Postman’s Knock is a magnificent four bedroomed Grade II listed cottage nestled in the heart of the quiet village of Hassop near Bakewell.
Filled with charm, this characterful Peak District cottage boasts original features and a feature fireplace complete with wood burner for cosy, atmospheric evenings in. The enchanting cottage sleeps eight guests over three floors and is decorated in neutral colours with plenty of natural light to offer a peaceful stay.
Outside two generous south facing garden areas offer a delightful space for al fresco dining or a few drinks together.
Postman’s Knock forms the east wing of the original fine triple gabled stone Dower House to Hassop Hall and dates back to the 16th century. Aptly named, the cottage formed part of the original village post office. It occupies a wonderful countryside setting with spectacular views across landscaped gardens towards Chatsworth Park and Hassop Hall.
Postman’s Knock forms part of the Hassop estate which has a most fascinating and interesting history, having passed through only six families in its 900 year history.
Set out on foot or bike to explore the many countryside walks and rides on the doorstep. Hassop Station is over a mile from the village. The Midland Railway line was closed in 1968, and the station building and goods yard are now occupied by the Country Book Store with the former railway line being the popular Monsal Trail.
Dovedale one of the most beautiful valleys in England with its famed stepping stones is not to be missed. Or venture a little further into the Peak District for more adventurous hikes.
Postman’s Knock is within easy reach of shops and amenities within the adjoining villages. The beautiful, historic market town of Bakewell, home of the world famous Bakewell Pudding, is three miles and offers a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants and a market every Monday.
Of course, the Peak District isn’t just idyllic scenery and rolling hills. Explore the mysterious caverns of Castleton, the elegant spa town of Buxton or enjoy the many stately homes on offer including Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall, to mention a few.
Appealing to children in particular, exciting theme parks, spectacular caverns and nearby Matlock Farm Park provide plentiful entertainment, come rain or shine.
"Nice house good location."
"The property is lovely and is situated in a village with easy access to lots of visitor attractions - Monsal Trail, Bakewell, Heights of Abraham etc. As others have said the ground floor accommodation is smaller than it appears in the photos and there isn’t enough ‘comfy’ seating for eight. The outdoor seating area looked lovely but we didn’t use at the end of October! The house was immaculately clean and the quality of the beds, bedding and towels was excellent as was the crockery, glasses etc. The wine fridge was a real bonus!"
"Cottage had walks from the door and was a short drive to Hassop Station Cafe and access to the beautiful Monsal Trail. The two garden areas, up steps at the rear of the property, had well maintained, garden furniture and was a lovely space to enjoy alfresco meals. The cottage was very clean and had a wine fridge and coffee maker."
LOCAL INFORMATION
Dating back to the 1580’s Postman's Knock was part of the original fine triple gabled stone Dower House to Hassop Hall and forms part of the Hassop Estate. Once part of the original village post office, the building was converted into prestige dwellings in 1988.
The quiet village of Hassop is steeped in history, boasting the Roman Catholic Church of All Saints which was built in 1816 by Joseph Ireland, said to be modelled on St Paul’s Covent Garden.
Also within the hamlet of Hassop is the Eyre Arms public house which is unfortunately temporarily closed. Interestingly the Eyre family arms have a single leg as a feature. It is reputed that whilst in battle, William the Conqueror fell from his horse and was winded. A man called Truelove removed the King’s helmet to help him to breath. The King asked his name and when told he replied “True love thou hast shown me but henceforth thy name shall be Eyre for thou hast given me air”. Later in the battle Truelove/Eyre lost a leg and his single remaining leg was then adopted as the family crest.
The road leads to Hassop Station (1.2 miles) with the former railway line being the popular Monsal Trail. The Midland Railway line was closed in 1968, and the station building and goods yard are now occupied by Hassop Station Cafe, gift and Country Book Store, the Monsal Trail Cycle hire & large car park. Bakewell is 1.5 miles away and can be accessed on foot/bike along the Monsal Trail a flat traffic free trail into town or by road.
