A beautifully renovated stone barn in the Peak District, set within the grounds of a Grade II* listed farm dating back to 1640. Meticulously transformed from the original cattle stalls into a modern, rustic two-bed, two-bath cottage in 2023, it retains the character of the original building.
From this rural location on the Peak District National Park boundary, there are breathtaking valley views across Bradbourne Brook, while the barn is just a 10-minute drive from Ashbourne.
The space
To help you decide whether The Old Cattle Barn is right for you, we’ve included a few important notes below.
✨ A Place to Unwind
The open-plan living space makes the most of the barn’s high ceilings and original beams. It includes a reading nook beside a large picture window, a fitted galley kitchen and dining area opening onto a covered patio, and a comfortable sitting room with a log burner for cooler evenings.
🌿 The Great Outdoors
A spacious timber verandah with a reclaimed Staffordshire blue roof and outdoor cooking area allows guests to eat outside and enjoy the views in most weather. The gravel garden, framed by a sweeping stone wall with built-in seating, is planted with forget-me-nots in spring and lavender in summer. From the garden, guests can walk directly into surrounding fields and small wooded areas.
The setting offers open countryside and valley views across to the Peak District National Park.
🛏️ Sleeping Arrangements
Originally divided into three traditional barn bays, one section has been converted into sleeping accommodation. There is a twin bedroom on the ground floor - which can be set up as a king on request with at least 48 hours’ notice - and a double bedroom in the eaves above. The upstairs bedroom features a striking window set within the roof truss overlooking the living space below. Beds are contemporary and comfortable, with 100% white cotton linen provided.
🚿 En-Suite Comforts
Both bedrooms are en-suite. The ground-floor bathroom includes a compact bath with a shower attachment, which is ideal for children. The upstairs wet room features a rainfall shower set between the roof trusses. Groups of adults may prefer to share the upstairs wet room. Egyptian cotton towels are provided.
🏡 Home from Home
The Old Cattle Barn offers the following features and amenities:
Living & Entertainment
✓ A Charnwood wood-burning stove (one basket of logs is included; additional £10 bundles are available with firelighters and kindling)
✓ A wall-mounted TV with Freeview
✓ Wifi is available but cannot be guaranteed
✓ An Alexa Dot
✓ A selection of books and family board games
✓ Christmas decorations from early December
Bedrooms
✓ 100% white cotton bed linen
✓ A choice of medium or firm pillows
✓ A hairdryer in each bedroom
✓ Blackout blinds in the ground-floor bedroom
Bathrooms
✓ Egyptian cotton bath and hand towels for each guest
✓ Faith In Nature vegan and cruelty-free shower gel and shampoo
Baby & Toddler (available on request)
✓ Bed rails and/or a travel cot
✓ A highchair
✓ A fireguard
✓ A stair gate
✓ A baby bath
✓ A microwave steriliser
Kitchen & Dining
✓ A slimline dishwasher
✓ A fridge with a freezer compartment
✓ A Russell Hobbs compact microwave
✓ A Tassimo coffee machine (a small number of pods are provided)
✓ An iron and countertop ironing board
✓ Miniml vegan and cruelty-free hand soap and washing-up liquid
Outdoor & Garden
✓ A covered outdoor social area with garden furniture (cushions are stored during winter or poor weather)
✓ A gravel garden with a fire pit
✓ A small Kamado countertop BBQ
✓ A free-standing family-size gas BBQ
✓ Fishing access on Bradbourne Brook (greyling and brown trout)
📌 A few important things to be aware of:
• Beds are made up according to the number of guests confirmed at booking
• Due to the historic barn layout, there is reduced headroom in parts of the upstairs bedroom and en-suite
• The boiler is located in the ground-floor bedroom, and light sleepers may notice some low-level noise when the heating starts
• A washing machine is not available
• Hair conditioner is not provided
• In-person check-in on arrival
🌍 An Off-Grid Escape
The Old Cattle Barn is not connected to mains water, gas, or broadband. It is best suited to guests who enjoy a quieter, more traditional rural escape.
🎯 Perfect For Guests Who
• enjoy peaceful countryside surroundings and nature
• are families, couples, walkers, cyclists, or outdoor explorers
• are seeking a simple, more disconnected stay
• want a quiet base from which to explore the Peak District
💭 May Not Suit Guests Who
• prefer to have shops, cafés, and restaurants within walking distance
• are less comfortable with near off-grid rural living
• would rather avoid animals, wildlife, or the occasional creepy-crawly
• are planning a party, event, or larger group gathering
To maintain a peaceful, family-friendly environment, group bookings may be declined.
