"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.

"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.

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