SPECIAL DELIVERIES
Food, Drink, Gifts, Hampers and Hospitality delivered directly to your cottage. www.saucedhere.co.uk
SPA, WELLNESS & PAMPERING
Treat yourself to an indulgent spa & wellness experience at Botanicals Bakewell. Treatments include bespoke massage, organic facials and pampering manicure and pedicure rituals - curated just for you with Botanicals award-winning certified organic skincare. www.botanicals-bakewell.co.uk
Feel Good Pamper Company provide an indulgent pampering experience which offers bespoke beauty & massage services for individuals, parties as well corporate events. www.feelgoodpampercompany.co.uk
NANNY SERVICE
If you require a babysitter or nanny service during your stay with us, please contact our recommended service provider - www.sitters.co.uk
YOGA
Marie Kirkwood has practiced Yoga for over 18 years. Marie is able to offer group or solo sessions in and around the grounds of your cottage. Please contact Marie on the number below prior to your stay - 07828 960267
SHOPPING
Bakewell (2.6 miles): The nearest supermarket to The Dower House. The Co-op in the centre of Bakewell. The market is on a Monday, which can be great fun, but also means it can be a good place to avoid unless you are visiting specifically for the market.
Buxton (13.5 miles): This is a more substantial town, formerly a Victorian spa. Lots of good shops, including a large Waitrose and a Morrisons, both of these deliver.
Matlock and Matlock Bath (also a former spa). Small local shops with a large Sainsburys on the A6 from Bakewell (10.5 miles).
Ashbourne (20-30 minutes): Market town with an attractive central square. Good range of shops including antiques and arts/crafts. Great for a wander and then a visit to a teashop.
SUPERMARKET DELIVERIES
Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose will deliver to your property. To organise this you just need to visit their websites in advance of your visit & book a delivery slot (ensuring you will have arrived at your cottage for the requested delivery time) and then do your shopping online.
PRIVATE CATERING & SPECIALIST FOOD & DRINK
Private Caterer - You are on holiday so let someone else take care of the food and drinks! Call Dan on 07904107939 www.theoutsidekitchen.co.uk
Hattersley Wine Delivery - Enjoy the offerings from Bakewell’s Premier wine merchants. Hattersley’s are able to deliver your wine and spirit order to your cottage door. Please contact Hattersley’s before your arrival on site. www.hattersleywines.com, 01629 815255
Ginger Butchers - Award winning bespoke butchery based in Bakewell. www.gingerbutchers.co.uk
Each Peach - High quality fresh produce delivered to your door. www.eachpeach.net
Peak District Deli - an innovative, unique Peak District company focusing on the exceptional quality food and drinks produced in the area. They offer a convenient online shopping and delivery service through their website, along with a tailor made private dining option to take the hard work out of your stay and make your special occasion one to remember. Make sure to look out for their popular regular pop-up supper clubs held in locations across the Peak District too. With a strong ethical approach to local, seasonal food and supporting the producers in the area, you can be sure that you will experience the very best quality and taste the Peak District has to offer. To browse their online deli or find out more about their private catering please go to www.peakdistrictdeli.com or find them on social media, alternatively you can ring 07935070147.
The Bird Cafe And Riverside Herb Centre, Hathersage (7.7 miles). The centre combines a varied herb shop with a deli and café. Unwind and enjoy the riverside views in the café, before taking home fresh produce from the deli’s selection of cured meats, olives, cheese and bread.
Hope Valley Ice Cream, Thorpe Farm (7.6 miles). The freshest ingredients including free-range eggs and milk from the Marsden family farm are used in the production of this delicious home-made ice-cream. Flavours include Fuschia’s Cinder Toffee and Gertrude’s Whisky & Ginger. It’s sold in many local cafes and shops and the ice-cream parlour opens at weekends.
The Old Cheese Shop, Hartington (12.5 miles) - 01298 84935. A vast choice of award-winning Derbyshire and Staffordshire cheeses, including those made locally by Hartington Creamery at nearby Pikehall, are on offer at this picture-perfect cheese shop.
