dog friendly cottages peak district

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Novembers weather

IMG_4714Monday saw three departures and one arrival at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  Chris and handyman finished guttering and roof work for the time being.  Originally we weren’t expecting any arrivals but we had a last minute booking. Luckily the cleaner has been keeping up with the cleaning.  I finally got round to making my Christmas Cake,  the fruit had been soaking in brandy for three days!  In the evening we abandoned the dogs again as I went to Over Haddon for bowls and Chris went to the Photographic Society in Bakewell.  Tuesday was another dry day so Chris and the handyman started the final tidy up and leaf clearing of the season. IMG_4709 In the afternoon we headed to Chesterfield stopping for lunch at the farm shop in Kelstedge.  After Bookers and Dunelm (of course) we visited a paint shop and carpet shop in our continuing pursuit of the right paint and flooring for Dove.  The sun finally came out on Wednesday and the lads carried on with their outside jobs including some pruning.  One departure and one arrival and after final checks on cottage I took advantage of the pleasant weather to plant out the final 50 or so bulbs!  After lunch did my preparations for the evening’s WI committee meeting before guests arrived about 4pm.  They have been here already this year.  A short committee meeting where we discussed our party next week, I am compiling a quiz, and the resolutions for the National AGM.

The weather statistics for November are:

Warmest day and night 11th with highest temperature of 11.8C, coldest day and night 19th with lowest temperature -1C.  Wettest day 20th with .6in rain with 2.49 in for month (2.19 in Nov 2012).

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Bakewell Christmas weekend

IMG_4702A busy weekend in Bakewell not far from our Bolehill cottages (see link) with many events happening in and around Bakewell.  Down to Bakewell first thing with Chris so we could go to the Farmers Market.  This was busier than usual and after this we had a walk round Bakewell to see the stalls set out selling gifts and food at the Christmas Market. We had the dogs with us and they are used to being dragged round events such as this with the only incident being Blue having one small woof at the clog dancers.  Perhaps he wanted to join in!  From here we headed over to Baslow as we wanted to look at some paint and we stopped for coffee at Charlie’s Bistro and then had a look at the old packhorse bridge with the toll booth.   As it had been busy in Bakewell we drove back via Calver, stopping at the garden centre, and Ashford.  In the afternoon Chris tried out some paints and I did some cooking.  Sunday was forecast to be cloudy but it got off to a sunny start and clouded up lunchtime.  One departure.  IMG_4701Invited one  of the cottages over for coffee and a chat which also proved useful as we chatted about decorating!  They had been to Tissington to the Christmas Market so we thought we would go and have a look.  On the way there I looked over and could see one of the wind turbines had been erected at Carsington Pastures.  There was plenty going on at Tissington,  tours of the hall, pony trap rides and WI tea in the church!   At the village hall there was a craft fair and we had a crepe for lunch and for the first time I went and had a look at the candle shop.  With other shops also open I manage to source some Christmas presents.  Back home and after tea we set off to Buxton the Pavilion Arts Centre to see Leo Houlding, a rock climber.   We have seen him before and this time he gave us a talk and slide show on his recent climbs in Antarctica and the Amazon.  He was also in an episode of Top Gear once where he climbed a cliff face beating Jeremy Clarkson who was driving an Audi.  Rather him than me.  See the rest of the weekend’s photos here.

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Christmas at Chatsworth

20131127_IMG_2512Wednesday was a fine day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  No departures but one arrival and friend and I turned a cottage round in the morning for them.  Handyman spent day with Chris clearing gutters from leaves and putting up the Xmas lights – his favourite two jobs!  After lunch friend and I set off to the Peak Shopping Village for a spot of retail therapy and then onto Chatsworth House arriving about 4pm. This meant we missed the crowds and as it was starting to get dark  the display inside looked even better.   The theme for the decorations this year is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.   There were only two other couples arriving at the same time as us and we only overtook or caught up by a few other visitors so we got a real close up look at the displays which I reckon is one of the best yet.  Chris had suggested I took his camera to get better shots and I took mine too but the ones with his camera were better.  We stopped at the farm shop on the way back and as we approached home we were treated to the Christmas lights being on.  I popped over to say hello to the guests as they have been before. Our friend left on Thursday morning and the morning went in cottage jobs.  One cleaner up to catch up with cleaning.  After lunch Chris went to the village hall to lead a session at the digital camera club.  As it was so mild I planted more bulbs and did some tidying up jobs. Only fifty bulbs to go!  All the hanging baskets are down now. Friday was a bit disappointing weather wise.  Chris and handyman had hoped to do more roofing and guttering work but got fed up of the showers.  One departure and three arrivals and one cleaner up.  One guest has booked for next year too.  All three cottages here by 3.30 so rest of afternoon was mine. Later in the afternoon went down to Hattersley wines in Bakewell as they were having their annual wine tasting event.  After this I popped into the Co-Op to get a few bits as Saturday will be busy a busy day in Bakewell.

