Guests say
Damsels Bower is a charming, well-located cottage in a peaceful village near Bakewell, ideal for exploring the Peak District. Guests praise its cosy atmosphere, spaciousness for couples or small families, and proximity to scenic walks and local attractions. The cottage is generally well-equipped and comfortable, with friendly hosts and a welcoming feel. Some guests noted minor issues with cleanliness, parking, and kitchen equipment, and a few mentioned a dog smell. Overall, the property offers excellent value and a delightful base for a countryside break.
Most guests found the cottage clean and well-maintained, but several reviews mention issues such as dog odours, crumbs, dust, and occasional spider webs. Some guests had to request additional cleaning or noted areas that could be improved, such as floors and crockery. However, the majority of stays were described as fresh and tidy.
The location is highly praised, with guests loving the peaceful village setting, beautiful views, and easy access to Bakewell and the Peak District's walking routes. The proximity to local pubs and attractions is a consistent highlight.
The cottage is described as cosy, warm, and comfortable, especially for couples or small groups. Beds and sofas are generally comfortable, though a few guests found the twin room less suitable for adults and noted restricted headroom upstairs. The cottage is spacious for two to four people, but may feel cramped at full capacity.
Facilities are generally good, with well-equipped kitchens, hot water, and washing machines appreciated. Some guests noted the need for more kitchen utensils, better lighting, and clearer instructions for appliances. Parking is often described as tight or confusing, and a few maintenance issues were mentioned.
Some guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as Christmas decorations and friendly hosts. However, communication was inconsistent, and gifts or extras are not guaranteed. A few guests noted a lack of welcome information or instructions, but overall felt welcomed.
About this property
With fabulous walking from the doorstep and situated in the Peak District National Park, walking enthusiasts will relish this delightful property..
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Freeview Smart TV, DVD Player
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 3: Galleried, Single (3ft) Bed.
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair available on request.. Lawned garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. Private parking for 1 car in car park opposite. No smoking.. Set around a pretty courtyard in the charming medieval village of Over Haddon, Damsels Bower is a wonderful limestone barn conversion, boasting an impressive cathedral style, high vaulted ceiling and galleried living area, with one of the bedrooms overlooking the living area/kitchen below. On the edge of Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve, in the heart of the glorious Peak District National Park, there is fabulous walking available direct from the door. The Monsal Trail is just 4 miles down the road, providing a traffic free cycle to Buxton. Over Haddon village has a good local pub serving food and the ever popular market town of Bakewell is just 2 miles away with extensive amenities. The magnificent historic houses of Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall can be reached in around 15 minutes, and other Peak District towns and villages such as Eyam, Castleton, Matlock and Hathersage within half an hour. Finally for those thrill seekers, Alton Towers is around a 45-minute drive. Shop 2¼ miles, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.
Free WiFi
Please note that bedroom 3 is a mezzanine, overlooking the living area and kitchen.
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Nearby points of interest
- Lumsdale Valley
- Thor's Cave
- Gulliver's Kingdom Matlock
- Dovedale
- Ladybower Reservoir
Reviews (32)
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Mark Pantling
We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and unfortunately as I opened the door I was greeted by an overwhelming smell of dogs. The heating had been put on, which may have made the smell worse, but it wasn’t a pleasant smell. We ended up washing the blankets and shower curtain because they stunk of dogs and damp. The toaster had crumbs and a bit of bread left in it. There was food in a cupboard from a previous guest, as well as lots of food in the freezer which was quite iced over. The whole place smelt and we had to air it out as best we could. There were plug in air fresheners, however these were empty. We messaged the host to raise concerns which also included a sticky kitchen cupboard shelf, broken panel/kickboard, and the shower room smelling of damp and received an apology.The next day when we woke up we realised that our socks were dirty from the stone flooring, the mop in the cupboard was filthy, so couldn’t have had the floors cleaned properly, some of the crockery was also smelly, perhaps it was damp in the cupboard. A light in the upstairs bedroom had no screws and was hanging loose with exposed wires and the shelf was loose. Very dangerous given my 5 year old was sleeping there. I’d also add that the TV channels were confusing, seemed to be internet based and it wasn’t easy to access BBC, ITV etc. The host arranged for the cleaner to come back on Monday whilst we were out because I’d sent a follow up request. The floor was then cleaned properly, air fresheners refilled, and a reed diffuser added to the shower room. When we returned it smelt like bleach, so it had been cleaned. Unfortunately, by the Tuesday evening the smell of dog had returned, we didn’t bother to contact the host at this point as it was clearly deeply embedded. We made do with what we could until we left on the Thursday morning.The local area was lovely, Bakewell is a very short drive away and the food and local shops were great. We’d return to the area, but not to this accommodation.
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Paul Jackson
Think was the third time I have stayed at this property and the 7th in the village of Over HaddonGreat location for walks and a fantastic pub less than 5 mins walk awayProperty clean and well maintained Already booked for next year
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Confirmed Guest
Excellent location, nicely presented property. Only small issue was oven was difficult to use, and no instructions provided