The Reason
It was late 2019 when my wife decided that, because our youngest had turned 1, we were afforded so much more freedom. We could actually unload our boys every now and then to family members, so the two of us could have a couple of nights away every now and again. Obviously, overseas ones are expensive, so we made it our mission to find the most satisfying relaxing locations within an hour of where we live.
There is so much. Living in south Nottingham, it’s not too much effort to get to Leicestershire, Lincolnshire or Derbyshire from where we are. Between then and late 2021, we lost count of how many times the two of us had one or two-night stays around the East Midlands – just to escape the boys for a little while.
We didn’t want to drive too far, because we didn’t want to tire ourselves out. We didn’t mind self-catering, but we preferred to have breakfast sorted. We just wanted somewhere to enjoy each others’ company for a little but without any distractions. Plus – we had a little one that woke up several times each night and we really needed to get away from it. It did us so much good – especially fresh out of the 2020 lockdowns.
One place that we kept seeing come up on the hotel aggregators was the Farmhouse Hotel in Derbyshire. For whatever reason we kept it in our bookmarks, but kept ending up staying somewhere else instead. When they invited Hollie down (and me as a tagalong) we finally got to see what it was all about.
The Stay
I like to be surprised, so when Hollie said that we were heading to this hotel, I made an active effort to avoid researching and digging deeper into it. I already know that I’d seen it before and liked the look of it, but I wanted to be surprised by it when I actually got there. We drove there from London and were absolutely thrilled by what was hiding behind the door.
As you step in, you’re presented with a proper suite. To the left, a giant tub. To the right, the bed area. There’s a separate shower in the bathroom and there’s just so much space to kick back and relax within. It was lush.
Hollie and I have a tendency to spend most of our times in hotels just working. We’re just there on our laptops cracking on with whatever things we had been putting off. On this occasion, we just didn’t feel like it. It’s the kind of space that invites you to properly unwind and forget about all of that stuff for a little while. Hollie wasted no time in stripping off so she could spend as much time as possible in the bath – enjoying all The White Stuff toiletries scattered around the place.
The boutique hotel only has 10 rooms and, now I’ve had time to look at their website, I’d say that we stayed in the best one. If we were going back, we’d definitely ensure that we would stay in that specific one again. It’s got great country views, great natural light and a luxury-feeling experience.
The bed was huge. I believe it’s a superking, and it’s the kind of bed you want for your own. I usually end up waking up extra early whenever we’re away from the kids, but even with Storm Eunice in full flow, I ended up enjoying a lie-in for once.
Dinner was downstairs at their restaurant. The both of us struggled to make our decision, because there was so many potentials to choose from. Ultimately, I went for a sirloin steak with triple-cooked chips (after I started with some fried buttermilk chicken). It was lush – one of the best steaks I’ve had, and it was definitely the dealmaker that made me decide it’s not the last time we’ll be here.
The Verdict
Hollie remarked several times over the course of our stay that we’re going to make this one of our regulars, and I completely agree. The place is just outside Derby city centre, so is perfectly placed for us. We like the idea of staying in a picturesque location, but we really don’t like being too far away from civilisation (to the point we can’t get an UberEats delivered to us). As it turns out, the food at the restaurant is so good I’d make the effort to get down for the food alone.
If you fancy a trip to Derby and want to go to somewhere with the getaway feel, whilst only being a stone’s throw from the city, this will have all of your boxes ticked. We’re already trying to figure out when the best time to return is.
Read Hollie’s perspective over here.
See all the details about The Farmhouse at Mackworth here. Find it at 60 Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 4LY.