Shire Cottage, Matlock

Shire Cottage3 bedrooms, Sleeps 5 + 1 Baby.

Fishing in both a private pond and a stretch of the River Derwent gives this 3-bedroom cottage a real sense of place, and the small working farm setting adds plenty for wildlife-watchers too. Badgers visit the yard each evening, including a rare white one, and there is a nearby nature reserve for birdlife. Sleeping 5, with 1 bathroom, it suits walkers, anglers and families who want a quieter Derbyshire base with things to spot and do without needing to go far.

Dating from the 1600s, the cottage sits in a valley once linked to Florence Nightingale’s country estate, with the canal and river crossing the farmland. There are walks straight from the door, while Matlock Bath, Bakewell and Ashbourne are all within reach for days out. Back at the cottage, original beams bring character to the living room and kitchen/dining room, and the bedroom mix of a double, twin and single gives useful flexibility. One dog is welcome, and there is parking on site.

Accommodation details

Ground Floor:
Living room: With electric fire, Freeview TV, DVD player and beams.
3 steps to.

Kitchen/dining room: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge and beams.
Shower room: With shower cubicle and toilet.
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: With double bed.
Bedroom 2: With twin beds.
Bedroom 3: With single bed.

Towels included. Private parking for 4 cars.

Leashaw Farm is a fabulous setting and abundant with wildlife, with less common species of birds and badgers, foxes and water voles. Nestling in Derbyshire, on a small working farm, Shire Cottage (ref ) and Nightingale Cottage (ref ) date back to the 1600s. They have a commanding position off the beaten track in one of the most delightful valleys, which once formed part of Florence Nightingale’s country estate.

The historic Cromford Canal and the beautiful River Derwent pass through the farmland. Whatstandwell is pivotal in the designated World Heritage Site of the Derwent Valley.

There are many fine walks straight from the door of this charming cottage and it is only a short drive to Matlock Bath with its famous illuminations and Gullivers Kingdom, the National Tramway Museum, Carsington Water, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Alton Towers and not forgetting the old market towns of Bakewell and Ashbourne, and of course the fabulous Derbyshire Dales.

Fishing is available free of charge in the owners’ private pond,which has tench and crucian carp, and a ½ mile stretch of the River Derwent where you will find trout and grayling.

The Peak District National Park is famous for providing glorious scenery and is a must for ramblers to the most serious walkers. Once you have visited Leashaw Farm and sampled all the delights these cottages have to offer, you’ll never want to leave. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Shire Cottage (ref ) and Nightingale Cottage (ref ) can be booked together to accommodate up to 11 guests