7 minute read
Timeless Elegance in The Peak District
Inspired by the Devonshire family's collections and the surrounding landscape, a redesign in homage to its unique history and sense of place breathes new life into the Chatsworth Estate.
For an unforgettable escape at the heart of the Peak District National Park, head to the Chatsworth Estate, home to the Devonshire family. It comprises of a Grade I listed house, stables and thriving garden where you will have unrivalled access to everything this beautiful part of the country has to offer. Expert-led tours of the house and garden take you through Chatsworth’s public rooms, including the 2025 exhibition The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth, providing a detailed commentary on artwork and interiors from the Devonshire Collections.
It's a unique collection of hotels, cottages and distinct heritage properties, all of which have been inspired by Chatsworth’s art and people. The estate offers the chance to sink into a little luxury with furnishings and interiors chosen from Chatsworth and local makers, with books and art from the Devonshire family’s personal collection housing one of Europe’s most significant private art collections, much of which is on public display.
Dream Escape will arrange an immersive stay with every element taken care of, ensuring a completely tailored experience; whether you’re looking for scenic hikes and adventure-based outdoor activities, creative pursuits for a little escapism or a restorative break in nature, Chatsworth is sure to enamour you with its magic.
Chatworth’s connection with the community goes back 500 years, working closely with locals to preserve and protect the land. It's reminiscent of the array of properties that share an intricate sense of place, with a historic thread that runs throughout the collection. From shepherd’s huts immersed in nature to elegant hotels and those that tell a story, all of the accommodation offerings are on and around the estate alongside two pubs, The Beeley Inn and The Pilsley Inn, with the house, garden and farm shop a short distance away.
This exquisite estate is certainly a place to embrace the great outdoors and reconnect with nature, with over a 1,000 acres of parkland thriving with wildlife and biodiversity. There's roaming deer herds, ancient woodlands and miles of riverside walks alongside its own garden, farmyard and woodland playground, offering a chance to press pause and immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape.
THE CAVENDISH HOTEL
The Cavendish Hotel sits at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and natural beauty of the Peak District. The striking property boasts 28 characterful bedrooms with uncompromising countryside views, a large outdoor terrace and a three AA Rosette restaurant, The Gallery, serving innovative, locally sourced dishes in relaxed surrounds, curated by Executive Chef, Adam Harper. For a one-of-a-kind experience, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive dinner at the restaurant’s kitchen table, where guests can watch the team preparing a bespoke menu. For more relaxed dining, there's also The Garden Room, inspired by the glasshouses at Chatsworth, perfect for taking in the environment.
Stay at The Cavendish Hotel for a memorable experience, immersed in nature with doorstep access to Chatworth’s historic house, garden and parkland with its spectacular biodynamic landscape. It's home to an abundance of wildlife with heritage sites, the pretty villages of Derbyshire and the Peak District. It’s the perfect base to take time out and enjoy an authentic rural escape, offering an extensive range of bespoke activities from expertly-planned walking routes and gardening tours to a curio of arts and crafts workshops and wellness days.
The hotel has been carefully restored and recently unveiled a fresh new aesthetic after the completion of an extensive redesign, bringing together the very best British designers and local makers, fusing expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance to breathe new life into the space. The impressive country pile has been sustainably redesigned by renowned interior designer Nicola Harding, working in close partnership with Laura Burlington, taking inspiration from the Chatsworth’s art and interiors collection and celebrating exquisite local craftsmanship and furniture design with some standout pieces chosen from the Devonshire Collections.
The beautiful design draws on elements from Chatsworth and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside, reconnecting the building with its history and reigniting a sense of place with a personal thread that is woven throughout. Artwork has been sourced from the family’s private collection, showcasing watercolours of the house and grounds alongside more contemporary works, with black and white family photographs adding historical intrigue to the bar. Antique furniture, stone fireplaces and heritage features are set against bright colour pops, adding a playfulness to the scheme with upholstery and fabrics woven in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Featured works adorn the walls by acclaimed artists Elisabeth Frink, Phyllida Barlow, Lisa Brice, Elizabeth Peyton and Jeremy Deller.
Nicola’s delightful interior scheme grew out of the personal story of the Devonshire family and their connection to the Chatsworth Estate with a strong emphasis on partnership, sourcing locally and providing employment and training in the local community. The number one priority was sourcing standout pieces locally from upholsters, craftspeople and makers, with every detail developed in close conversation with Laura Burlington.
“Nicola has created a space that manages to be wonderfully comfortable and full of insights to Chatsworth and it’s collections. I hope it’s an environment that our guests find inspiring and can enjoy the bounties of Derbyshire food, craft and landscapes,” enthuses Laura.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Chatsworth hosts an exciting programme of events for both adults and children yearround – from trying your hand at chicken husbandry and drystone walling to arts and crafts pursuits – these include drawing in the sculpture gallery, a willow weaving masterclass, paper wreath workshop and printmaking club.
There’s also the unique opportunity to view exhibitions created by leading artists, designer makers and contemporary artisans, or to fish against the backdrop of a Grade I listed house.
Exclusive Chatsworth House tours offer private art viewings, behind-thescenes access to the library and tower, glasshouse drinks and cascade activation.
Explore the estate with guided walks and garden tours, (plant ID, kitchen garden), and learn about its history, art, and conservation work. Connect with Nature Wellness Days – yoga and riverside Tai Chi run throughout the
seasons, offering the chance to slow down and invite a little mindfulness within Chatsworth’s peaceful surroundings.
The team at Dream Escape will arrange tailored experiences to suit your personal tastes and preferences, alongside the exclusivity of going behind-the-scenes of small batch gin distilleries, breweries and ice cream makers or discovering local artists, jewellery and homeware designers.
EXPLORE THE PEAK DISTRICT
The hotel’s location in the breathtaking landscape of the Peak District is arguably the real draw. Dream Escape can organise carefully-curated British countryside experiences, allowing you to discover all the area has to offer; embark on expertly planned walking and cycling routes, spot bird and wildlife and for adventure seekers, rock climbing and abseiling can be arranged with experienced guides.
Further afield, there’s opportunity to explore the pretty village of Baslow, home to independent boutiques, superb pubs and access to the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail – a 55-mile stretch through the outstanding heritage-rich landscapes of the Peak District. Or perhaps pick up the Monsal Trail – an 8.5-mile traffic-free route for horse riding, cycling and walking – the perfect amble, amidst some of the area’s dramatic limestone dales.
A registered charity, The Chatsworth House Trust is dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden and parkland for everyone. The estate plays an important role in the community as a thriving cultural and educational destination with its historic landscape and a working estate that operates with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainable practices.
Words | Natalie Millar-Partridge
