We’re checking out the vibe, the rooms, the dining and more, so all you have to do is book now for the festive season …
VIBE: Georgian country house hotel in a picture postcard location, within the Peak District National Park.
WHY GO: The Christmas festivities at Chatsworth House, which is a 20-minute stroll from the hotel.
BACKSTORY: The hotel is part of the 35,000-acre Chatsworth Estate, which has belonged to the Cavendish family since 1549, current home of the twelvth Duke and Duchess of Devonshire; the family’s Irish estate is Lismore, Co Waterford.
NEED TO KNOW: Interior designer Nicola Harding worked with Laura Burlington (wife of William, heir to Chatsworth) to update the hotel interiors this year. Fresh and unfussy, highlights include art from the Devonshire collection with works by Elizabeth Frink, Phyllida Barlow, Jeremy Deller and Elizabeth Peyton, lots of black and white photos (some of Lismore) and interesting books.
ROOMS: There are 28 relaxed and understated rooms, in three categories (Cosy, Spacious, Splendid) including two suites. These are decorated with vintage patterned wallpapers, ticking-striped valances, faux rustic touches and piles of books. My room overlooked the Capability Brown-designed landscape.
DINING: The Gallery, where breakfast is served, is also the 3 AA Rosette restaurant where chef Adam Harper flexes his skills using local ingredients from the estate. The south-facing Garden Room is more casual for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Guests can also book The Kitchen Table for a front row seat and a bespoke menu.
DO: Buy a ticket for Christmas at Chatsworth, from £32stg, which runs until January 2, and provides entry to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground. It’s incredible value, and an opportunity to see one of Europe’s most important private art collections.
DON’T: Leave without visiting the Farm Shop, originally created by Debo, Duchess of Devonshire, where present ideas are plentiful.
DO: Check the year round programme of events at Chatsworth; I took in the recent “Erdem: Imaginary Conversations” exhibition.
DON’T: Forget Chatsworth was the location for Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice series (starring Colin Firth) and the film featuring Keira Knightley. It’s rumoured to be the location of a new Wuthering Heights film.
VERDICT: Peak perfection as a base for a weekend getaway of spectacular views, exquisite food and cultural riches. From £170stg per night in December. www.cavendishhotelbaslow.co.uk
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