The Artists Loft is one of three gorgeous self catering holiday cottages that have been sensitively converted from Croft Cottage - a Grade II Listed 17th Century building. Centrally located in the beautiful market town of Bakewell, it is a stunning couple’s bolthole with comforts brought very much up to date.
Sleeping two in chilled out living, The Artists Loft has a modern feel and spades of original character. Totally refurbished to a high standard, you’ll find a wonderfully light open plan living space comprising a lounge area, kitchen and dining zone with beamed ceiling. Upstairs, the lofted bedroom has a king size bed and en suite shower room.
Outside, your private courtyard garden, complete with outdoor furniture, is a delightful spot for al fresco dining in peace and tranquility.
The perfect intimate hideaway for a romantic couple’s break The Artists Loft is ideal for exploring the delights of Bakewell and beyond.
Set out on foot or bike to explore the many countryside walks and rides on the doorstep. Bakewell Station (The Monsal Trail) is a five minute walk from the cottage. The Midland Railway line was closed in 1968, with the former railway line being the popular Monsal Trail.
Set among the rolling valleys and peaks of Derbyshire, The Artists Loft is perfect if you’re looking for fresh air and fine walks. 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.
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 adults and children alike, exciting theme parks, spectacular caverns and nearby Matlock Farm Park provide plentiful entertainment, come rain or shine.
"Beautiful little place perfectly located if you want to be close to the centre of Bakewell. Great access to local walks." AirBnB
"Great location for exploring Bakewell" AirBnB
"Location to town centre and access to local walks"
"It's a lovely little cottage. Its in a very good location for Bakewell. Its very comfortable and the heating was easy to control. Everything in there was done to a high standard. For us, it had everything we needed."
"Quiet comfortable and convenient to town. Phone signal a problem but WiFi very good," vrbo
"Wonderful little place to stay for a couple of days, very clean and nicely furnished, especially the kitchen. Very cozy especially for couples :)"
"Lovely house. Very close to Bakewell with all its amenities. Very responsive and helpful host." (Rosemary stayed at The Aubrey)
"The location is excellent - just on the outside Bakewell centre and an easy walk into town. Having 3 bathrooms was a real bonus for our party and the bedrooms were all of a decent size. The apartment was clean, well-furnished and comfortable." (Dave stayed at The Aubrey)
"This is a perfect retreat for a few days break in the Peak District within easy distance of all the main areas of interest and a 5 minute walk into the centre of Bakewell."
"Great location. Easy to walk into town and very central to get around from."
"Great property, in a great location. The owners are very helpful. Would recommend." (Jayne stayed at The Aubrey)
"We loved our family trip to Bakewell with Staycation. We travelled with grandparents a dog and Toddler. the house was a great size and nice and safe for the little one. The home was nicely furnished, perfectly clean and even better than the pictures! Our only very minor issue was finding the entrance. Bakewell and the surrounding villages have a lot of local things to do. Bakewell is also a wonderful base to explore the countryside. We cannot wait to come back for our next adventure." (Tray stayed at The Aubrey)
"Lovely place really convenient for Bakewell town and for visiting Chatsworth house. Accurate description and everything we needed." (Deb stayed at The Belle)
"We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the cottage, and would certainly recommend it to friends. The cottage is very cosy, clean, and welcoming. Ideal for a couple. It is very quiet, and yet very near the centre of Bakewell. We found the restaurant (The Woodyard) nearby, extremely good. Will certainly book again next time we’re in the area."
"Beautiful house, excellent location." (Fleur stayed at The Belle)
"Thank you, it was a convenient base, having Bakewell on the doorstep and we really enjoyed exploring the Peak District." (Stephen stayed at The Aubrey)
"Very convenient location, comfortable bed, well set out, beautifully decorated."
"Very good location"
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 (0.2 miles): The nearest supermarket is 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.
Matlock (8.5 miles) and Matlock Bath (9.5 miles - also a former spa). Small local shops with a large Sainsburys on the A6 from Bakewell.
Buxton (12 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.
Ashbourne (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 Old Cheese Shop, Hartington (11 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.
The Bird Cafe And Riverside Herb Centre, Hathersage (10 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 (10 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.
PUBS, RESTAURANTS & TEA ROOMS
Being situated in the heart of Bakewell, the cottage is served very well by great restaurants as well as country pubs, many of which serve great food and cracking local ales. Here are a recommended selection within a short drive.
The Lavender Tea Rooms, Bakewell (0.3 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 (0.4 miles) - hearty pub grub, cosy rooms and beer garden - 01629 812756.
Thornbridge Taproom, Riverside Brewery, Bakewell (0.9 miles) - 01629 815999The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water (2 miles) - 01629 812931.
Riverside House Hotel, Ashford-in-the-Water (2.5 miles) - 01629 814275.
Hassop Hall, Hassop (2.5 miles) - 01629 640488.
Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford in the Water (2.5 miles) - 01629 814275.
The Bulls Head, Monyash (5 miles) - 01629 812372.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Matlock (3.5 miles) - 01629 733518.
The Royal Oak, Hurdlow, Nr Buxton (6.5 miles) - 01298 83288
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow (4 miles) offers locally sourced ingredients and highly acclaimed food - 01246 582311.
The Eyre Arms, Calver (4.5 miles) is an award winning ‘Family Pub of the Year’, play areas and dog friendly - 01433 630473.
The Merchant's Yard, Tideswell (7.8 miles) - 01298 872 442.
CITIES, TOWNS & VILLAGES
BAKEWELL (0.2 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 is a 5 minute walk away. This trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road at Bakewell.
EYAM (6.4 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 (9 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 (9.7 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 (11 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).
BUXTON (12 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 (12.5 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.
