*New For Spring 2025* Spacious Victorian Country House. A perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Nestled in the breathtaking Peak District, near Chatsworth House
Highlights.....
- Book The Red House From April 2025 | Currently under renovation and refurbishment
- 13 individually designed bedrooms
- 13 en suites or private bathrooms
- Sleeps 30
- Dog friendly
- 3 x EV Charging stations
- Superb games room with pool table, table tennis, table football, TV and seating
- Formal dining room and original ballroom converted to an expansive drawing room
- Beautifully presented country house with a mixture of original features and modern touches
- Close to the market towns of Bakewell and Matlock plus Chatsworth only being a short drive away
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Charming bedrooms designed for comfort and flexibility, The Red House boasts 13 spacious and beautifully appointed bedrooms, each radiating its own unique character with 4 of these rooms conveniently located on the ground floor. Every bedroom is thoughtfully styled with contemporary colours, warming fabrics, and some even with preserved original fireplaces, adding to the home’s distinctive character.
To ensure maximum comfort and adaptability, most of the rooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements, allowing the beds to be configured as twins or doubles according to your needs. Additionally, a couple of rooms feature bunk beds, making them perfect for families or larger groups.
Each bedroom is complemented by its own private bathroom or en suite, providing the ideal setup for multi-generational families and groups of friends. Enjoy the luxury of personal space and the convenience of modern amenities, all wrapped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Bedroom & Bathroom layout
- Bedroom 1 - First floor, master bedroom with garden views, fitted wardrobes with super king zip & link double or twin - Sleeps 2
- Bedroom 2 - First floor with 3 steps down into the room, garden views, super king zip & link double or twin, bunk beds ideal for adults and children. With balcony over looking the parterre - sleeps 4
- Bedroom 3 - First floor with garden views, super king zip & link double or twin, built in wardrobe - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 4 - First floor with garden views, feature fireplace, super king zip & link double or twin, bunk beds ideal for children or adults - sleeps 4
- Bedroom 5 - First floor with views to the side over fields. Feature corner fireplace, built wardrobe, super king zip & link double or twin- sleeps 2
- Bedroom 6 - First floor with views to the front of the property. Fixed king size double - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 7 - Ground Floor with garden views, decorative corner fireplace, super king zip & link double or twin - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 8 - Ground floor, super king zip & link double or twin - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 9 - Ground floor, super king zip & link double or twin - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 10 - Ground Floor, super king zip & link double or twin - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 11 - First floor with built in wardrobe, super king zip & link double or twin. Slanted door set into the eaves - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 12 - First floor with views to the side over the fields, super king zip & link double or twin - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 13 - First floor with garden views, super king zip & link double or twin, staircase that lead to the ground floor - sleeps 2
- Bedroom 1 - expansive en suite located next door to the bedroom- roll top bath, 2 wash basins, Victorian style toilet, separate large wet room in the corner of the room with fixed overhead shower and hand attachment
- Bedroom 2 - en suite - 3 steps up, shower cubicle with fixed head and attachment, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 3 - en suite, shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 4 - spacious en suite- roll top bath, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 5 - en suite, sliding door shower cubicle, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 6 - compact en suite with shower cubicle, toilet and corner wash basin
- Bedroom 7 - ground floor- private bathroom located across the hallway. Featuring original tiles. Separate shower area, toilet and wash basin
- Bedroom 8 - spacious en suite, ground floor, freestanding roll top bath, corner shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 9 - spacious ground floor private bathroom located opposite the bedroom. Bath with shower over, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 10 - en suite, ground floor, shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 11 - en suite, shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 12 - spacious private bathroom with bath, shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
- Bedroom 13 - en suite, shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet
Kitchen & Casual Dining
Open Plan Kitchen/dining Area
A beautifully extended property seamlessly combining historic charm with contemporary living. The original Coach House has been cleverly integrated into the design, creating a home that's as practical as it is characterful. At the heart of this home lies the spacious open plan kitchen/diner, the central hub that connects the two wings of the house.
Designed with both functionality and sociability in mind, this well-equipped kitchen boasts:
- Fitted cupboards offering ample storage, perfect for hosting large groups.
- A central island with seating at one end, ideal for gathering while preparing meals or drinks.
- Cooking facilities that cater to large gatherings, including two conventional cookers and a range oven set in an original feature fireplace surround.
Flooded with natural light from its floor to ceiling glass walls, the kitchen opens into a bright and inviting space. The informal dining area, seating up to 12, makes this an ideal spot for early risers to enjoy a peaceful morning coffee or for families tackling breakfast with children. Doors lead out to the patio and garden beyond.