PUBS, RESTAURANTS & TEA ROOMS
Being situated in the heart of the Peak District, the cottage is served very well by great restaurants and country pubs, many of which serve great food and cracking local ales. Here are a recommended selection within a short drive.
Hassop Hall, Hassop (0.2 miles) - 01629 640488.
The Eyre Arms, Calver (2.1 miles) is an award winning ‘Family Pub of the Year’, play areas - 01433 630473.
The Lavender Tea Rooms, Bakewell (2.7 miles) - breakfast, sandwiches, soups, cakes, jacket potatoes and other light bites (such as omelettes and teacakes), as well as Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea!
The Manners, Bakewell (2.8 miles) - hearty pub grub, cosy rooms and beer garden - 01629 812756.
The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water (3 miles) - 01629 812931.
Riverside House Hotel, Ashford-in-the-Water (3 miles) - 01629 814275.
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow (3.2 miles) offers locally sourced ingredients and highly acclaimed food - 01246 582311.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Matlock (6 miles) - 01629 733518.
The Bulls Head, Monyash (7 miles) - 01629 812372.
The Merchant's Yard, Tideswell (8 miles) - 01298 872 442.
The Royal Oak, Hurdlow, Nr Buxton (8.5 miles) - 01298 83288.
CITIES, TOWNS & VILLAGES
BAKEWELL (2.7 miles) is a picturesque market town which holds a livestock market every Monday and the home of the world famous Bakewell Pudding. It offers a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as Old House Museum. There are great walks along the riverside on the banks of the river Wye and the Monsal Trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road at Bakewell.
EYAM (4 miles) is one of the best-preserved villages in the Peak District National Park, nestled at the foot of Sir William Hill, 800ft above sea level and is surrounded by the most glorious countryside. Eyam has several shops and tea rooms and The Miners Arms pub. Historically the village is known as the famous 'plague village', as it went into voluntary quarantine when the plague was imported from London in 1665 and thus prevented the spread of the disease. There are still mementos of this event within Eyam Museum. There are many fine old houses in Eyam, and parts of the village have been kept as they looked several centuries ago, such as Eyam Hall (National Trust), a beautiful 17th century manor house with delightful gardens, craft shops and tea rooms. Above the village lies Eyam Moor, a fine area for walking, with fantastic views across the Derwent Valley, with its many Bronze Age remains and monuments.
HATHERSAGE (6.7 miles) is an interesting village with a fine church and with historical associations to Robin Hood and the Eyre family, popular with walkers and rock-climbers as it is overlooked by moorland and a line of gritstone edges of which Stanage Edge is the largest with picturesque views.
MATLOCK BATH (12 miles) attractions include the Heights of Abraham with its famous cable cars and park featuring underground tours of Masson and Rutland caverns, Gulliver's Kingdom theme park and Temple Mine, the Peak District Mining Museum.
HARTINGTON (12.5 miles) is an attractive busy little village dating back to the early 1200's. It is close to The Tissington Trail and also a good place to start walking along Beresford Dale. Nearby is Arbor Low Stone Circle (English Heritage).
CASTLETON (12.5 miles) is home to four underground show caves, all worth a visit, for their own interesting features. These are Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. Peveril Castle ruins (English Heritage) stand high above the pretty village.
CHESTERFIELD (13 miles), famous for its crooked spire, an historic market town.
BUXTON (13.5 miles) is a spa town, home to the world-class Buxton Opera House with a busy events calendar. Attractions include the Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, The Pavilion Gardens. At Grin Low and Buxton Country Park you can visit Solomon's Temple for fantastic views, Poole’s Cavern which runs deep beneath the hillside Go Ape! for a hire wire adventure.
CROMFORD (14 miles) is steeped in industrial history and often called the cradle of the industrial revolution, and has an interesting walk as well as Arkwright's Cromford Mill, now a World Heritage Site.
SHEFFIELD (14.7 miles), with all its culture.
CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH (15 miles), the historic Capital of the Peak.
EDALE village (15.7 miles) nestles under Kinder Scout and is the start of The Pennine Way, the first and the longest public footpath in England opened in 1965.
