Underleigh House

Formerly a cottage and barn dating back to the late 1800s, Underleigh House is tucked away at the end of a quiet Derbyshire lane in the heart of walking country. Now the home of Vivienne and Philip Taylor, it has been transformed to provide six nicely furnished, comfortable bedrooms, all with en suite shower or bath. My favorite was the Thornhill Suite with a small bedroom and sitting room and a grand high-ceilinged bathroom. The spacious residents’ lounge downstairs is fully equipped with comfortable chairs, games, books, and a cozy wood stove for those occasional rainy days. On sunny days and summer evenings, relax outside on the terrace where countryside views and sounds abound. Breakfasts are a special treat, a generous buffet includes Philip’s home- made muesli, fruit compotes and yogurt; Derbyshire oatcakes with eggs and tomatoes or the full English with sausage and black pudding from the local butcher; and to finish toast and home-made preserves. All this is enjoyed at a large table in the dining room with its flagstone floor and exposed beams. There are numerous excellent restaurants and pubs in Hope, Hathersage, and Castleton. From the ruins of the castle at Castleton to the opulence of Chatsworth House, this is an interesting area to explore.