THE ORCHARDS
Rushley Farm,
Ilam,
Ashbourne,
Derbyshire
DE6 2BA
Tel or Fax: 01538 308205
Email : rushley.farm@btopenworld.com
Website : www.cottageguide.co.uk/theorchards
Sleeps: 6 + cot.
Sorry no pets.
No smoking.
Low season £394 - £453 pw.
High season £510 - £650 pw.
Welcome to The Orchards Holiday Cottage
The Orchards award-holding cottage nestles peacefully on the valley side overlooking the River Manifold, just a mile outside the village of Ilam. Situated on the Derbyshire / Staffordshire border, it has downriver views towards Dovedale and beyond, and upriver to the Staffordshire moorlands.
The cottage is based on our 200 acre farm which is run in a traditional way and not intensive.
In Spring, the woods behind the cottage are carpeted with wild garlic flowers and bluebells, and orchids stand proudly on the upper pastures.
The tranquil setting allows you to enjoy the abundant wildlife right from the cottage window - foxes and pheasants often strut past (not together of course). Excellent birdlife from tiny tree-creepers to dramatic red kites.
We have a small herd of traditional beef cattle and you can watch a calf being born. During lambing time, there could be orphan lambs to bottle-feed. In June, watch the farmer shear his sheep and have a go at fleece-wrapping.
The walking in the area is unsurpassed. There is something for everyone, from a gentle stroll to strenuous climbs. The scenery is simply breathtaking. Ilam village hosts the very first peaks of the Peak District - Bunster Hill and Thorpe Cloud. Go north towards Longnor, Hartington, Bakewell and Buxton to find more hills, heather moors and the Dark Peak. Go south past Ashbourne towards Uttoxeter to find the rolling dairy-lands of the Dove plain.
There are cycle trails with bike hire and riding stables locally. Alton Towers is just 7 miles. Or go native and visit the valley's sheep dog trials, agricultural show and village fete.
The cottage is fabulous for a family holiday yet warmly welcoming as a romantic hideaway with cosy log fire and special offers for couples.
Dining Room at The Orchards holiday cottage at Ilam
We run the business in an eco-friendly way and we have participated in village and district schemes to further improve our green efforts.
We hold a small stock of local foods for guests to sample, e.g. delicious dry-cured bacon and honey from the valley; also try a joint of home-reared beef or succulent free-range lamb for your Sunday lunch. Please enquire before your holiday. Staying at The Orchards gives you that 'feel-good factor' in more ways than one!
Accommodation includes :
Wide entrance hall with polished oak floor.
Living room - warm and welcoming with a real fire and sumptuous sofas. There is also a higher chair for those who prefer it.
Colour TV with VCR and selection of videos, DVD player and radio/CD player, books, games etc.
Sunny, oak-floored dining room with Welsh dresser and table for six.
Definitely a room with a view with two picture windows.
Bespoke kitchen, equipped well beyond the 4 Star standard; washing machine, microwave, food processor, fridge/freezer etc. Stable doors lead out onto the lawns which surround the cottage.
The warm bathroom has bath with shower above.
Three bedrooms to sleep 6 people - one double, one twin and one with adult-sized bunk beds.
The cottage is owner-managed and cleanliness is paramount.
It is heated throughout by storage radiators and is double glazed.
There is a garage for one car, plus parking.
Tariff includes :
All fuel costs, logs and an initial supply of coal for the fire.
All linen and towels. A cot and highchair on request.
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