Take a beautiful Peak District National Park setting, just 3½ miles from Bakewell, add a historic hall (first recorded in the Domesday Book), and an ancient cluster of listed buildings converted to form superb holiday cottage accommodation, and the result is the captivating blend that is Harthill Hall.

Nestling in 14 acres of grounds on an upland called Priest’s Hill with excellent walking available from the doorstep, the properties have the use of an extensive range of leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium and treatment rooms. Noble names have woven the threads of the hall’s long history including Henry de Ferrers, the Cokaynes and the Harthills. Henry VIII is also believed to have stayed at the hall.

It was here in 1259 that Sir Richard de Hartle was issued a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander II, allowing him to appoint his own chaplain. The chapel ceased its functions as a place of worship in 1546 and now takes the form of The Chapel and Hartle Cottage. The eight cottages are furnished with antiques and surround a medieval cobbled courtyard. They all retain a wealth of original features including thick stone walls, large oak beams, mullion windows and flagstone floors. Derbyshire’s bustling market towns, villages, hills, dales and rivers offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of customs. Boasting a varied and beautiful landscape, they offer a blend of heritage, history and family attractions.

The beautiful market town of Bakewell (3½ miles) is situated on the River Wye, crossed by a 13th-century five-arched bridge which has coffee shops and restaurants. Within easy reach are Matlock, Hall Leys Park, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Buxton. National Trust properties and gardens nearby include Riley Graves, Longshaw, Mam Tor, South Peak, Dovedale, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall. Close by are both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Golf and horse riding are available within 5 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub 1 mile.

This holiday cottage is spacious, yet intimate, and commands beautiful views of the countryside surrounding the peaceful village of Sheldon, only 3 miles from the market town of Bakewell. The oldest part of the cottage dates from 1800 and has been converted skilfully into a living room with tasteful furnishings, original beams, exposed stone walls and a large fireplace with a multi-fuel burner. There is a large dining area adjacent to the living room and a kitchen which leads into a south-facing conservatory, ideal for breakfast and relaxing. There is a downstairs toilet and utility area. Upstairs has three large double bedrooms (two with en-suite showers) and a bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a 6ft zip and link bed which can be used as a double bed or two single beds. The cottage has Sky TV and wi-fi internet access. Only a few steps from the main cottage is a games room and studio apartment. The large, heated games room has a pool table and table tennis table as well as a drying room for wet clothes and boots. Above the games room is the studio with sitting room and a double bedroom with en-suite. The sitting room has a sofa bed (for alternative sleeping only) and a TV. The cottage stands in an enclosed garden which has driveway parking for four vehicles, flower beds and two lawns. The larger lawn overlooks the nearby fields and hills, and is ideal for ball games. It adjoins a stone-flagged patio area with a built-in barbecue and outside table and chairs. Sheldon has a pub close to the cottage which is friendly and provides good food. The village is within easy reach of Bakewell and Ashford-on-the-Water, and is an excellent starting point for walking, exploring the countryside and visiting Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, the caves around Castleton and many other attractions in the Peak District. Shop 1 mile, pub 100 yards.