Sleeps 9, “Peak Retreat” a country S/C holiday cottage.

The views from this house are amazing but they had not been taken advantage of by the previous owner. You walked into what was essentially a corridor with small rooms off it.' Oh this cannot be!' we cried and opened it all up into the huge, light and airy kitchen diner that there is today. The original kitchen had been a tiny pokey affair yet left behind was the most amazing original gas cooker (see photo) in really good condition. I wanted to keep it but was out voted and it took 4 men from the scrapyard to carry it away.They almost smashed our stone steps in the process it was so heavy.

Still ever the keen cook Louise wanted a convivial open kitchen which could accommodate large families or a group of friends. A cook should never be alone slaving away whilst dinner guests chat away in another room. The cook should participate in both the conversation and the wine! We must have achieved our aim as we get more comments in the visitors book about our kitchen-diner than anything else. A large dining table with comfy solid dining chairs sits well in the room and there is even a sofa tucked under the stairs for a more relaxed chat.

Private parking in Hayfield is at a premium so at Peak Retreat we made a space for three cars. The house has great views from both front and back - over fields and animals to the hills afar. Kinder Scout and the surrounding walking country is literally on your doorstep. You will be awoken gently by birds tweeting and cows lowing as you snuggle under your duvet planning what the day ahead can bring. The position of the house is perfect - five minutes walk to Hayfield village centre yet you feel feel away from everything and it is so quiet and peaceful. The farm below sells fresh eggs and all small food items, newspapers etc. can be bought in the village although two major supermarkets are within 10 minutes drive. Another BIG plus is the number of fine ale houses and eating options that Hayfield has to offer, all accessible on foot so you don't need to use the car at all.

Bathrooms were also a high priority on the agenda when converting Peak Retreat. Gone are the days when big groups pile into ski chalets and all share facilities, everyone expects en-suites nowadays. So we juggled architect plans and found the space somehow to install three full bathrooms, plus a wash basin to satisfy demands of a full house of nine visitors. Our central heating system is state-of-the art and there is lashings of hot water when you come home from your days activity.

Brian and I are both well travelled and have strived to put everything a visitor could possibly need into our holiday home, small comforts count and often do not cost much to provide. However we also wanted to make it accessible to most with competitive pricing. We hope to have provided a good quality holiday home at a reasonable price that can be enjoyed by all. One only has to read our reviews or the Visitor Book to see that this has been achieved.