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Catching up

IMG_4623_1Sunday 23/11 was a quiet day with time to catch my breath! Two departures at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link). The rest of the day went in jobs around the house. Monday was a fine day with one departure but no arrivals. In the morning we went down to Bakewell to chose more fittings for Dove and as we had no arrivals we headed into Bakewell for coffee and a wander round the market.  After lunch we headed over to one of the cleaners as she was having trouble with a computer.  After dinner we abandoned the dogs and I headed to Over Haddon for bowls and Chris was off to Bakewell for the Photographic Society.  Tuesday saw me head down to Bakewell for a hair cut in the morning and get some provisions.  Chris and the handyman did the annual check on the roof tiles and after lunch did some housework and made up a room for our friend who was here a few weeks ago as she is back for a few nights. We have planned to go to Chatsworth to see the Christmas Decorations. She arrived later in the afternoon and in the evening we went to the Pointing Dog and Duck (formerly Felicinis) in Bakewell as I had a voucher. The menu is very similar (less choice of drinks/cocktails) but the décor has changed. We all enjoyed our meals. Andrew has decided he will not have sheep grazing this year to let the land rest amongst other reasons so it will be strange to have empty fields over the winter.  We still have the maternity wing as the hooligans have now gone back across the road.

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Still on the go

IMG_4621Thursday 21/11 was another cold but sunny day at our cottages near Bakewell (see link).  One departure, who we had a long chat with before they left.  An early lunch then I accompanied one of our cleaners to Calow Hospital for an appointment.  Got back to Bakewell before the shops closed so I could get the provisions for the weekend. Cooked Chris tea then Chris took me, Joanna and another WI member to Youlgrave for our WI group meeting.  Here we met up with members from Bakewell, Longstone, Monyash Ashford and Youlgrave for a quiche and salad supper followed by fruit crumble.  The guest speaker was the Duke of Devonshire who gave us an interesting insight to the art, furniture, and ceramic collections accumulated over the years by his ancestors.  After his talk he asked for questions and comments about visiting Chatsworth.  Nobody seemed to want to ask anything so I raised the issue of car park charges.  At least one other person came up to me afterwards and thanked me for asking the question. Andrew collected us and took us home.  Parking is a problem at Youlgrave so it was easier to give lifts.  Friday again was sunny but cold.  One departure and three arrivals and one cleaner here.  Plenty to keep me occupied and first two cottages arrived between 3and 4pm, one has been before.  Time to catch up with personal emails and post from the last few days before tea after which we popped over to one of the cottages for a drink and some nibbles with a couple of our regular guests.  Final cottage arrived about 10.30pm.  Saturday saw three departures and one arrival. Cottage already cleaned and with cleaner not here for a few days I stripped the beds and Chris and I took the opportunity to start thinking about the jobs we need to do in the cottages this winter.  Guests arrived just after 4pm, they have been a few times before.  They had come via Chatsworth which was very busy due to the Christmas market.

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Here and there

IMG_4614Monday 18/11 saw no departures and one arrival and one cleaner here at our Bolehill cottages (see link).  A day of odd jobs and preparing myself for the WI AGM on Wednesday.  Cottage arrived just after 3pm, he has been before. Should have gone to the indoor bowls in the evening but there wasn’t enough of us so I had an evening in.  Tuesday was a sunny but cold day with a dusting of snow first thing.   Most had gone by the time I took the dogs for their walk.  No departures or arrivals and later in the morning after dropping my car off for its MOT we went down to Bakewell to order the kitchen and bathroom furniture for Dove.  Back for lunch then we went to Chatsworth to visit the Christmas market.  We had heard that over 5000 cars (plus coaches) were there on Sunday.  IMG_4612Luckily it was much quieter than that when we went or Chris would have turned back.  Still we enjoyed visiting the stalls, chatting to the still holder who is staying here and buying some bits, including a pie from Shirley’s Pies!   Home again and picked up the car and had an early dinner then off to Buxton to the Opera House to see The Mousetrap.  In all the years I worked in London I never went to see it.  I enjoyed it.  There was still a little snow on the ground at Buxton but this had gone by Wednesday morning when we went to Buxton to do some bits at our property.  I was back early afternoon as I had some baking to do for the WI meeting in the evening.  IMG_4616Picked up Joanna early as I had the keys and after the business side of the meeting (no-one volunteered to be treasurer so I was elected again for another year) we had an evening of Poems and Puddings.  As we left it was snowing quite heavily but it wasn’t until I got home that it was settling.  I thought I might have to get Chris out to salt the drive but the forecast showed it turning to rain over night and luckily it did.

