A beautifully renovated stone barn, set in the grounds of a Grade 2* listed farm dating back to 1640. Meticulously transformed from the original cattle stalls into a modern, perfectly rustic two-bed, two-bath cottage in 2023, it retains the history and character of the original building.
From this idyllic rural location on the Peak District National Park boundary, there are breathtaking valley views across Bradbourne Brook, and yet the barn is only a 10-minute drive into Ashbourne.
The space
TO MAKE SURE WE'RE A GREAT FIT, PLEASE READ THE FULL LISTING AND LOOK OUT FOR THE HIGHLIGHTED NOTES 📌
✨ A Place to Unwind
To make the most of the high ceilings and beautiful beams, the living space is open plan with a reading nook next to a large picture window, a fitted galley kitchen/dining area leading to a covered patio, and a comfortable sitting room with a log burner for cooler evenings.
🌿 The Great Outdoors
The spacious, timber verandah, with reclaimed Staffordshire blue roof and outdoor cooking area, provides flexibility to eat outside and enjoy the surrounding views even in inclement weather. A gravel garden leads off the patio and is framed by a sweeping stone wall with built-in seating, nestled among forget-me-nots in Spring and lavender in Summer. From the garden, you can walk straight onto fields and small wooded areas, perfect for exploration or just to observe nature.
🛏️ Sleeping Arrangements
The building was originally split into three distinct ‘bays’, typical of historic barns, so to retain this character one third has been converted into sleeping accommodation, with a twin bedroom downstairs (which can be set up as a king-size on request - at least 48 hours notice required) and a double bedroom in the eaves above with a spectacular window within the roof truss, that looks into the living area below. The beds in both rooms are contemporary and comfortable, and the linen is 100% white cotton.
📌 Please Note - We will set up the appropriate number of beds so please let us know when booking, how many people are in your group.
🚿 En-Suite Comforts
Both bedrooms are en-suite. The ground floor bathroom has a compact bath with a shower attachment, perfect for children. On the first floor, the wet room features a rainfall shower installed quirkily between the roof trusses. (Groups of adults may wish to share the upstairs wet room). Egyptian cotton towels are provided.
📌 Please Note - The upstairs bedroom and en-suite have reduced headroom in certain areas. The downstairs bedroom houses the boiler so light sleepers may be aware of some low-level noise when the heating starts.
🏡 Home from Home
Here are just a few of The Old Cattle Barn’s features and amenities:
Living & Entertainment
✓ Charnwood wood-burning stove (one basket of logs included, more available to purchase - £10 bundle price includes 2 firelighters, kindling & logs)
✓ Wall-mounted TV with Freeview
✓ Wifi available (but not guaranteed)
✓ Alexa Dot
✓ Books & family board games
✓ Christmas decorations from early December
Bedrooms
✓ 100% white cotton bed linen
✓ Choice of medium or firm pillows
✓ Hairdryer in each bedroom
✓ Blackout blinds (ground floor bedroom)
Bathrooms
✓ Fluffy Egyptian cotton bath & hand towel for each guest
✓ Faith In Nature vegan & cruelty-free shower gel & shampoo
Baby & Toddler (available on request)
✓ Bed rails and / or travel cot
✓ Highchair
✓ Fireguard
✓ Stair gate
✓ Baby bath
✓ Microwave steriliser
Kitchen & Dining
✓ Slimline dishwasher
✓ Fridge with freezer compartment
✓ Russell Hobbs compact microwave
✓ Tassimo coffee machine (a few pods provided to get you started)
✓ Iron & countertop ironing board
✓ Miniml vegan & cruelty-free hand soap & washing up liquid
Outdoor & Garden
✓ Covered outdoor social area with garden furniture (cushions stored in winter/adverse weather)
✓ Gravel garden with fire pit
✓ Small Kamado countertop BBQ
✓ Free-standing family-size gas BBQ
✓ Fishing access on Bradbourne Brook (Greyling & Brown Trout)
📌 Please Note - There is no washing machine available. Hair conditioner is not provided.
🌍 An Off-Grid Escape
Our off-grid holiday cottage is not connected to public utilities like mains water, gas, or broadband. This accommodation is best suited for those looking for a rustic, unplugged experience.
