01/05/2023
Originally a mill workers cottage, 34 Water Lane is a delightful three storey, two bedroom, grade II listed cottage set in the hillside in the pretty historic village of Cromford. The cottage has many original features, including grit stone fire surrounds in the lounge and each of the two bedrooms, beams and exposed stone walls. The cottage is beautifully decorated and furnished throughout in blues, greys and beiges - with water themed decorative finishes. The lounge offers the opportunity to relax on one of it's two two seater settees. Watch TV or a DVD leisurely - or just enjoy relaxing whilst you savour the ambience! A selection of games, books and DVD's are provided to assist in your endeavours! However, should you wish to 'touch base' with your on-line friends, wifi facilities are available at the cottage.
Off the lounge there is a small cloakroom offering a toilet and washbasin as well as an area to hang your coats and boots/shoes - so that you can enjoy a clutter free stay. This area also accommodates an iron/ironing board, vacuum cleaner, brush, mop and bucket etc - but more importantly....a small picnic bag - ideal for day's out.
Also off the lounge is a thumb latch door which provides access to a delightful kitchen/diner. The modern cool grey shaker style kitchen is fitted with a built-in oven and modern electric hob over which is an extractor fan. The kitchen also offers a built-in dish washer and a refrigerator with freezer box - all designed to ensure your stay is effortless! The kitchen holds everything you would need for a stay at this delightful cottage - but if you think anything is missing - please let the owner know. A door from the kitchen gives access to the terraced garden - via steep stone steps which can be slippery when wet..
From the lounge there is also a thumb latch door leading to the original steep and narrow staircase giving access to the upper floor. Please note that although 'quaint' the stairs may present a challenge for those who are less agile than they would like to be or have mobility issues.
The first floor landing gives access to the first of two double bedrooms. This room combines modern day luxury with some of the properties most endearing original features. These include original wide planked wooden flooring, a gritstone fireplace and stone mullion windows. The bedroom offers a king-sized bed, bedside tables, a double wardrobe, dressing table and a chair from which you can enjoy views across to the millpond opposite. Be-decked in cool greys, yet furnished in rich chestnut brown wooden furniture, the room offers a tranquil setting in which to relax after enjoying the sights of the region.
Further up the stairs, the top floor landing provides access to a second double room. The stripped pine furniture combined with soft furnishings with copper accents provides another room in which to rest and relax. A double bed, two bedside tables and a chest of drawers gives adequate storage space, whilst two chairs allows you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a rest. Original wide plank flooring and a small gritstone fire place gives a 'nod' to the historical nature of the property.
Next to the second bedroom and also on the top floor of the property is a beautifully finished, recently fitted shower room. Offering a walk-in shower, vanity unit, heated towel rail and views over the rear terraced garden - bathing couldn't be more enjoyable!
Outside and to the rear of the property and built into the steep hillside lies two terraces from where views across open countryside can be enjoyed. A peaceful retreat after a day's sightseeing! Please note however, the stone steps are steep and may present a challenge for those less agile. Furthermore, the land and terraces to all properties in the row of cottages are open, as the steps built into the hillside provide share access.
Heating and hot water in the property is provided via a central heating system operated by a combi-boiler. In addition, as already mentioned, a log burning stove is located in the lounge for those chilly evenings. A basket of logs and fire lighting facilities are provided for guests and the cost of gas and electricity is included in the hiring charge for use of the cottage.
Like most village based small cottages, there is no dedicated off-road parking attached to this property. Free on-road parking however is available opposite the cottage.
As already mentioned, 34 Water Lane is an original mill workers cottage. The village itself houses the first ever water powered cotton mill. Built by the inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright, the mill itself is a 15 minute walk from the cottage. Now converted to a tourist attraction, the mill offers shops and tea rooms set in the original mill buildings. Next to this mill is a pretty canal offering barge trips, gift shops and a tea room - as well of course as a delightful path along the canal on which to walk and enjoy nature at it's finest! But Cromford doesn't just offer these two key attractions. Opposite 34 Water Lane is another mill - now converted to residential accommodation. A public footpath takes you over the river next to the mill and along a river path towards Middleton. There are also gift shops, tea room and art galleries in the village. Other historical features can also be found in Cromford - but I'll let you discover them yourselves!
If you want to travel outside Cromford - highly recommended given the places of interest on your doorstep - the following places are very easily accessed:
1. Matlock Bath - a small and lively town located on the River Wye, which offers tea rooms, gift shops, Heights of Abraham cable car ride and Gulliver's Kingdom as well as picnic areas by the river is approximately 1 mile away from Cromford - easily walkable but equally accessed within five minutes by car.
2. Matlock - another small town packed full of tea shops, gift and antique shops. Again located on the River Wye this thriving little town is a must see for visitors. Matlock is located approximately 2.5 miles from Cromford and would take approximately 10 minutes to reach by car.
3. The little village of Wirksworth is located approximately 2 miles from Cromford and offers further tea/coffee shops, gift shops and pretty houses and walkways.
4. Travelling a little further afield, Chatsworth House and gardens are located 10 miles away and can be reached by car within 30 minutes. The house, gardens and grounds are certainly a 'must see' visitors attraction. And you may be fortunate enough to see a herd of deer or two in the grounds of the estate.
5. Also a little further away is the delightful town of Bakewell. Famous of course for it's Bakewell Pudding - visitors can enjoy looking around delightful shop, tea or coffee in one of it's myriad of tea and coffee shops. Also located on the River Wye, the town offers delightful riverside walks and picnicking.
6. Travelling south west brings visitors to Carsington Waters (5.5 miles, 13 minutes) and Ashbourne (11 miles, 21 minutes) As you can see, as well as Cromford itself, the area offers much to the discerning visitor. Enjoy your stay!

Private host