CHESTERFIELD (12.5 miles), famous for its crooked spire, an historic market town.
CASTLETON (14 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.
CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH (14.8 miles), the historic Capital of the Peak.
SHEFFIELD (17 miles), with all its culture.
EDALE village (18 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.
BELPER (18.7 miles), winner of the 2014 Great British High Street Awards.
BOLSOVER (18.8 miles) is home to Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), along with specialist food shop, Jaquest’s.
DERBY (26.5 miles) with its contemporary, vibrant culture.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Haddon Hall (2.8 miles). Offering events throughout the year, it's a wonderful day out.
Chatsworth House & Gardens (4.2 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.
Eyam Hall located within Eyam village (6.6 miles), is a small but charming. historic house and gardens.
Peveril Castle (English Heritage), Castleton (13 miles). Discover the breathtaking views from the top of the castle ruins above the village of Castleton.
Lea Gardens, Matlock (13.4 miles).
Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), Bolsover (18.5 miles) is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Chivalry.
Renishaw Hall & Gardens, Renishaw (19.4 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 (37 miles) with its fine Georgian mansion full of art treasures and original furnishings.
KIDS ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Baked Well Pottery Painting, Bakewell (0.3 miles) - 01629 700 432.
The Old House (museum), Bakewell (0.5 miles) - 01629 813642. A wonderful collection of items from Bakewell.
Eyam Museum, Eyam (6.8 miles) - 01433 631371. Discover the history of this Plague Village.
Peak Llamas, Stanley Moor Farm, Great Hucklow (7.8 miles), offers llama trekking in the Peak District.
Matlock Farm Park, Matlock (8.8 miles).
Longshaw Estate - National Trust, Longshaw (9 miles) is a lovely area of parkland and heather moorland with wonderful views of the Peak District.
The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath (9.7 miles). Hilltop park reached by cable car, with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafe.
Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath (9.9 miles).
Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath (10 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.
The Play Mill, Bonsall, Matlock (11.7 miles).
Miniature Train, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (12.3 miles).
GO APE at Buxton Country Park, Buxton (12.5 miles).
Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Buxton (12.5 miles).
Chesterfield miniature railway, Hady Hill, Chesterfield (13 miles).
John Smedley Mill Shop (Finest Knitwear), Lea Mills, Matlock (14 miles) - 01629 530426.
Castleton Visitor Centre, Castleton (14 miles) - 01433 620679.
Crich Tramway Village Museum, Crich (14.5 miles) - be transported by vintage trams.
Speedwell Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton (15.4 miles) - 01433 623018.
Carsington Water, Ashbourne (15.2 miles).
Stainsby Mill (19 miles). Situated on the NT Hardwick Estate take a look around and explore this working watermill.
Alton Towers Theme Park (26 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 (26.5 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.
Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre, Creswell, Worksop (24.7 miles) - 01909 720378.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, Derby (26 miles) displays collections relating to the history of Derby.
The National Brewery Centre, Burton-on-Trent (36 miles). The 'brewing experience' incorporates the original Bass Museum.
CYCLING
The Monsal trail is a five minute walk away. It 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).
CYCLE HIRE
Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire are situated at the start of the Magnificent Monsal Trail and hire out bikes at competitive rates - www.peakblackwellcyclehire.com.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
The Buxton and High Peak Golf Club, Fairfield, Buxton (12.5 miles) suitable for those of all abilities.
Carsington Water (15 miles) is a great day out, with an adventure playground, bird-watching and watersports all on offer. Sail, powerboat, windsurf or kayak.
For those looking for a little adventure Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern, Castleton (15.5 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 (16.5 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.
For the bigger kids Wild Park Leisure (23 miles) offers paintballing, quad biking and bike trekking.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (16.7 miles).
MARCH
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (16.7 miles).
Leek Food and Drink Festival (19 miles).
APRIL
Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
Tour of the Peak Sportive, Bakewell Showground (0.4 miles).
MAY
Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles).
JUNE
Ashbourne Festival, Ashbourne (16.7 miles).
Streetfest, Ashbourne (16.7 miles).
The Cow Shed Beer Festival, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (1.7 miles).
Peak Model Railway Exhibition, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (1.7 miles).
International Day of Dance, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
JULY
Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
Stainsby Festival, Stainsby, Chesterfield (18 miles).
Highland Gathering, Ashbourne Recreation Ground (17 miles).
Y-Not Festival, Pikehall (9 miles).
AUGUST
Peakender Beer Festival, Bakewell Showground (0.4 miles).
Buxton Family Festival, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (12.3 miles).
Bakewell Show, Bakewell Showground (0.4 miles).
Ashover Agricultural Show, Ashover Showground (11.6 miles).
Model Tram & Railway Exhibition, Crich Tramway Village (14.5 miles).
Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (6.4 miles).
Grand Medieval Joust, Bolsover Castle (18.5 miles).
Hope Show, Bolsover Castle (18.5 miles).
SEPTEMBER
Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (6.4 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 (4.2 miles).
Wirksworth Festival, Wirksworth (12.7 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (9.7 miles).
Chesterfield Well Dressing at Chesterfield (12.6 miles).
OCTOBER
Bakewell Wool Gathering, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (1.7 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (9.7 miles).
Starlight Spectacular, Crich Tramway Village (14.5 miles) - illuminating the site with special lighting effects and trams in the dark.
Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles).
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (4.2 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 (26 miles).
NOVEMBER
Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (4.2 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.
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles).
Christmas Market, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles).
Bakewell Christmas weekend, Town Centre, Bakewell (0.2 miles). A traditional Christmas market with 80+ stalls, Father Christmas plus entertainment.
DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church, Bakewell (0.2 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (4.2 miles), closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Things you need to know about Artists Loft 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.
Follow us on social media