In September 2016 we had a few days self catering to visit my old stomping grounds of the Peak District. Since we were to visit Chatsworth House, we stayed nearby in one of the estate’s coverted barn cottages/apartments, this being at Ballcross Farm just outside the village of Pilsley.
Rowsley Cottage was on one level, up a few steps from the car. It had an open plan lounge/diner/kitchen area centrally heated with an electric heater too. The Bedroom and en/suite led off from the open plan area. It was pleasantly well lit having multi-aspected windows, nicely decorated and well equipped. The only thing I did not like were the plus-in air fresheners which I found overpowering but I just switched them off during our stay. Because it is not on the ground floor it has a warm wooden floor whereas the other cottages have a flagged stone floor which can be cold to stockinged feet.
We were given a contact mobile number to call if we needed anything . We found the duvet much too heavy and hot during our first night resulting in a bad sleep so rang to see if we could exchange it for a lightweight summer one as the weather was not cold. Our request was duly obliged and someone bought it round an hour or so later, for which we were grateful and also impressed.
We ordered a hamper from the Chatsworth farm shop to be waiting on arrival. It turned out good value and had lots of good quality everyday food in it which made a couple of meals and a few cold lunches, eggs, bacon, sausages bread, cheese, juice, scones, cake etc. The pork pie was really nice too and I do not like pork pies normally. It was a good introduction to their farm shop which we visited and bought nice gifts from and some food to take home.
Certainly, t was a good base from which to explore nearby attractions. The pub is a good 45 minute walk away really but does a nice selection of meals.
