Tom's Barn & Douglas's Barn, Orchard Farm, Parwich, Parwich, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1QB

We received a warm welcome complemented by the homemade cake and marmalade - both excellent.

Douglas's barn is quiet, comfortable and great for relaxing in. Very well equipped - the best I've seen - and the provision of a netbook lets you explore the surroundings on-line before venturing out.

Set in the quiet village of Parwich with good access to Bakewell, Buxton and Carsington Water, and attractions such as Chatsworth and Ilam and Tissington Halls.

The area has a wealth of footpaths and there are several walk books and maps in the barn.

A very enjoyable stay that we hope to repeat.

My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Douglas\'s barn. After a long and delayed drive up from London we were very happy to walk into the barn and see the soft lighting, a flickering fire and hear soft classical music playing. Douglas\'s barn is thoughtfully and stylishly decorated - and an ideal setting for a couple. The kitchen is cosy and well equipped; the sitting room has lots of lamps - making it feel cosy; the bedroom has a huge bed (welcomed by my husband who is 6 ft 3) and the bathroom has a lovely powerful shower and whirlpool bath. There is a multitude of information on the local area, walks, attractions and restaurants. Also provided was a netbook pre-loaded with links to local attractions - which is exceptionally thoughtful.

The kitchen had all the equipment required for serious cooking. In fact after racking my brain the only thing I could think of that was missing were glass champagne glasses (there are a couple of picnic style ones)!

The setting of the barn is lovely and a welcome balm for those from the big smoke. We walked from the barn across the fields to Tissington - which was lovely and peaceful.

All in all - a wonderful stay and much recommended.

We've just come back from visiting Tom's Barn for a second time. Once you have been there you will want to return. The barn is exceptionally clean and an oasis of peace. John and Marion have thought of everything you could wish for, from games, books, netbook to home made cake, fresh bread and eggs when you arrive. It was certainly not a problem to stay in all day with the wood burner going whilst it rained outside.

The kitchen is very well kitted out and this time we ate in most nights. Although if you want to eat out John and Marion have provided lots of info. about local places.

There are lots of local walks and stunning scenery if you drive a little way. Try Ilam or venture up to the High Peaks to Edale.

Douglas Barn - Fabulous property, furnished to a very high standard with everything you will need for a great holiday. The fresh flowers, half dozen eggs, loaf, milk and home made cake on arrival are a lovely touch. John and Marion are wonderful hosts always prepared to do anything to make your holiday a success, but never intrusive. Douglas Barn is a place where you can be as busy or as chilled out as you want. Everything that people say about the food at the George is true but a lot of people obviously know so it is advisable to book, they were turning people away on a Tuesday night when we ate there. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

We have stayed in Douglas's Barn five times in the last 4 years and every time the high standards of the previous visit were equalled or bettered. As far as we are concerned this is the best holiday cottage in the UK and the owners should be running classes on how to do it. This time they even provided a netbook with access to their own wi-fi network to allow visitors to have access to the internet. It doesn't matter what time of the year we visit, the cottage is always warm and comfortable. The minute we walk through the door all our stresses melt away!

My wife and I and our black labrador Bailey have just spent a very enjoyable weeks stay at Tom's Barn. It certainly does earn it's 5 Star Gold Award in our opinion. Everything from the quality of of absolutely 'everthing' in the barn that is provided, to the location and the much welcoming owners is excellent. We are definitely going to try and book for next year when we can both arrange time off at work...just hope nobody beats us to it in the meantime!! We really would have liked to keep this place as our 'Little secret' but on the other hand, we also feel that John and Marion (the owners) deserve an excellent review for their beautiful barn!

Our first trip to Derbyshire ,and we couldn't have wanted for a better cottage. Prettily situated on one of the hills surrounding Parwich, it made a fantastic base for us to do our exploring. John and Marion made us very welcome,and absolutely every piece of equipment needed for self catering was available in the fantastic kitchen! The cottage overall, was spotless- clean tidy and very welcoming. The bed was comfortable (we slept like logs) and the bath/shower good fun!! (However if you have mobility problems then choose Douglas's Barn for a conventional bath, as you need to be fairly supple!) The area was quiet but with lots to see and do - plenty of books maps etc. to help you plan your days ..if you want to plan. The village is extremely interesting and a walking guide map is available to take you around Parwich's quiet streets and lanes. We always holiday in self catering cottages and this was one of the best by far. Marion was so thoughtful about what one would need for your first evening and breakfast- The nice 'touches'- we had eggs, bread, home made marmalade, butter, milk, gorgeous homemade Bakewell Tart, fresh herbs, fresh flowers, tea, coffee...... Very tempted to go back in the winter so we could light the wood burner and cosy up!!

Beautiful cottage barn, perfectly appointed with everything you would need for a self-catering holiday. More than worth the 5 star award - Douglas's Barn is the perfect place for a relaxing, luxury holiday. My wife and I have never enjoyed better accommodation in this country and would recommend anyone to visit. A warm welcome from John and Marion ensured that the holiday began the moment we arrived! [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]