BOLSOVER (19 miles) is home to Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), along with specialist food shop, Jaquest’s.
BELPER (21 miles), winner of the 2014 Great British High Street Awards.
DERBY (29 miles) with its contemporary, vibrant culture.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Eyam Hall located within Eyam village (4.2 miles), is a small but charming. historic house and gardens.
Chatsworth House & Gardens (4.5 miles). The magnificent Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, was Mr Darcy’s home in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice. Explore the 1000 acre park, the farmyard behind the house, and the small adventure playground. It is beautifully dressed around the Christmas period. Chatsworth House and Gardens has many year round events to offer.
Haddon Hall (5.2 miles). Offering events throughout the year, it's a wonderful day out.
Peveril Castle (English Heritage), Castleton (12.5 miles). Discover the breathtaking views from the top of the castle ruins above the village of Castleton.
Lea Gardens, Matlock (16 miles).
Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), Bolsover (19 miles) is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Chivalry.
Renishaw Hall & Gardens, Renishaw (19 miles).
Lyme Park (National Trust), Disley (24 miles). Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park. Step back into Edwardian times and explore the1,300 acre estate.
Hardwick Hall (National Trust), near Chesterfield (21 miles).
Tatton Park, Tatton Park Gardens, Knutsford (39 miles) with its fine Georgian mansion full of art treasures and original furnishings.
ATTRACTIONS & KIDS ACTIVITIES
Baked Well Pottery Painting, Bakewell (2.7 miles) - 01629 700 432.
The Old House (museum), Bakewell (3 miles) - 01629 813642. A wonderful collection of items from Bakewell.
Eyam Museum, Eyam (4.2 miles) - 01433 631371. Discover the history of this Plague Village.
Longshaw Estate - National Trust, Longshaw (6.5 miles) is a lovely area of parkland and heather moorland with wonderful views of the Peak District.
Peak Llamas, Stanley Moor Farm, Great Hucklow (7 miles), offers llama trekking in the Peak District.
Matlock Farm Park, Matlock (11 miles).
The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath (12 miles). Hilltop park reached by cable car, with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafe.
Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath (12 miles).
Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath (12 miles), is a fun theme park for children aged 2-13. With exciting rides, an enticing dinosaur area and even a safari zone, the kids are bound to burn off some of that excess energy with a day at the park.
Castleton Visitor Centre, Castleton (12.5 miles) - 01433 620679.
Speedwell Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton (13 miles) - 01433 623018.
Chesterfield miniature railway, Hady Hill, Chesterfield (13.5 miles).
GO APE at Buxton Country Park, Buxton (13.5 miles).
Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Buxton (13.5 miles).
Miniature Train, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (13.5 miles).
The Play Mill, Bonsall, Matlock (14 miles).
John Smedley Mill Shop (Finest Knitwear), Lea Mills, Matlock (16.5 miles) - 01629 530426.
Crich Tramway Village Museum, Crich (17 miles) - be transported by vintage trams.
Carsington Water, Ashbourne (17.5 miles).
Stainsby Mill (19.5 miles). Situated on the NT Hardwick Estate take a look around and explore this working watermill.
Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre, Creswell, Worksop (25.5 miles) - 01909 720378.
Alton Towers Theme Park (27.5 miles) is the ideal day out for the whole family. Get your heart pumping on Rita, your stomach dropping on Oblivion and your pulse racing on Nemesis.
Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood (The National Trust), Sudbury (29 miles) lets you explore the delights of 17th-century craftsmanship. Then feel what it was really like in the olden days – be a chimney sweep, a scullion or a Victorian pupil.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, Derby (29 miles) displays collections relating to the history of Derby.
The National Brewery Centre, Burton-on-Trent (38.5 miles). The 'brewing experience' incorporates the original Bass Museum.