Utility & Boot Room
- A second sink and extra storage options.
- A washing machine and separate tumble dryer, as well as a freezer.
- Convenient access to the side cobbled courtyard, perfect for drying off muddy boots or paws before entering the main house.
The Red House is more than just a home; it's a space designed to bring people together while offering all the modern conveniences needed for a comfortable stay. Whether you're hosting a large gathering, enjoying quiet family time, or relaxing after outdoor adventures, this house adapts to your every need.
Formal Dining Room
As you step through the main entrance hallway and make your way to the rear of the house, you'll find yourself in the magnificent formal dining room.
The first feature to capture your attention is the striking fireplace. Adorned with an ornate and intricately carved Hopton stone mantle, this decorative centre piece still proudly displays the crest of its original owner, Reginal Hinton Holman (RHH), offering a nod to the house's rich heritage. While the fireplace is decorative only, its grandeur sets the tone for the room.
Large windows flood the room with natural light, providing views of the beautifully landscaped gardens. The dining room boasts original parquet flooring, adding a timeless charm to the setting. This elegant space is perfect for hosting unforgettable gatherings, accommodating up to 30 guests around the spacious dining tables in flexible layouts. Whether you're planning a formal dinner or a celebratory feast, this room promises to be the heart of your event.
Drawing Room and Garden Room
As you enter the property you walk through an impressive oak porch opening into the expansive entrance hall. To your right a sweeping staircase with hand carved banister leads to an open landing with the original stained glass window. Further to your left you enter the garden day room where there is rattan seating and French doors that open out onto the garden terrace with views over the parterre. This room offers a peaceful light and airy quiet space.
The extensive drawing room , once the original ballroom and still featuring the sprung floorboards is a welcoming room with beautiful neo-classical design influence throughout and thoughtfully retaining its character from that era. With stunning original features this grand dual aspect drawing room boasts huge windows that let in so much natural light and French doors to access the gardens too. There is a central impressive log burner with its cosy alcove, a real sunny spot, plenty of soft seating for all 30 guests to all comfortably gather together. A truly impressive room!
Games Room
Step into the heart of fun in the beautifully restored interconnecting wing of The Red House which was the original Coach House, now home to a spacious ground floor games room. With its charming wooden floors throughout, this inviting space promises endless hours of enjoyment for both the young and the young at heart. Features for you to enjoy:
- Pool Table: Sharpen your skills and enjoy friendly competition.
- Table Tennis: Perfect for quick rallies or full-on tournaments.
- Table Football: Bring out your inner striker with fast-paced fun.
- TV Area: A cosy corner with comfortable seating for relaxation or catching up on your favourite shows.
The games room opens directly onto an enclosed cobbled courtyard. Whether you're playing, relaxing, or just soaking up the atmosphere, this space is designed for laughter in this thoughtfully crafted space!
Garden and Outside Space
Step out from one of the many doors of this exquisite property and into the vast, beautifully designed gardens. The first thing to greet you is a paved seating area, complete with outdoor furniture that comfortably seats up to 30 guests—a perfect setting if you are lucky to get a balmy summer evening to dine outside,
Just beyond the terrace, you'll find a meticulously maintained parterre, a formal garden featuring small hedges separated by gravel paths. This charming feature is said to resemble a map of the UK—a delightful detail that adds a touch of grandeur.
A level lawn, once a grass tennis court, stretches further into the garden, surrounded by herbaceous borders, mature trees and additional grassed areas. It’s an idyllic natural playground for children, where games of hide-and-seek come alive. At the far end of the garden, a boundary wall overlooks a neighbouring paddock, often home to the most endearing pygmy goats. Though their charming looks might tempt you, we kindly ask guests to resist feeding them!
The gardens open up to views of the surrounding countryside to the rear. A public footpath nearby provides access to a scenic trail alongside the local railway line, ideal for cycling towards Rowsley or Matlock. For a more leisurely option, stroll through the fields to reach the nearby pub The Square and Compass.
The garden is enclosed with a combination of fences, hedges, and walls. However, for those with adventurous dogs or kids, supervision is essential, as small gaps might tempt the most cunning escape artists.
For parking facilities, as you approach The Red House, you turn onto a small lane. Parking is at the front of the property and can accommodate 10 cars. There is also parking on the lane. The property features 3 electric vehicle charging points.
