A Storybook Stay: The Cavendish Hotel & Chatsworth's Enchanting Charm
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Peak District, the recently renovated Cavendish Hotel at Baslow offers a charming escape, with the iconic Chatsworth House, a grand stately home, seemingly within touching distance. From the hotel's vantage point, the Duke of Devonshire's ancestral seat appears to pierce the clouds, its verdant backdrop a testament to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Unlike Chatsworth's historic grandeur, the Cavendish embraces a cosy and chic appeal. Though owned by the Cavendish family since 1830, the former inn boasts a distinct identity, thanks to a £3.5 million revamp led by renowned interior designer Nicola Harding. Harding, known for her meticulous transformations of characterful British hotels, including Beaverbrook and The Mitre, has infused the Cavendish with a palpable sense of history and whimsy.
Each of the 28 individually designed bedrooms evokes a timeless charm, reminiscent of an Enid Blyton novel. Ditsy wallpapers adorned with birds and flowers, lush fabrics woven in Derbyshire and Yorkshire, and tactile ceramic lamps crafted by a member of the household staff create a captivating ambiance. The colour palette, featuring petrol blue, dusty pink, and sage green, is further enhanced by playful juxtapositions of checks, stripes, and botanical prints. While antique furniture, stone fireplaces, and traditional elements remain, they are elevated by playful touches like black retro dial telephones and snooker table-inspired green baize bedroom doors.
Collaborating with Laura Burlington, daughter-in-law of the Duke of Devonshire, Harding drew inspiration from the surrounding countryside and Chatsworth itself, utilising the finest British designers and local craftspeople. The result is an atmosphere that is both warm and welcoming, with every room brimming with intriguing details.
A testament to the Cavendish's connection to Chatsworth, the hotel features a curated collection of artwork sourced from the Devonshire family's private collection. Works by renowned artists such as Elisabeth Frink, Phyllida Barlow, and Lisa Brice, alongside watercolours of the house and grounds, create a captivating visual journey throughout the corridors and rooms.
âThe interiors grew out of the personal story of the Devonshire family and their connection to the Chatsworth Estate," explains Nicola. "The values of Chatsworth and the hotel align so closely with our own, with a strong emphasis on local sourcing, community partnerships, and providing employment opportunities. We felt privileged to bring these values to life through the interiors, sourcing incredible pieces locally, from upholsterers, craftspeople, and makers," she adds.
Beyond the captivating interiors, the Cavendish offers an array of inviting public spaces. The intimate lounge, bar, and two restaurants, all featuring overstuffed chairs, velvet pouffes, wood-panelled walls in calming colours, and open fireplaces, create a sense of cosiness and warmth.
Executive Chef Adam Harper presides over both restaurants, showcasing the best of local produce. Working closely with Chatsworth's gardeners and farmers, as well as local artisan suppliers, the menus celebrate the Peak District's culinary delights, including trout from Ladybower Fisheries, cold-pressed rapeseed oil from Brock & Moreton in Bakewell, and pork from the family-run Moss Valley Farm. The menus even detail the provenance of each ingredient with evocative illustrated maps, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
The Gallery, boasting 3 AA Rosettes, offers a fine dining experience, while the light-filled Garden Room provides a more relaxed setting to sample British-influenced dishes. Inspired by the glasshouses at Chatsworth, the Garden Room with its terracotta floor, striped rattan chairs, and stone walls, offers stunning views of the estate.
The Cavendish's location provides the perfect base for exploring the Peak District's breathtaking scenery, teeming with wildlife and abundant walking and cycling routes. The charming village of Baslow, with its independent boutiques, traditional pubs, and the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, is also within easy reach.
Beyond the hotel's charm, guests have direct access to the captivating grounds of Chatsworth, with its roaming deer herds, ancient woodlands, and riverside walks. Guests can also purchase tickets to Chatsworth House, exploring the Devonshire family's extensive collections of art, furniture, and textiles spanning five centuries.
Chatsworth's commitment to preserving the land and fostering local partnerships offers guests a plethora of unique experiences. The Cavendish Hotel offers behind-the-scenes tours of small-batch gin distilleries, breweries, and ice cream makers, as well as the opportunity to discover local artists, jewellery designers, and homeware makers.
The estate also offers an extensive calendar of themed talks and learning experiences. Currently running until 20 October is the "Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah" exhibition, celebrating the legacy of the late dowager Duchess Deborah Devonshire and the Devonshire Collections, which inspired Erdem Moralioglu's Spring Summer 2024 collection.
After a day of exploration, returning to the Cavendish feels like arriving home, albeit a beautifully designed one. The vestibule lobby welcomes guests with fresh blooms sourced from Chatsworth's gardens, while rooms are prepared with freshly baked lemon shortcake, a pot of tea, and plush pillows. A reviving Afternoon Tea in the lounge, featuring buttermilk scones, local clotted cream, handmade jam, and fresh sausage rolls, is the perfect way to conclude a day of exploration.
A stay at The Cavendish promises an unforgettable adventure, steeped in history, charm, and the captivating spirit of the Peak District. With its enchanting atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, and proximity to Chatsworth, the Cavendish offers a storybook experience that will leave a lasting impression.
