if you can get it outside, though.) The cottage is only two years old and is that perfect combination of 300 year old building, but 2 year old modern fittings and furnishings. In conclusion, we absolutely loved this Cottage! Oh and I haven't even mentioned the gentle, friendly, owner's dogs, Charlie and Heartley.

Stayed June 2019

Jo Burke

The most fabulous house! Great location (& walking distance to super Druid inn), lovely views. Really enjoyed our stay in such a beautiful house. Everything we could ask for.. every facility, clean, comfy beds & stunning views. Great walks from the house too. A big thank you to our generous host Rachael too.. the brownies were scrummy. Thank you for a wonderful stay. We will be back!

Stayed November 2018

Simon Sheldon

What a fabulous cottage and location. I just can't fault it, everything is stunning about the property with no expense spared. Beautiful furniture, decor, super comfy beds, hige free standing bath, walk in showers, literally everything, it must have cost a fortune to refurb and kit out. We absolutely loved it and the location is perfect, stunning views, no roads, peace and quiet, just bliss, short walk to country pub and restaurant, great walks nearby, the list goes on. I never return anywhere as I like to keep exploring however I will return here.

Stayed November 2018

The Bradbury Family

An absolutely outstanding cottage. You feel as though you are miles away from it all, but in fact you are only 10 minutes walk away to the local pubs in the village. As you wind your way up to the cottage it has a perfect outlook over the countryside. The attention to detail in the property was outstanding. Everything is comfortable, snug, well thought out, just what was needed for a small family get together. We arrived back from our day out walking to find homemade brownies on the door step, what more could you ask for! Rachael and Gerry are a lovely couple, very helpful and informative. Their dogs Heartly and Charlie adorable too. We would definitely go back in the future.

Stayed October 2018

Sue

This is a fabulous luxurious cottage with lovely views out over the fields and a very quiet peaceful location. The owners were very helpful and welcoming, with nothing too much trouble. We really enjoyed our walk with Gerry to the Rocking Stone. A perfect place for 2 couples. The Druid local pub, just a short walk, was great for evening meals without the need to drive. Have recommended to friends already and would love to return.

Stayed June 2018

Steve Phillips

Rocking Stone Cottage is THE nicest place we have stayed in the UK. A beautiful property, superbly finished and in stunning surroundings. The owners were extremely friendly and it all added up to a wonderful stay. We have already recommended Rocking Stone to family and friends and will be returning ourselves as soon as we can. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Stayed May 2018

Rocking Stone Cottage

£198-325 per night

Highlights

You should know

Eco Credentials

Top Scoring

Other Green Credentials

Features

Essential

Living Spaces

Bed/Bath

Tech

Outside

Also Available

£198-325 per night

On the map

Detailed pricing info

Availability

Rocking Stone Cottage

Reviews

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JeremyKaren

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Caroline & Max

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Karen Oakes

Jan

Eva Solley

JeremyKaren

JeremyKaren

Jo Burke

Simon Sheldon

The Bradbury Family

Sue

Steve Phillips

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