Property Information
Our standard arrival and departure times are:
- 4pm on the day of arrival
- By 10am on the day of departure
Please do respect these times as they are in place to allow the housekeeping teams enough time to thoroughly clean the property before and after your stay
- Please remove dirty and high heeled shoes on entry
- Please do not bring any candles, tea lights or incense sticks to the property as they are not allowed
- Fireworks, Chinese lanterns or drones are not allowed
- No smoking or vaping inside the property. Vaping can trigger the fire alarms
- We ask that any outside socialising be brought inside by 10pm. We kindly ask that neighbours and local residents are not disturbed after this time, for more information please see our Noise and Behaviour Policy
- No glitter please as even the most eco friendly kind is impossible to remove from the soft furnishings and hard wearing floors
- No Karaoke machines of any type
- Due to the risk of fire from thermal runaway the charging of electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards and similar devices are strictly prohibited inside any properties
If you are looking for a holiday cottage that is accessible for everyone we have a wealth of properties that are suitable for guests with varied access needs. Many of our properties are situated in rural locations, offering peaceful settings that would be suitable for guests with autism & learning difficulties.
History Of The Red House
Originally built as a weekend retreat for Reginald Hinton Holman, a Manchester based engineer, in 1891 - and still retaining monograms bearing his initials and crest the Red House is the epitome of an Arts and Crafts home. The formal dining room has a handsome original carved Hopton stone mantle bearing the crest of the original owner.
It is believed the name is a nod to the significant influence of William Morris in its design - copying the name of his much loved Red House in Bexleyheath, London. In 1911, the property passed to a local GP, Dr William Sharpe, who clearly also had a taste for the grand - building the west wing of the house including a sprung floor ballroom which is heavily influenced by the neo-classical. This is now a grand drawing room, undoubtedly providing the most perfect backdrop for family gatherings.
In 1944, the house was put up for auction by his daughter and Captain William Smith, who owned a quarrying company, sent his factor to buy the house as a surprise gift for his wife. The family lived for many happy years in the Red House. Captain Smith, renowned for his hospitality, welcomed every villager to the home at midnight on New Years Eve as long as he or she brought a piece of coal! The rear garden is particularly attractive, private, with a large south facing terrace, extensive parterre, a flat lawn which was once a grass tennis court, herbaceous borders, mature trees and numerous shrubs.
The Surrounding Area
The Red House is located off the main road in the village of Darley Dale, which is a short distance from the towns of Matlock and Bakewell, where there is an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants and a great park.
You are also a short drive to Chatsworth House, which is a fabulous day out for all the family; there is a children's play area, plus a farmyard where they can enjoy meeting the newly born arrivals, rare breeds and farm animals, a family favourite! Access to the 1000-acre parkland, garden and house is a must too, so take a picnic and enjoy this stately house on its impressive grounds. Alternatively, head to Rowsley and check out their latest food offering, Chatsworth Kitchen.
There are walks from the property's door for those who like to explore on foot, and you can easily venture on to the beautiful Chatsworth estate, Beeley Moor, Stanton in the Peak and the famous Nine Ladies Stone Circle
Photo Gallery
How To Find The Red House
Directions
The address of the property is:
The Red House, Old Road, Darley Dale, Matlock. DE4 2ER
Use what3words to take you to the entrance of the property: ///laminated.scars.gong
Directions by car from Bakewell (7 miles) 14 minutes
- From the centre of Bakewell (roundabout by The Rutland Hotel) follows signs for the A6 towards Matlock, Derby & Haddon Hall onto Matlock Street.
- Continue to follow the A6 for 4.4 miles (you will go past Haddon Hall on your left and the carpark will be on your right, continue forward through the village of Rowsley (Peak Shopping Village will be on your left) the road turns into Dale Road North.
- Keep on this road and you will pass DFS on your right and a garage on your left
- After a short distance the road will widen slightly and you will see a sign on the right for Red House Working carriages- turn right here onto Old Road
- A short distance down the road take the next unmarked turning on your left and then immediately right onto a private lane that runs in front of the venue
- You have reached The Red House on your left hand side
Directions by car from Matlock (3 miles) 10 minutes
- From Matlock follow the signs for Buxton, Darley Dale and Bakewell (inc Haddon Hall)
- Once on the A6 follow for 2.4 miles (you will go straight over a roundabout when the A615 turns into Bakewell Road- continue on here following signs for Bakewell.
- The road turns into the A6 / Dale Road South and you will pass The Whitworth hospital on your right hand side
- Continue on this road for a few miles
- You will pass Audley St Elphins Park village on your right hand side
- The road then slightly widens and you will see a turning on your left for Red House Stables and carriage rides
- Turn left here onto Old Road
- A short distance down the road take the next unmarked turning on your left and then immediately right onto a private lane that runs in front of the venue
- You have reached The Red House on your left hand side
Should you miss the first unmarked turning then do not worry as there is another one a few metres along on your left signposted for the carriage rides, turn left here and then immediately left again and Red House will be on your right.