🎯 Perfect For Guests Who
- enjoy peaceful, remote surroundings and nature
- are families, couples, walkers, cyclists, or outdoor explorers
- are looking for a simple, disconnected experience
- want a quiet base to explore the Peak District
🚫 May Not Suit Guests Who
- want shops, cafés, or restaurants on the doorstep
- are uncomfortable with near off-grid, remote countryside living
- aren’t keen on animals, wildlife, or the occasional creepy-crawly
- are planning a party, event, or part of a large group
📌 Please Note - We reserve the right to refuse group bookings in order to maintain a family-friendly site.
Guest access
🤝 Warm Welcome
We provide a personal meet-and-greet, so one of us will always be there to welcome you and show you to the property.
👣 Charming Approach
The Old Cattle Barn is reached via a short walk along a gravelled access track (roughly 50-60m), which runs alongside the farmhouse, where we live.
📌 Please Note - The access track isn’t flat, so guests with limited mobility should take this into consideration.
🌛 At Night
The path is lit by festoon lights and there are motion-sensor lamps to illuminate the front doorstep and gravel path for you after dark.
Other things to note
INCLUSIVITY: We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and all guests are warmly welcomed.
PARKING: Parking is shared with the family home. To ensure access for visitors to the farmhouse, we kindly request guests to travel in one vehicle where possible. This helps us manage potential deliveries, visiting family, etc and ensures ease of maneuvering. Upon request, we will consider a maximum of two vehicles.
SELF CATERING: The property is self-catering. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast hamper on your first morning, along with enough hot beverages to start your stay off right. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Supermarkets and independent stores are available in Ashbourne, a 10-minute drive away. Guests can arrange an online food delivery but must be present to receive it.
WATER: Please note that our remote location relies on a private well, and we do not have access to mains water. Water to the property is passed through UV and sediment filters (and tested on a regular basis) but to be cautious we advise that you drink the bottled water provided.
LOGS: All our firewood is sustainably sourced from M.P. Wright Forestry at Knivetonwood – a family-run business, located nearby. With a strong focus on conservation, they ensure timber from managed woodlands is fully utilised. Their kiln-dried logs are perfect for a warm and efficient fire during your stay. Please don't be tempted to burn branches found across the site.
SUSTAINABILITY: We appreciate your commitment to environmental responsibility. Kindly be mindful of energy usage, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and refraining from turning up the heating unnecessarily.
REWILDING: The rustic appearance of our 13-acre site is intentional - it's designed to support biodiversity. By retaining dead wood, leaving grassland uncut, and creating bug hotels, we provide valuable habitat. Our commitment to rewilding involves allowing nature to take its course, with strategic interventions, to restore balance and health to the land.
WILDLIFE: The Old Cattle Barn is surrounded on three sides by fields and woodland making this an amazing haven for wildlife including hares, badgers, owls, bats and many other wild animals. Guests should be aware that the forest is home to many creatures great and small. Some of the tiny ones may get into the house from time to time. No refunds will be granted if this occurs.
LIVESTOCK: Although we are no longer an operational farm, you will still find sheep grazing in the adjacent fields. Please adhere to the Countryside Code during your stay and make sure gates are closed so they are not able to get into your garden.
PETS: Please note that while we understand that pets are part of the family, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your animals - due to the open garden and presence of local livestock - but our farm cat, Milo and our Australian Shepherd, Dash are always happy to make new friends.
SUNCREAM & TANNING PRODUCTS: SPFs and fake tans are likely to cause staining. These products can permanently damage towels and bedlinen. Guests will be held responsible for the cost of any items that are stained beyond recovery.
DAMAGES: Please report any damages or breakages at the earliest opportunity. Minor items such as a wine glass, will not be charged. For more costly items, a claim will be sought through Airbnb’s AirCover.
ILLNESS/WEATHER CONDITIONS/ACTS OF GOD: As your host we cannot take responsibility for any illness, weather condition, "acts of God/nature", or power cuts that may happen before or during your stay and no refunds will be made. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
NETWORK COVERAGE: The property has thick stone walls and is located in a rural setting. This means mobile phone signal may be patchy. Please check with your provider if you are concerned. Alternatively, embrace the chance to disconnect from distractions - switch off and unwind.
SURROUNDING BUILDINGS: The neighbouring farmhouse and outbuildings are Grade II* listed, currently undergoing a long-term restoration project. These essential repairs aim to preserve their historic charm and significance. Thank you for your understanding as we work to restore this piece of heritage.
