Douglas’s Barn (Five Stars) is a delightfully unusual and very romantic cottage for two, tucked between Tom’s Barn (Five Stars) and the main house. Orchard Farm is delightfully situated on the edge of the traditional peak limestone village of Parwich, facing south down a sheltered valley. It is quiet, peaceful and beautiful. There are wonderful walks from the front door, and the village shop is only a few minutes’ stroll away.

Douglas's Barn was converted with some flair from former cowsheds, making the best of the odd shapes and quirky angles of the original farm building. It is light and airy and full of character, with up to the minute equipment and modern decor managing at the same time to convey timeless warmth and welcome.

Douglas's Barn sleeps two – or one, for those several people who appreciate a quiet spell on their own from time to time, somewhere peaceful where they can rest and relax while feeling totally safe. Unfortunately it is not suitable for anyone who cannot cope with spiral stairs, or children, although totally immobile babies are more than welcome, and we can even provide a travel cot. We are keeping Douglas's Barn dog free, and we only do short breaks ion the winter months October through to the end of March. In every other way we are totally accommodating!

The front door opens straight in from what used to be the farmyard. Downstairs is more or less open plan, with only a low dividing wall between the sitting and kitchen/dining areas. The kitchen is beautifully equipped, with washing machine and dryer. top of the range stainless steel electric cooker with fan oven (and rotisserie) fridge freezer and dishwasher. The sitting room has a very comfy leather sofa facing an inset electric ‘fire’, which you can control with a the flick of a zapper, and a flat screen colour TV with FreeSat (ditto). There is also a micro Hifi with I-pod base, DVD etc., and maps, books about walks etc and novels. We always supply the current Derbyshire Life and the local weekly paper, and the Radio Times, not to forget the free range eggs, bread, milk and butter and a supply of all the usual domestic herbs, spices, ingredients in the kitchen, and soap, dishwasher tablets etc

Upstairs, in the spacious but oddly shaped bedroom there is a longer than usual extra king-size bed and ensuite bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower over.

Fully centrally heated, Douglas’s Barn is as warm as toast.

There is a wooden table and a couple of chairs just outside the barn if yuo feel like enjoying a glass of wine in the evening sunshine (or midday, for that matter!); a few yards away you have your own stone paved south-facing patio area, with picnic table, Weber barbecue and free standing sun parasol. Orchard Farm is delightfully situated on the edge of the ancient Peak Park village of Parwich, which has its own shop, pub, church, tennis courts, crown bowling green, and cricket club.

There are wonderful walks right from the front door, and Parwich has its own excellent shop, pub, church, tennis courts, crown bowling green, and cricket club. Many people are glad not to use their car once they arrive here. However, for those who feel more adventurous, or who appreciate our relatively quiet local roads, Dovedale, Carsington, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and the estate village of Tissington are all within an easy half hour’s drive, as are the Staffordshire Moorlands, and the antique shops and other delights of Bakewell, Ashbourne and Buxton.

There are many excellent pubs and restaurants in the area, the Chatsworth Farm Shop and other food specialists.

VisitBritain Five Stars         6 miles from Ashbourne