Enjoy your stay!
Floor Plans
To view or download the floorplan for this property click the button below
Guestbook
The following comments are taken straight from the guestbook we keep for The Red House. Verbatim.
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Your Stay At The Red House
Our favourite places to eat
Country Pubs
- The Square and Compass | Darley Dale -walkable across the fields from behind the property, home cooked food served daily. Serving light bites such as sandwiches and toasties, main meals plus Sunday roasts. Beer garden to admire the stunning views, dog friendly and free parking.
- The Whitworth | Darley Dale - and impressive 1890 building that offers a bar area and terrace, open daily and offering breakfast, lunches and children's meals, you are also able to hire a stately room for any occasion.
- The Grouse Inn |Darley Dale - welcoming and cosy local pub, serving hearty and delicious food with classics and seasonal dishes. Open every day.
- The Remarkable Hare | Matlock - 8 minute drive. Located in the centre of the town this is a great pub for everyone, with a classic pub menu, burgers, sandwiches, children's menu plus Sunday roasts you will be spoilt for choice. Dog friendly
- The Church Inn | Churchtown, Darley Dale - 4 minute drive, but also walkable and tucked away off the busy A6 is this country pub. A warm and friendly welcome serving traditional food pub. Local beers on tap and a beer garden for those warmer months. Dog friendly.
Restaurants
- The Shalimar | Darley Dale. 5 minute drive. Will deliver free locally for orders over £20. Authentic Indian Cuisine with all the favourites.
- Stones | Matlock- 8 minute drive away. Once a former pub this is now a restaurant offering a modern British Menu. Offers a set Lunch and Dinner menu with Tasting menu also, or perfect stop to enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace.
- Maazi | Matlock. 8 minute drive away. Aromatic curries and authentic Indian dishes
- Viva Italia | Matlock- 8 minute drive away. Traditional Italian and Contemporary Cuisine. Open every evening apart from Mondays.
- The Peacock |Rowsley -6 minute drive away. Dating back to 1652 a truly unique former manor house. Offering a stunning fine dining experience, bar menu, extensive drinks menu and warm welcome. Serving locally sourced food. Holds 4 Silver AA stars.
Cafes
- Mad Hatter | Matlock -serving breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks and drinks. and the most amazing "freak shakes"
- Darley Deli |Darley Dale - all day breakfasts, lunches, coffees and cakes.
- The Whitworth Hall and Park | Darley Dale - breakfasts, lunches, drinks and children's menu
- Cafe in the Park | Matlock - breakfast menu, lunches including sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes plus hot specials.
- Chatsworth Kitchen | Rowsley, 5 minute drive and located within the Peak Village shopping centre. Part of the Chatsworth Estate enjoy delicious freshly sourced produce from the gardens and farms and showcasing local businesses too. Open daily enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. Well behaved dogs that are on leads are welcome.
- Bakewell and Matlock both have plenty of independent cafes and tea rooms to enjoy
Fresh delivered meals and take-aways
- My Peak Event | fantastic selection of homemade prepared meals from local chefs .cooks - great for large groups and delivered straight to your venue.
- Scoff | delicious, home cooked food, afternoon teas and plenty more all delivered to your venue
- The Shalimar | Darley Dale, traditional Indian restaurant that will delivery all of your favourite Indian cuisine to your door
- Darley Dale Fish Bar | Darley Dale, a short walk from the property or a quick nip out in the car. Offering traditional fish and chips, kebabs, burgers and plenty more. You are able able to order online in advance and collect your freshly prepared choices. Also offer deliveries between certain times.
- Bellini Pizzeria | Matlock, 8 minute drive, superb choice of pizzas, burgers and kebabs, able to order online and they will also deliver locally.
- Maazi Indian Restaurant | Matlock, delicious starters, fabulous mains and good old Indian cuisine at it's best. Will deliver locally.
Our guide to places to visit near The Red House
1. Gulliver's Kingdom.
10 minutes away is the popular attraction of Gulliver's Kingdom, great for children aged between 2 - 13 years, you can easily spend a full day exploring the site and enjoying the numerous rides available. Set on the hillside of Matlock Bath the location itself boasts great views. You have various themed areas within the park, from Western World, Pirates Play Area, Lost World of Dinosaurs and a log flume. Why not bring your own picnic or eat at the various eating spots throughout.
