It may be the home of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, but Derbyshire remains unexplored territory for many. The exciting new hotel group Wildhive sets out to create properties rooted in nature in lesser-known locations, and it helped that Callow Hall has imposing Victorian gothic architecture and 35 acres of Derbyshire’s lushest dales. After a £7 million renovation, its grade II listed interiors were unveiled in 2021. They are a cleverly curated kaleidoscope of colour, pattern and texture overseen by the designer Isabella Worsley, who learnt her trade from tastemaker Kit Kemp. Its sitting rooms are cosied up by dogs enjoying the heat from the open fires, mullioned windows and plump vases of fresh garden flowers. They have their grander moments, though, including the private dining room with ethereal hand-printed wallpaper by Melissa White. Families can borrow boots and hike the trails, while couples might linger in its dinky spa or go antique-hunting in Ashbourne.
Overall score 8/10
Rooms and suites
Score 9/10
The 15 rooms in the main house are fearless about bold colour: there are candy stripes and Indonesian-style ikat fabrics in spring greens, sky blues and carnation pinks. Rooms 1 and 2 have bathtubs in the window bays, which are just an adventurous leap from their beds. Go wilder in the woods and stay in one of the treehouses that surf the ancient canopy of a nearby copse. There are 11 woodland hives, basically shepherds’ huts on steroids, and a pair of two-bedroom treehouses for families. All are clad inside and out with warm recycled pallet wood, and have sloping ceilings, rustic furniture and bucketloads of charm. Rooms also have minibars with complimentary cookies, crisps and Kendal mint cake should you fancy a midnight feast as you listen to the owls twit-twoo in the inky darkness.
Food and drink
Score 7/10
The Garden Room is a glass-walled, living-roof restaurant that buzzes from lunch until late. Its glamorous runway of fluted bar, pistachio-green leather chairs and potted olive trees wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair. Neither would the menu. There are seasonal cocktails, Colchester oysters and Cornish brill, plus casual sharing plates of cold cuts and cheese. Breakfast isn’t included, and at £8 for two croissants and £10 for a bowl of granola, isn’t such an appetising prospect either.
What else is there?
Score 8/10
There is a small gym, a yoga studio running regular classes with the charismatic Gavin, a courtyard infrared sauna and a spa featuring British eco-brand 100 Acres, delivered with care by Toni. Guests can borrow bikes, although there is a charge to rent an e-bike.
Where is it?
Score 9/10
Ashbourne, known as the gateway to Derbyshire’s Peak District, has antique and vintage shops. The Tissington Trail, a 13-mile walking and cycle path, runs directly past the hotel. Tissington Hall, which dates back to Elizabethan times, is open by appointment.
Advertisement
Price room-only doubles from £184
Restaurant mains from £22
Family-friendly Y
Dog-friendly Y
Accessible Y
Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here.
