High Flatts Barn, Tissington REVIEW

[AD] A couple of weekends ago we enjoyed a wonderful weekend away staying at High Flatts Barn in Tissington, Derbyshire. Recently fully renovated to a very high standard, the holiday cottage has been beautifully decorated throughout in a chic, contemporary style that perfectly suits it’s stunning countryside location. High Flatts Barn enjoys stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fields; the perfect place to relax after a bracing countryside walk or bike ride.

High Flatts Barn is just one of the holiday cottages that are part of the historic Tissington Hall estate (see the full range here). We were invited by Sir Richard, whose family built the historic Hall over 400 years ago. The Hall itself is now a stunning wedding venue as well as hosting a range of family tours, open days and events.

High Flatts Barn

After a very hectic week of work, school and the general juggles of family life – we were more than ready for a relaxing weekend away. From arriving in the huge, gravelled private car park of the barn, we immediately felt at home and impressed with the quality of the accommodation. This is by far and away the most luxurious holiday cottage I have stayed in.

The interior décor was stunning. Period features of the old barn were beautifully married with contemporary comforts and style. I loved the grey colour scheme punctuated with pops of bold colours and the odd Orla Keily pattern. Everything was spotlessly clean and it was well equipped with all the practical things one might need as well as plenty of little luxuries. Beds were made up, we were provided with soft fluffy towels and a bathrobe each. Basic cleaning products and a small range of quality toiletries were provided.

Inside, there is a cosy living room with log burner and flat screen television (which we barely put on) and plenty of comfy seating (and soft blankets to snuggle under).

Adjacent to the living room was a light and airy summer room. Here there was a table big enough to dine at or play games, and a sofa which I enjoyed sitting at with my morning coffee, looking out on to the glorious vistas. There’s an attractive patio area with garden furniture for warmer months.

High Flatts holiday let sleeps four people. There are two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite with a lovely walk in shower. We visited as a family so the second bedroom was converted into a twin with use of a family bathroom (with a proper bath – as well as shower).

I loved the open plan kitchen area with dining area. The high ceiling and wooden beams gave a real sense of the barn’s history and had been beautifully incorporated into a functional, pleasant space. The window above the kitchen sink pretty much guaranteed views of pheasants pottering about the next field – it was simply magical.

Thoughtfully, there was a separate utility room – with washing machine and the perfect place to store muddy boots, outdoor coats etc without spoiling the gorgeous aesthetics of the rest of the barn.

Eco-friendly touches

There were plenty of thoughtful eco-friendly touches throughout High Flatts Barn including discretely positioned solar panels on the roof, automatic sensors on bathroom lights, essential oil scented toiletries available in refillable containers and electric vehicle charging available on request.

I would recommend having at least one car to fully explore the wider area. But it would be possible to reach the property via public transport – and once you are there you could walk or cycle for the rest of the stay.

What is there to do in the local area?

Tissington village is a five minute walk from High Flatts Barn and is a destination in itself. Chocolate box pretty, Tisssington village has a very old church, a beautiful old hall, duck pond etc. If you are looking for a quintessentially English estate village – this is it!

The focal point of the village is Tissington Hall. Built in 1609, the Hall is the family home of Sir Richard FitzHerbert who kindly showed me around. Derbyshire is blessed with many fine historic houses – but I have never experienced such a fascinating, intimate insight into the realities of estate life. There are a range of tours throughout the year and these can be booked via the Estate Office. The Hall is also now an exclusive use wedding venue, providing a spectacular, intimate backdrop to celebration.

Enjoy a gentle potter around the pretty village – or a more bracing walk in the surrounding countryside. There is of course the Tissington Trail, a traffic free trail for walkers and cyclists. You could walk the trail to nearby Ashbourne, or there are numerous other walks in the local area, including plenty incorporating country pubs, e.g. this one from Peak District Kids.

Also part of the estate is the beautifully traditional tea rooms, Herbert’s, where High Flatts guests receive a complimentary drink and a choice of biscuits! We got seduced by the cakes, and my daughter by the ice cream but there’s also a range of breakfasts, lunches etc featuring produce from local suppliers.

Go for:

High Flatts Barn is a luxurious holiday let perfectly situated to sample the best of Derbyshire and the Peak District, including the pretty village of Tissington. We found it to be really family friendly but is also the type of place I would love to go with a small group of girlfriends – or as two couples – for a relaxing weekend in the glorious Derbyshire countryside.

Details:

High Flatts Barn, Tissington

Dog friendly and pets welcome.

Ample private parking

EV charging point available on request. Nearest bus stop is in Tissington village a five minute walk away.