Whimsy by the Peaks

About this property

Whimsy by the Peaks is my dog-friendly stone holiday cottage in the Derbyshire Dales village of Tansley, just outside Matlock on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It sleeps up to 5 in 3 bedrooms and has a cosy sitting room with log burner, an enclosed garden with hillside views, high speed fibre broadband, private parking and a 7KW electric car (EV) charger. Two great pubs serving food are just a short walk away, and there are wonderful walks from the door, including routes through the dramatic Lumsdale Valley. Ideal for couples or small families, it’s a brilliant base for exploring the Derbyshire Dales, Chatsworth, Bakewell, and all the walking, cycling and scenery the Peaks have to offer. The cottage is managed direct by me, the owner. That means quick, accurate answers to your questions, flexibility and the best rates. 

Whimsy by the Peaks is a characterful stone cottage tucked away on a little lane in the village of Tansley on the edge of the Peak District, surrounded by the rolling hills and wooded valleys of the Derbyshire Dales. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your morning cuppa with a view of the hills, check in with the office on the high speed fibre broadband, and then be out strolling through open countryside within minutes.

The cottage sleeps up to five people in three bedrooms. It has a log burner for quiet evenings, an enclosed garden that’s perfect for dogs (real grass not plastic!), and a choice of two friendly village pubs just a short walk away — the Gate Inn and the Tavern — both serving food and welcoming muddy boots and wagging tails. This is a warm, cosy cottage base for exploring the very best of the Peaks.

pricing note: cleaning, linen and towels are included. Dogs stay for free (maximum of 4 dogs). The owner donates £15 from every booking to charities that help local wildlife. Prices shown are based on the non-refundable rate for up to 5 people. For up to date prices, the flexible rate, and instant booking, click on the owner's website.

Tansley is a rural village with a strong sense of community and a properly peaceful feel. It sits just outside Matlock, a vibrant former spa town with a lovely riverside park, heritage railway, good range of shops and regular events at Hall Leys Park. It’s also the gateway of the Lumsdale Valley, which is a spectacular walk from the cottage, where you’ll find waterfalls, ivy-clad ruins and one of the best-kept secrets in the area. You can even follow a trail from the village right over the hill and down into Matlock without ever needing to drive. For a longer walk, pick up the Limestone Way or the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, both easily accessible nearby, or grab your bike and tackle the High Peak Trail or Monsal Trail, both traffic-free routes with panoramic views, historic railway tunnels, and great cake stops along the way.

Whether you’re here on a workation, to hike, cycle, or maybe potter through market towns and soak up Derbyshire’s big-hitting heritage attractions, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Close by you have The Taproom at Bentley Brook Brewery with regular events, craft beers and food trucks. Chatsworth House is just a 15-minute drive and always worth a visit, whether for the house, gardens, or a nosy around the famous farm shop and eateries. A little further and you’ve got Bakewell, Cromford Mills, Crich Tramway Village and the Heights of Abraham that are all within easy reach for day trips. The local area is packed with things to do for all ages, from boat hire at Carsington Water to woodland playgrounds, castle ruins, and dog-friendly tearooms in just about every village. And after a day out, coming home to a comfy sofa, toasty log burner and star-filled skies is all part of the magic at Whimsy by the Peaks.

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Accommodation Comprises

With the best of the Peak District on your doorstep, and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, Whimsy by the Peaks holiday cottage is a perfect home-away-from-home.

Downstairs

Entrance lobby with space to hang coats, kick off muddy boots, and towel off paws after a day’s adventure

Warm sitting room with an exposed stone wall, two comfortable sofas, log burner, Smart TV

Light, well-equipped dining kitchen with farmhouse style dining table and seating for up to 6, electric oven and ceramic hob, fridge and freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave, high speed fibre broadband and lovely countryside views

Ground floor single bedroom – perfect for a solo guest or as a quiet reading room (there are two steps up to this room)

Upstairs

Main bedroom with super king-size bed (180cm x200cm), can also be a twin (90x200cm beds)

Second bedroom with lovely hillside views and a European king size double bed measuring 160x200cm (please note: narrow access on one side only)

Shower room with walk-in shower, wash basin and WC

Outside

The fully enclosed garden is a relaxing spot with a mix of gravel and real lawn, sunny seating areas, and views over the surrounding hills. It’s dog-friendly and just the place for a lazy breakfast or sundowner. There’s private parking for one car right outside the cottage off the shared drive and further free parking back out on the lane. There is a Voltshare 7KW EV charging point next to the cottage's private parking space. It is untethered and Pay as You Go (by app or QR code).

Supporting local wildlife

The owner is passionate about protecting wildlife and natural habitats. She donates £15 from every Whimsy by the Peaks booking to charities that help local wildlife. The five charities supported all operate in a 50 mile radius of the cottage. She is also making the garden at the cottage more wildlife-friendly. This includes some areas of grass left long to provide shelter for insects and food for hedgehogs; patches of wild flowers and nettles left to grow as food for caterpillars and bees; and the hedge left untrimmed during the nesting season.

Additional Information

Whimsy by the Peaks is very dog friendly, and welcomes up to 4 dogs at no extra cost. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the house, just not on the beds or sofas please (bring your own bed linen and towels if keeping them off is impossible). Professional cleaning, bed linen, towels, WiFi and utilities are included in the rental rate.

The garden is bounded by a combination of a stone wall with trellis and metal grill fencing, a wooden fence with trellis, and a high hedge with additional metal grill fencing. Our dogs haven't found a way out, but we recommend you keep an eye in case.

Children of all ages are welcome, but please note the owner doesn't supply cots, high chairs, baby baths or other equipment for babies and infants. The house is not child proofed, so there are sharp edges, unprotected hot surfaces, and steep staircase. You should also ensure children are supervised in the garden if they are likely to climb the fences or trellis. The garden structures are not designed to carry weight and your children may hurt themselves.

Unfortunately the house is unsuitable for people with mobility, sight and hearing difficulties due to the steep staircase, steps, uneven surfaces, and the potential difficulty you might have exiting quickly in the event of a fire.