A peaceful retreat in the heart of picturesque Peak District
Written: Sep 01 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: perfect for a peaceful overnight stay between the Lake District and Stratford-upon-Avon
Cons: not cheap; might get lost among the narrow winding lanes
The Bottom Line: If you're planning a trip to England, the Lake District and Stratford-upon-Avon are probably on your itinerary. In that case, Cressbrook is a good overnight choice to consider.
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| jc_hall's Full Review: Cressbrook Hall |
Cressbrook, in Derbyshire, is a village built in the 1830s to house employees of the nearby mill. Cressbrook is unique in its location--perched precariously upon a steep hillside overlooking a limestone gorge carved out over the eons by the River Wye.
Nestling in the heart of the picturesque Peak District, Cressbrook is a designated conservation area. Within a 3–hour drive from scenic Lake District to the north, and a 2–hour drive from Shakesepare’s birthplace, Startford-upon-Avon, to the south, Cressbrook is a logical, if little-known, stopover for the adventurous traveller. Indeed, for anyone in search of a quintessentially English haven of peace and quiet beauty, Cressbrook is just that--startlingly beautiful, and seemingly suspended in time.
It was already early evening by the time my husband and I arrived at Cressbrook Hall, having lost our way more than once among the narrow, winding, country lanes. A convention had just departed, and the lady in charge politely but firmly told us that dinner was out of the question. She pointed us in the direction of the nearest village where we found a small but welcoming hotel restaurant.
After a pleasant meal at the Monsal Head Hotel, we drove back to spend the night in Garden Cottage, a two-storey conversion of the original library. We drew the heavy curtains over hinged wooden storm-shutters upon the picture windows, sampled the reading matter (a beautiful old set of Tennyson’s poems) lying on the mantelpiece of the open marble fireplace, and fell asleep to the imagined strains of the poet calling his beloved Maud into the garden.
The splatter of rain woke us the following morning, but a little rain was not going to stop us exploring the stately 19th century grounds. Huge efforts have been made to restore them to their original splendour, and while an attempt to replicate all details proved far too ambitious, an inspired interpretation of the original has yielded a pleasing compromise. Today, beautiful terrace gardens filled with a happy mix of rare and common flowers guide the wanderer to panoramic views over the River Wye and sheep-dotted hills beyond.
To one side of the imposing mansion (a fine example of William IV architecture in the grand Tudor style), elegant balustrades enclose a parterre tapestry of velvety beds of lawn. We overcame a reluctance to tread on the immaculate grass and were rewarded by the discovery of a sundial in the centre. Etched on its columns were the date ‘AD 1659’ and the words ‘Time Doth Not Abide’.
Sure enough, the next leg of our journey beckoned. Our bags packed, we loaded the car and drove off, stopping on a little rise to take our final leave from a higher vantage, looking down onto the mansion set so splendidly within its landscaped gardens, clinging to the precipice of that spectacular limestone gorge.
Cressbrook Hall
Cressbrook, nr. Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8SY
Tel: 01298 871289
Fax: 01298 871845
stay@cressbrookhall.co.uk
www.cressbrookhall.co.uk
hosts: Bobby and Len Hull-Bailey
Accommodation in the Hall: 1x double, 1x family, 1x twin bedrooms, all ensuite.
Cressbrook Hall Cottages: there are no fewer than seven limestone dwellings within the grounds of Cressbrook Hall, and flexible catering provides both self-catering and catered ‘silver’ service.
Garden Cottage (conversion of the original library) and Hall Cottage (the ‘upside-down’ cottage) sleep up to 4 people each and share the same beautiful view of Cressbrook Hall garden and the hillside beyond.
Carriage Cottage, Lower Lodge, Hidesaway, Courtyard Corner, Rubicon Retreat have differing accommodation, some with breathtaking views.
Prices: £32- £47.50 per person.
Check out these photos: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jc_hall@rogers.com/detail?.dir=7edf&.dnm=8cfe.jpg
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
jc_hall
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Member: JC Hall
Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 199
Trusted by: 54 members
About Me:
Going back to Vancouver for Christmas! Happy Holidays, everyone!!
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