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Just by Chatsworth House, The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow has been given a new lease of life by interior designer Nicola Harding, who has injected its public spaces and bedrooms with her signature play on colour and whimsical take on English country style. Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep, miles of scenic trails and within walking distance to Chatsworth House with its art and design exhibitions set in the historic stately rooms, The Cavendish has all the parts for a perfect weekend.
Design notes
Working closely with Laura Cavendish, Nicola trawled through the attics and archives at Chatsworth, drawing inspiration from the house’s nearly 500 years of history. Black-and-white family portraits hang amongst artworks chosen by Lady Burlington in the bar area, while in The Garden Room restaurant housed in a new glasshouse extension, tables are crafted from the same Mandale fossil limestone that was used for window sills at Chatsworth. The 17th century stone is part of the original batch purchased from the ‘Once-a-week-quarry’ in the Peak District and stored in the Chatsworth warehouse since. (The quarry's name was locally dubbed for paying its employees their wages once a week.) Rosi de Ruig lampshades appear throughout in different patterns - from wall lights in The Garden Room to bedside lamps in the 28 bedrooms. In the main restaurant, The Gallery, Nicola had lampshades made from old fire hydrants found in the attics of Chatsworth. She chose paints from Paint & Paper Library in bold shades of pinks and greens to complement patterned wallcoverings from Pierre Frey. Another connection between the main house and the hotel is the emphasis on ceramics: pieces by Australian maker Pippin Drysdale appear in The Painted Hall of Chatsworth as well as behind the reception area of the hotel, one of several references which show the Duke of Devonshire’s passion for ceramics and incredible collection. Nix by Nicola Harding chairs are upholstered in locally sourced fabrics from Derbyshire. Wallights in the corridors to the bedrooms are repurposed from horse carriages. No detail is spared.
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Why stay here
Being part of the Devonshire collection of hotels and within striking distance of one of the country’s most impressive historic houses, The Cavendish is ideal for those who want a closer, insider look at the house tied with exploring the natural beauty of the Peak District. Guests of the hotel have special access to experiences such as turning on the Great Fountain at Chatsworth, fishing on the river Derwent that runs through the estate, as well as walking and cycling trails. There are changing exhibitions at the House that are well worth a visit too – currently on view is Erdem: Imaginary Conversations, which is on until 20 October 2024, which shows the Canadian fashion designer’s creative process in designing a collection inspired by Duchess Deborah, the mother of the current Duke.
Rooms and facilities
There are 28 rooms, each designed individually, with views out to the surrounding countryside. As size and configuration varies greatly between each, do check with the hotel before booking, especially if travelling as a family. The bedrooms are accessed through long corridors that wind around the building, along lower ground, ground and upper floors. There are accessible options.
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Food and drink
The sign of any successful hotel is one which is frequented by locals as much as visitors, and no less at The Cavendish, the Garden Room restaurant has become a buzzing haunt for afternoon tea and hearty British dishes. The mood in The Gallery, the main restaurant, shifts from day to night, from bright and airy with green painted walls that mirror the hues seen outside by day, to cosy and warm under the glow of lamps and candlelight for dinner. The Chatsworth farm lamb is not to miss.
Booking essentials
The Cavendish Hotel, Church Lane, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SP. Rooms from £200 a night, B&B.
