Littlecotes Farm

A splendid, 18th-century, Derbyshire stone country house, this impressive holiday home nestles in 2 acres of picturesque grounds at Ashover, 4 miles from Matlock. Sleeping eight guests, the historic, four-bedroom house is also 5 miles from the edge of the Peak District National Park and 1 mile from the Ogston Reservoir, a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife. Plan day trips to Chatsworth House, 11 miles away, with its ornate stately home and picturesque gardens to explore, and the Heights of Abraham, 5 miles away, where you can take a cable car up to the hilltop park and explore caverns. Head into Matlock to potter in its shops, dine out in restaurants and picnic in Hall Leys Park.

Wander inside to find sumptuous accommodation with antique furnishings and an abundance of period-style features, including grand fireplaces, leaded windows and wooden panelling. Fire up the wood burner between the dining room and reception hall on chilly days to ensure a warm welcome. The hall also has a bar area where you can pour yourself a tipple and pull a stool up to chat. Head through to the lounge after your excursions, where there is comfortable seating, another wood burner, plus a Smart TV. The farmhouse-style kitchen/diner features an Aga for preparing hearty feasts for your group and a table where you can serve up full English breakfasts to set you all up for the day. Also downstairs is a family bathroom, plus a king-size bedroom with a four-poster bed and an en-suite bathroom with a spa bath. Upstairs on the first floor, there is a utility room, plus two super-king-size rooms – one with a four-poster bed and an en-suite shower room – and a twin. There is a family shower room up here too.

The 2 acres of garden include grand areas of lawn and mature trees. There are two BBQ areas, including a sheltered, heated gazebo, with a revolving dining table for outdoor celebrations. Another large outdoor seating area is the perfect place to dine outside in the sunshine on balmy evenings.