CYCLING/CYCLE HIRE
The Monsal trail is a former railway line that is now traffic free path for cyclists, wheelchair users, walkers, joggers and horse riders. It runs for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill (near Buxton).The nearest place to access the trail is at Hassop Station (1.2 miles). The Midland Railway line was closed in 1968, and the station building and goods yard are now occupied by Hassop Station Cafe, gift and Country Book Store, the Monsal Trail Cycle hire & large car park. Bakewell is 1.5 miles away and can be accessed on foot/bike along the Monsal Trail a flat traffic free trail into town or by road.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
The Buxton and High Peak Golf Club, Fairfield, Buxton (13.7 miles) suitable for those of all abilities.
For those looking for a little adventure Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern, Castleton (13 miles) offer underground experiences not to be forgotten.
Peak Cavern is one of the UK’s largest guided tours, taking you down underground for a closer look at the unique rock formations.
For an even more unusual trip underground, head to Speedwell Cavern, where you can hop on a boat tour of the 18th-century lead-mining cavern 450m below ground.
The Upper Derwent Valley (15 miles) dominated by three great reservoirs, is renowned for its spectacular scenery, with its deep wooded valleys and bleak, rugged moorland. It is the perfect place to enjoy some the UK's most beautiful landscapes and to experience the great outdoors. You can walk for miles around the dams, as well as up and over the moors.
Blue Mountain Activities offer adventure activities including rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, caving, mountaineering, team building and problem solving. Suitable for family groups, hen groups, corporate events. 01246 231767.
Carsington Water (17.5 miles) is a great day out, with an adventure playground, bird-watching and watersports all on offer. Sail, powerboat, windsurf or kayak.
For the bigger kids Wild Park Leisure (25 miles) offers paintballing, quad biking and bike trekking.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (19 miles).
MARCH
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (19 miles).
Leek Food and Drink Festival (21 miles).
APRIL
Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.7 miles).
Tour of the Peak Sportive, Bakewell Showground (3.6 miles).
MAY
Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.6 miles).
Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
JUNE
Ashbourne Festival, Ashbourne (19 miles).
Streetfest, Ashbourne (19 miles).
The Cow Shed Beer Festival, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (4 miles).
Peak Model Railway Exhibition, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (4 miles).
International Day of Dance, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.6 miles).
Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.6 miles).
JULY
Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.6 miles).
Stainsby Festival, Stainsby, Chesterfield (20 miles).
Highland Gathering, Ashbourne Recreation Ground (19 miles).
Y-Not Festival, Pikehall (12 miles).
AUGUST
Peakender Beer Festival, Bakewell Showground (3.6 miles).
Buxton Family Festival, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (13.6 miles).
Bakewell Show, Bakewell Showground (3.6 miles).
Ashover Agricultural Show, Ashover Showground (13.5 miles).
Model Tram & Railway Exhibition, Crich Tramway Village (17 miles).
Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (4 miles).
Grand Medieval Joust, Bolsover Castle (19 miles).
Hope Show, Bolsover Castle (19 miles).
SEPTEMBER
Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (4 miles).
Heritage Open Days. A four-day festival celebrating England's local history and giving access to thousands of places usually closed to the public.
Chatsworth Country Fair, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Wirksworth Festival, Wirksworth (15 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (12 miles).
Chesterfield Well Dressing at Chesterfield (13 miles).
OCTOBER
Bakewell Wool Gathering, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (4 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (12 miles).
Starlight Spectacular, Crich Tramway Village (17 miles) - illuminating the site with special lighting effects and trams in the dark.
Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Spookyshire- Halloween in the Peak District. Scores of Spooktacular events during an autumn festival of fun. Ranging from Halloween Half Term fun at Gulliver’s, Crich Tramway Village and Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre to name just a few.
Scarefest at Alton Towers (27.5 miles).
NOVEMBER
Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (4.5miles).
Spookyshire- Halloween in the Peak District. Scores of Spooktacular events during an autumn festival of fun. Ranging from Halloween Half Term fun at Gulliver’s, Crich Tramway Village and Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre to name just a few.
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Christmas Market, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles).
Bakewell Christmas weekend, Town Centre, Bakewell (2.6 miles). A traditional Christmas market with 80+ stalls, Father Christmas plus entertainment.
DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church, Bakewell (2.6 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (4.5 miles), closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Things you need to know about Postman's Knock if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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