Guest access
🤝 Warm Welcome
We provide a personal meet-and-greet, so one of us will aim to be there to welcome you and show you to the property.
👣 Charming Approach
The Old Cattle Barn is reached via a short walk along a gravelled access track (roughly 50-60m), which runs alongside the farmhouse, where we live.
📌 Please Note - The access track is sloping, so guests with limited mobility should take this into consideration.
🌛 At Night
The path is lit by festoon lights and there are motion-sensor lamps to illuminate the front doorstep and gravel path for you after dark.
Other things to note
INCLUSIVITY: We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and all guests are warmly welcomed.
PARKING: Parking is shared with the family home. To ensure access for visitors to the farmhouse, we kindly request guests to travel in one vehicle where possible. This helps us manage potential deliveries, visiting family, etc and ensures ease of maneuvering. Upon request, we will consider a maximum of two vehicles.
SELF CATERING: The property is self-catering. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast hamper on your first morning, along with enough hot beverages to start your stay off right. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Supermarkets and independent stores are available in Ashbourne, a 10-minute drive away. Guests can arrange an online food delivery but must be present to receive it.
BBQs: Disposable BBQs are not permitted due to the fire risk. Please use the Mini Egg or gas BBQ provided and exercise sensible precautions at all times when cooking outdoors.
WATER: Please note that our remote location relies on a private well, and we do not have access to mains water. Water to the property is passed through UV and sediment filters (and tested on a regular basis) but to be cautious we advise that you drink the bottled water provided.
LOGS: All our firewood is sustainably sourced from M.P. Wright Forestry at Knivetonwood – a family-run business, located nearby. With a strong focus on conservation, they ensure timber from managed woodlands is fully utilised. Their kiln-dried logs are perfect for a warm and efficient fire during your stay. Please don't be tempted to burn branches found across the site.
SUSTAINABILITY: We appreciate your commitment to environmental responsibility. Kindly be mindful of energy usage, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and refraining from turning up the heating unnecessarily.
REWILDING: The rustic appearance of our 13-acre site is intentional - it's designed to support biodiversity. By retaining dead wood, leaving grassland uncut, and creating bug hotels, we provide valuable habitat. Our commitment to rewilding involves allowing nature to take its course, with strategic interventions, to restore balance and health to the land.
WILDLIFE: The Old Cattle Barn is surrounded on three sides by fields and woodland making this an amazing haven for wildlife including hares, badgers, owls, bats and many other wild animals. Guests should be aware that the forest is home to many creatures great and small. Some of the tiny ones may get into the house from time to time. No refunds will be granted if this occurs.
LIVESTOCK: Although we are no longer an operational farm, you will still find sheep grazing in the adjacent fields. Please adhere to the Countryside Code during your stay and make sure gates are closed so they are not able to get into your garden.
PETS: Please note that while we understand that pets are part of the family, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your animals - due to the open garden and presence of local livestock - but our farm cat, Milo and our Australian Shepherd, Dash are always happy to make new friends.
SUNCREAM & TANNING PRODUCTS: SPFs and fake tans are likely to cause staining. These products can permanently damage towels and bedlinen. Guests will be held responsible for the cost of any items that are stained beyond recovery.
DAMAGES: Please report any damages or breakages at the earliest opportunity. Minor items such as a wine glass, will not be charged. For more costly items, a claim will be sought through Airbnb’s AirCover.
ILLNESS/WEATHER CONDITIONS/ACTS OF GOD: As your host we cannot take responsibility for any illness, weather condition, "acts of God/nature", or power cuts that may happen before or during your stay and no refunds will be made. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
NETWORK COVERAGE: The property has thick stone walls and is located in a rural setting. This means mobile phone signal may be patchy. Please check with your provider if you are concerned. Alternatively, embrace the chance to disconnect from distractions - switch off and unwind.
SURROUNDING BUILDINGS: The neighbouring farmhouse and outbuildings are Grade II* listed, currently undergoing a long-term restoration project. These essential repairs aim to preserve their historic charm and significance. Thank you for your understanding as we work to restore this piece of heritage.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Commercial photography or filming is not permitted without prior agreement. Approved shoots may be subject to additional terms and a usage fee.
