Dannah Cottages

Run by Joan Slack of the lovely nearby Dannah Farm, along with her daughter-in-law Helen, Dannah Cottages is in fact made up of two supremely relaxing and rather romantic places to stay – the invitingly named Honeysuckle Cottage and Heather Cottage, two stunning one-bedroom stone cottages, renovated over a period of several years by the Slack family. Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, they're in the perfect location for enjoying the best of the southern Peaks, situated in the tiny village of Kirk Ireton, just outside Ashbourne – a thriving market town that's long been known as the gateway to the Peak District.

The two old beamed, semi-detached properties have been lovingly restored yet have a spruce, up-to-date feel. Each has a bedroom with an enormous six-foot contemporary four-poster bed, fashioned from reclaimed beams, and an en-suite bathroom with double bath and double-shower cube and a heated floor. Downstairs, each has a bright, modern kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, washer-dryer and TV, and oak-beamed sitting rooms with romantic tunnel firebowls and large flatscreen TVs. They also both open onto a terrace with Canadian spa hot tubs that are just waiting for you to jump in. Heather Cottage also boasts the 'Den', which you can use a changing room for the hot tub and is also equipped with bean bags, magazines and indoor and outdoor games. There is a hand-crafted barbecue on the patio at Heather Cottage perfect for cooking delicious food for some al fresco dining. It also boasts a downstairs wetroom, handy for those using the hot tub. As well as it’s own private hot tub, Honeysuckle Cottage has a newly minted and very luxurious barrel-shaped sauna. A cosy corner of the patio is perfect for relaxing in the evening sunshine or for a spot of al fresco dining.

Above all, though, the cottages are both memorable for the little luxuries that lurk around every corner, from the wine chilling in the fridge to fresh flowers and luxurious toiletries, all of which make them a perfect romantic hideaway for two – ideal for simply kicking back and relaxing. They are also extremely well placed as walking holiday cottages – close to picturesque Dovedale, and with the Tissington Trail and Limestone Way passing close by – but if you wanted to spend the odd day at home then... well... we wouldn't blame you.