Click here for a link to Gulliver's Kingdom
2. The Heights of Abraham
A couple of minutes away from Gulliver's Kingdom are The Heights or Abraham, a cable car ride taking you high above the valley letting you enjoy the stunning views. At the summit you can enter the 2 caves, Masson and Rutland Cavern, experience the day in the life of a 17th century miner from the guided tours available. There are also two play areas with slides, climbing walls, rope walks and a range of activities to keep you active all day.
Click here for a link to The Heights of Abraham
3. Chatsworth House and Park
No visit to the Peak District would be complete without visiting the fabulous Chatsworth House. At Chatsworth there is something to do for every member of the family. The Farmyard and Adventure playground is a brilliant day out for children of all ages - with animal handling, milking demonstrations and daily activities, plus a woodland adventure playground. Then there is obviously the house itself, steeped with history it’s one of Britain’s greatest stately homes and has been passed down through the generations of the Cavendish family. If staying with us in November / December many of the rooms in the house are beautifully decorated. The gardens are equally as impressive as the house, over 100 acres as well as all the beautiful flowers and plants, there are giant water features and sculptures dotted around. Again suitable for all the family, with the maze, the garden trails, and the famous water cascade to keep the little ones occupied.
Click here for a link to Chatsworth House and Park
4. Matlock Farm Park
Open all year round this is a great day out for all the family. There are lots of animals to see and the children can enjoy feeding and petting the smaller animals. There is a Trekking Centre and Riding School for all abilities, with short pony rides on most days too. Why not take a well earned break in the cafe and sit and have a catch up with what you've done so far over a cup of tea, cake and snacks. There is a great indoor play area and also an adventure playground outdoors. You can easily spend a day here.
Click here for a link to Matlock Farm Park
5. Little Monkeys Play Centre at Darwin Forest
If the weather is not so good outdoors then this is a great place for the younger children (under 11) to let off steam. Little Monkeys offers an area for toddlers and a larger play area for the older children in your group. Climbing / hiding / sliding is all readily available - so come with plenty of energy! There is a great little cafe for the adults to sit and chat, whilst enjoying a selection of hot and cold snacks and cups of tea.
Click here for a link to Little Monkeys Play Centre
Places of Interest:
Masson Mills
Masson Mills at Matlock Bath are the best preserved example of an Arkwright Cotton Mill, built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1783, this working textile museum takes you right back to the genuine atmosphere of how life was working in the mill. Visitors can experience the sights and smells of the mill in all its glory whilst viewing the various rooms such as the bobbin room, the weaving shed and watch some of the oldest working looms still in operation.
Click here for a link to further information on Masson Mill
Peak Rail
Peak Rail is a preserved railway line which operates a steam and heritage diesel service for visitors. It is a lovely way to see the Derbyshire countryside and you get a real feeling of travelling back in time. This preserved railway line is 4 miles in length and trains run from Rowsley South to Matlock station with the option of stopping at Darley Dale station. The railway operates special events as well as the normal timetabled services. These include ‘Santa Specials’ for children and families, and the ‘Warring Forties’ event, with battle re-enactments of World War Two skirmishes involving military vehicles and re-enactors on the site; Diesel Galas; and local music festivals. A restaurant service called "The Palatine" operates on given days throughout the season, whilst at Darley Dale there is a museum of the line's local history. On your doorstep too.
Click here for a link to further information on Peak Rail
Crich Tramway Village
An award-winning tramway museum, buy a ticket and take unlimited trams rides all day long a mile long track with various stops including the period village scene, where you can step back in time and along the recreated street. Enjoy a drink in the recreated 'Red Lion Pub' or explore one of the exhibitions in the recreated 'Derby Assembly Rooms'. The woodland walk and sculpture trail is great for stretching the legs and to take in some amazing views over the Amber Valley. Children will also enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas
Click here for more information on Crich Tramway Village
Rapid Horizons
Located in Matlock, only a 15 minute drive away this is a great day out for all the family, a corporate stay or if you are celebrating a special occasion. Offering Climbing / Rafting / Mountain Biking/ Tubing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding it's a great way to fill one of your days stay. Get to know the stunning surrounding area by floating down the River Derwent or climbing the many crags that The Peak District has to offer. Advisable to book the activities you may be interested in.
Click here for more information on Rapid Horizons
Haddon Hall
The private residence of Lord and Lady Edward Manners is perfectly positioned in the Peak District in the valley of the River Wye. With its stunning Medieval banqueting hall, displaying a tapestry gifted by Henry VIII. The house offers an unique view of English life with this stunning building still having it's beautiful original charm and history.