Hotel review: The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, Derbyshire

I stayed at The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow in June 2021, and my Standard Double Room cost £270 with breakfast included.

Overview

Located in the centre of the Peak District National Park, each of the Cavenfish Hotel’s stylishly appointed bedrooms offer exceptional views of the Chatsworth Estate – an ideal spot to base yourself for charming country walks.

Elsewhere in the region, foodies can discover famed Bakewell tart and lesser-known Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, Dovedale Blue cheese from beauty spot Dovedale Valley, Buxton pudding in the eponymous spa town and gingerbread from Ashbourne – all within a short drive from the hotel. If you’d rather stay put and relax then a meal at the hotel’s three AA-Rosette restaurant is a treat.

Décor and vibe

There is certainly a homely feel to The Cavendish. Originally an inn during the 1700s, it became the property of the Duke of Devonshire around 1830 and since then has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, but always in keeping with the original architecture.

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The hotel is known for its varied collection of original artwork, antiques, furnishings and décor, including items selected from Chatsworth House. Expect colourful and elegant wallpaper, vintage gold-framed mirrors and dainty lampshades, plus plenty of places to sit and read a book or have a drink – and all set among stunning countryside that can be reached the moment you step outside.

Services and facilities 

• Room service
• Laundry
• Parking 

Rooms and suites

Standard rooms are tastefully decorated – a bedroom that you would expect in a country estate house. Each stays true to its individual colour palette – expect gingham or striped prints on the bed runners and chairs, barley twist bed posts, mahogany or velvet headboards and comfortable yet elegant wooden furniture. The large windows look out over the calm countryside.

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Superior rooms are slightly bigger, but again kitted out with art and antiques as well as modern amenities. The Coach House décor is designed by the Duchess of Devonshire, The Hartington Junior Suite features a walk-in shower, grand marble-surround bath and inviting underfloor heating, while their best suite; the Redesdale, includes a private sitting room with a fireplace.

Food and drink

It is plain to see why The Gallery Restaurant has three AA Rosettes – one of just three hotel restaurants in Derbyshire to hold such an accolade.

Seasonality and fresh local ingredients are a given. The Chatsworth gin-cured salmon cucumber, seaweed, avocado and wasabi was a delightful way to start dinner, followed by duck breast, plum, beetroot, duck-fat fondant potato and pak choi for main and an indulgent chocolate, hazelnut, coffee and fudge cheesecake for pudding.

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For a more informal meal, The Garden Room is ideal for small plates still of top-notch quality using local and seasonal fare, some of which is sourced from the Chatsworth Farm Shop, not to mention an excellent Sunday lunch. Or if you want the best of both worlds, round off your dinner at The Gallery in the Garden Room, where you can enjoy coffee and superb petit fours. A quintessential English afternoon tea is offered in both restaurants as well as on the terrace.