The Old Forge - cosy country cottage near Ashbourne and the Peak District

Tucked into Barn Farm at Hollington, just outside Ashbourne in Derbyshire, The Old Forge feels like a carefully restored bolt of countryside comfort. This cosy cottage sleeps two across two bedrooms and sits within easy reach of the Peak District - perfect for couples seeking a slow-paced break or a base for walking and country pubs. The property combines character touches with modern conveniences: a flame effect burner for chilly evenings, a luxurious free-standing bath, a ground floor bedroom and shower room, plus a compact but well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, electric oven and microwave.

Walking and Outdoor Pursuits

With the Peak District on the doorstep, mornings can start with lane walks or longer hikes into limestone dales. Cyclists will find plenty of quiet roads and green lanes nearby. The enclosed garden and outdoor dining area make it easy to relax after a day out - bring charcoal for the BBQ and settle in under the stars.

Local Pubs and Eating Out

There’s a pub within walking distance, handy for a pint or a hearty meal. For those who like to cook, the Old Forge kitchen is sensibly laid out and includes a fridge freezer and washing machine - handy for longer stays.

Ashbourne’s market town charm is close at hand - think independent shops, tearooms and weekend markets. For day trips, Buxton and Bakewell are easy drives, while scenic drives through the Peak District reward with stunning viewpoints. Those curious about other places called The Old Forge may spot references to the old forge pub or to locations like the old forge knoydart and the old forge inverie when researching elsewhere, but here the setting is purely Derbyshire countryside, just outside Ashbourne, DE6 3GB.

The cottage’s coordinates put it at 52.9538893, -1.6585496, so a car is the most useful way to explore. There’s private parking on site. Trains and buses can be used for longer trips from Ashbourne, but expect limited rural services - plan ahead for evenings out or grocery runs. The private entrance makes arrivals and departures straightforward.

The Old Forge sleeps two and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so it’s aimed squarely at couples or solo travellers wanting extra space. Families should note the sleeping capacity and travel cot availability - it’s family friendly in amenities, but the layout works best for smaller groups. Pets are not permitted, so those searching for pet-friendly cottages elsewhere - such as the old forge totnes or the old forge otterbourne - should look at other listings. Short breaks are available, and the cottage is marked as exclusive and small, ideal for a peaceful escape.

• Enclosed garden and outdoor dining area
• Free-standing bath and ground floor shower room
• Flame effect burner and heating throughout
• WiFi and Smart TV with internet access
• Kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and electric oven
• Private entrance and parking
• Travel cot, highchair and children welcome
• BBQ - charcoal, seating area, hot water and ironing facilities

• Check-in and check-out times apply - guests should confirm times at booking
• No pets - The Old Forge is pet free
• Smoking not permitted inside
• Respect neighbours and keep noise to a minimum, especially late at night
• Parking available on-site for guests

The Old Forge sits at Barn Farm, Hollington, a short drive from Ashbourne, England, postcode DE6 3GB. It’s compact but thoughtfully arranged, sleeping two across two bedrooms with two bathrooms - an unusual but welcome layout that gives flexibility for couples who want separate sleeping spaces or a quiet room to use as a workspace. The ground floor bedroom and ground floor shower room make this cottage accessible for visitors preferring single-level living, while the free-standing bath upstairs adds a touch of indulgence.

Practical features are strong here. The kitchen has everything needed for a self-catered stay - dishwasher, electric oven, microwave and a decent fridge freezer. A washing machine and iron are handy for walkers or guests staying longer. Heating and hot water are reliable, and the flame effect burner in the living area makes chilly evenings cosy without fuss. Fast enough WiFi and a Smart TV make it easy to unwind with streaming after a day on the trails.

Outside, the enclosed garden and outdoor dining area feel private, with a charcoal BBQ for easy al fresco meals. There’s parking on site and a pub within walking distance, so evenings out can be low on logistics. The location near the Peak District is the real draw - lanes, ridges and stone-built villages are all within reach, making it a solid base for walkers, cyclists and anyone chasing quiet countryside time. Ashbourne itself offers cafes, independent shops and weekend markets for local flavour.

It’s not perfect for everyone. The Old Forge only sleeps two, so larger groups or families wanting multiple communal spaces might feel constrained. Even though children are welcome and a travel cot and highchair are provided, the small cottage vibe suits couples or solo travellers better than big family gatherings. Pets aren’t allowed, which disappoints some, but it keeps the place allergen-friendly and quiet. Those expecting instant frequent public transport will find the rural setting needs a car - the coordinates at 52.9538893, -1.6585496 put it squarely in farm country. Finally, while the cottage feels exclusive and well-equipped, anyone seeking a lively nightlife hub should look closer to larger towns.

Overall, The Old Forge is a curated country bolt-hole. It does what it sets out to do - offer calm, characterful accommodation with smart facilities and easy access to the Peak District and Ashbourne. For a couple after walks, cosy nights by the burner and a private garden to relax in, it’s hard to beat.