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Casterne Hall and Ilam

20131114_IMG_2480-Edit_1On Thursday, (14/11) after saying goodbye to  a cottage at our Bolehill cottages, (see link)  we had another familiarisation visit organised by Visit Peak District.  This time it was to Casterne all near Ilam.  We have walked passed this property a number of times, and having recently decided to open to the public, we had booked a tour of the hall.  Being a sunny morning, albeit cold and breezy, the house was quite bright on the inside.  We were welcomed with coffee and cake and after a talk by the owner we were invited to wander around the house and ask any questions.  As usual we met up with others that we knew.  After the tour we stopped at nearby Ilam Hall for an early lunch.  As a National Trust property we would expect them to be closed for winter but we noted their cafe was going to be open until 23rd December despite the fact the leaflet said it would be closed.  Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera so I could not take pictures of the hall or Thorpe Cloud with blue skies but here is a picture of the hall that Chris took.  In the afternoon I organised some advertising for 2014, this advertising being of the printed variety rather than web based as we still do limited print advertising.  Friday started dull but brightened up.  No departures but one arrival later in the day but one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning.  Jobs around the cottages and with a brighter afternoon more tidying up outside and some tender plants went into the green house. Found time to plant another hundred bulbs, just another 150 to go!  Some housework and a quiet evening in.  Guests arrived just after 10 pm.

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Things to do

Monday was a quiet day at our Bolehill cottages (see link).  Two departures and no arrivals and one cleaner up. When taking the dogs for their early morning  walk  noticed there was the usual Monday morning traffic with farmers taking their livestock down to the market.  At this time of year anything between 2-3000 sheep can go through the market plus cattle.  Although no arrivals time went in cottage preparations for the next few days and the cleaner has started on her winter cleaning routines.  Each week between now and Christmas she will be doing extra cleaning jobs in the cottages In the evening I went to Over Haddon for the Village Hall committee meeting.  Good news in that the toilets in the car park will remain open this winter thanks in part to the parish council and also to Natural England who have footed the cost.  At least walkers using Lathkill Dale will have some toilets to use. Tuesday was a colder day but it was dry and sunny.  One departure then we set off to Buxton and Chapel en le Frith to do some sourcing of materials for the refurbishment of Dove early next year.  Also went to check on the progress of our other project in Buxton before heading home.  Took a number of bookings during the day so that was good. In the evening we went to Piedaniels for a celebration meal as we have now been here ten years. They have a good value set meal for during the week.  Wednesday saw one departure and three arrivals and one cleaner up. The Chatsworth Christmas Market starts Thursday for ten days and like last year we are quite busy because of it.  One of the arrivals on Wednesday is showing there and is booked in here for nearly two weeks.  Another of the arrivals are  regular guests and are here because of it and the final cottage, new guests are here just for a break.  All were here by 4pm.  Spent some time researching advertising for next year.

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A Sunday walk

IMG_4590Remembrance Sunday was forecast to be a dry but cold day. Two departures from our Bolehill cottages (see link) with one arrival and cottage already cleaned.  The autumn colours have been good this year so we headed to Ladybower reservoir where we were expecting to find them at their best.  We arrived late morning, avoiding the Remembrance Service parades,  but still found a parking spot.  At this point we discovered we had forgotten the dogs’ harnesses and leads and usually I have a spare set in the car.  Unfortunately Chris had taken the bag out which had them in but luckily we had some bungee leads so we improvised!  We set off passed the dam and headed down the lane to Wellhead where we took the track up to Pike Low stopping many times to take photos. We were surprised at how few people there were up on the moors and we found a spot out of the breeze to eat lunch. My screen saver has a picture of me with the dogs the last time we sat there for lunch about eighteen months ago on a warm sunny spring day. From our lunch spot we started the gradual descent passed the ruins of Bamford House to Abbey Bank then the waterside track back to the car park. There were more people out walking and cycling at this stage despite the fact the sun was starting to go down. Back home by 4pm, guests had already arrived and I went and said hello. A quiet night in and pleased to say my knee survived the six mile walk although I think Blue’s joints creaked more than mine.  Enjoy the autumnal colours in the photos.

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An autumnal weekend

Friday started of cold but sunny and we were expecting another fine day at our Bolehill cottages (see link) but by lunch time the drizzle had extended further north than expected.  I had hope to go out and plant more bulbs but I ended up doing housework instead.  One departure and one arrival and one cleaner up.  Cottage arrived just after 4pm. Paid this months accounts and got the fire going for Smudge, something I expect I will be doing a lot more over the next few months.  Saturday saw two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner up.  Mixed day weather wise but it got off to a cold start and we heard about a few accidents locally due to black ice.  Cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, both have been before.  We had a couple of hail showers during the afternoon and it stayed on the cold side.  Rounded off the day with some baking.  Some belated local news in that the River Lathkill emerged from the cave on the 18th October and was in full flow a week later.  A few weeks ago a car crashed into one of Andrews wall, we never heard it even though it was in the evening.  The driver drove off but took herself to the fire station to be cut out of the car.  Andrew is getting the wall rebuilt as it means the cows can’t use the field until he does.  Won’t be long now and we should be getting the sheep in our fields, so long as they done eat my bushes this year I’ll be happy.