The Water Mill in Ashbourne is a beautifully restored cottage, perfect for group gatherings and celebrations. Guests consistently praise its charming character, well-equipped kitchen, and peaceful rural setting. The property is clean, comfortable, and offers thoughtful touches such as a welcome hamper and excellent communication from the host. The hot tub and spacious social areas are highlights. While the property is not especially child-friendly due to stairs and limited indoor play space, and the outdoor area could be more inviting, overall experiences are overwhelmingly positive and memorable.
Multiple reviews mention the property being very clean, with attention to detail and comfortable, spotless bedrooms. No negative comments regarding cleanliness were noted.
Guests love the peaceful, rural setting, describing it as both remote and conveniently close to Ashbourne and local amenities. The location is ideal for exploring the Peak District and nearby trails.
The cottage is described as comfortable, with cosy beds and spacious communal areas. Some mention that it is less suited for young children due to stairs and limited indoor play space, but overall comfort is highly rated.
Facilities are highly praised, including a well-equipped kitchen, two dishwashers, hot tub, and ample space for large groups. The only minor suggestion was to improve the outdoor area at the back.
Guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as a welcome hamper and helpful, responsive hosts. Please note that gifts like hampers are not guaranteed for every stay.
The Water Mill is a Grade II listed property, complete with luxury fittings and original historic features, designed to provide guests with elegance and comfort. A hot tub is available at an additional cost..
Lower Ground Floor:
Utility Room: Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Observatory.
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, Single (2ft 6in) Bed (Child Only)
Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, DVD Player, DVDs, Games
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Range, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Fridge, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 3: Bunk (3ft) Beds
First Floor:
Bedroom 4: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bedroom 5: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bedroom 6: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Ensuite: Roll Top Bath, Toilet
Bedroom 7: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds, Day Bed Single (2ft 6in) Bed
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet.
Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack. Patio area. Enclosed front and rear courtyards with patio, sitting out area, garden furniture, and barbecue (gas). Picnic area by the water (private). Hot tub (private) available on request at £195 per weekend, £225 per week. Bike store. Private parking for 6 cars. No smoking. Please note: Sorry, no hen or stag parties. This property has exposed, mill features. There is a mill wheel and fenced pond in the grounds, children to be supervised at all times. There are numerous staircases in the property; please consider this if any members of your group have walking difficulties.. Bradbourne Mill is a collection of historic and Grade II listed properties. It’s located in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside of the Peak District and is though to be the oldest surviving watermill in Derbyshire. The Water Mill, which originally milled corn and wheat since the 1500s, has been lovingly converted into a 16-person detached holiday home, which houses luxury fittings and many of the original historic workings. Such features inside the property include the ancient stonework, oak beams and preserved water mill machinery, providing you with a stunning insight into the history of the building. The living room features two luxury sofas, whilst the dining room has a farmhouse dining table with benches. Attached to the outside of the property are the famous mill waterwheels. The original wood and iron waterwheels have been restored and turn from time to time, and they are fed by the waters of the ancient mill pond adjacent to the property.
There is a designated picnic area located by the river for Water Mill guests - only a short walk away. Maps of how to get there are provided at the Mill. The Water Mill has been designed to give guests elegance with comfort, and has been furnished with a country-style ambience. This is the perfect place to unwind after sight-seeing and walks with your family or friends. An additional paddock is provided next to the stream, a five-minute walk away, for guests to take picnics, play ball games or simply relax. On offer are many final touches including the hire of a hot tub, cocktail classes, murder mystery nights, beauty and hair therapists, cooking classes, art classes for kids and adults, keep fit classes, professional photography, archery lessons and bush craft experiences. Various activities around the area include spa days, clay pigeon shooting, Go Ape, quad biking, treasure hunts, paint balling, sailing and guided walks. Further details on any of these activities are available on request to the property manager.
The Water Mill is a short walk away from a footpath and stream that joins the High Peak and Tissington Trail, and conveniently connects to a path and lane leading to Carsington Water. The location of the property offers guests brilliant walking and cycling opportunities. The walks are endless, and depending on your ability, there are hills and valleys surrounding the Peak District National Park to explore. Maps and ordnance surveys are provided at the property. Horse riding can be found nearby at Tissington and Netherton, and there is a golf course at Ashbourne.
There is so much to do, see and explore in this area, with some of the finest country stately homes in England to visit such as Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Tissington Hall. Additional famous and award-winning villages and towns are also within a short distance including Bakewell, Eyam, Ashbourne, Tissington, Ilam, Thorpe and Buxton.
If your love is for water activities then visit Carsington Water. This stunning setting is just a couple of miles away, where you can enjoy most water sports or take a gentle walk around the area. Theme parks are readily available and the most famous in the area is Alton Towers, only a 30-minute drive away and set in stunning scenery. A 20-minute drive north through quiet lanes takes you to Gulliver’s Kingdom for the younger members of the group, or The Heights of Abraham and exploring the caves at Matlock Bath. Shop 5 miles and pub serving food 2¾ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 52 guests.
Free WiFi
Due to the stairs and exposed mill features, this property may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or those with very young children.
The external railings are horizontal with a drop down one side - extra care to be taken. Due to the many staircases and layout of the property, we would recommend any persons considered as vulnerable to stay in the bedrooms located on the lower floors.
Please note: Relaxed celebrations and reduced noise (no music outside in the gardens) are most welcome so to respect neighbours and surrounding wildlife.
Children must be supervised on site due to possible safety hazards.
There is an evening curfew for noise at the property.
One or more beds can be linked to form double or twin beds (please advise the owner of your preference soon after booking).
No stag, hen or other party bookings allowed.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Sophie Cahill
I’d organised a 3 night stay at this gorgeous house for my friends ‘zen’ do celebration 🐓 what an absolutely gorgeous place! Sophie was so helpful throughout the booking process and throughout our stay, the house had everything you need for your stay and was easy to get to! Would definitely recommend others to stay here and would love to stay here again myself. Thanks so much!
Confirmed Guest
Beautiful cottage, truly in the middle of nowhere. Gorgeous to relax outside with the sound of sheep and pheasants. We were greeted with such a cute welcome hamper too! Comfortable beds and really clean. Hot tub was awesome. Decent pubs within driving distance and really good food too. Dominos Pizza also deliver from Ashbourne if you're desperate for food! Thoroughly recommend.
Angela Smith
We had the most loveliest stay here. It is a stunning property and well equipped to accomodate a larger group of people. We went for a birthday event, and it didn't disappoint. We would love to go back in the summer to take advantage of the garden, and more walking along nearby trails.
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