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The Old Chapel in the Peak District
A Romantic Chapel Retreat with Views Across the Derbyshire Dales in the Peak District
A beautifully converted one-bedroom chapel in the Derbyshire Dales, with vaulted ceilings, a woodburner and a warm, romantic feel throughout.
The Old Chapel is a characterful one-bedroom chapel conversion in the Derbyshire Dales, offering a quiet and distinctive escape for two. Positioned to take in views across the Amber Valley and surrounding countryside, this one-bedroom cottage is somewhere that feels both tucked away and open to its setting.
Inside, the original features have been carefully preserved, with exposed beams and vaulted ceilings running throughout. The interiors blend rustic textures with softer, natural tones, creating a space that feels warm, inviting and thoughtfully put together. As evening draws in, the glow from the woodburner and soft lighting – including fairy lights suspended from the beams – adds to the sense of intimacy.
Designed with couples in mind, it’s well-suited to slower stays and time spent together. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply taking a few days away, it offers a setting where you can properly switch off and enjoy time together, without distraction.
Why Choose The Old Chapel
- A characterful one-bedroom chapel conversion in the Derbyshire Dales
- Vaulted ceilings and exposed beams throughout, full of original features
- Romantic mezzanine bedroom set within the original chapel balcony
- Woodburner for cosy evenings in
- Fairy lights and soft lighting creating a warm, intimate atmosphere
- Far-reaching views across the Amber Valley and surrounding countryside
- Dog-friendly with enclosed outdoor space
- Well placed for exploring the Peak District and nearby villages
Inside The Old Chapel
The layout makes full use of the chapel’s original structure, creating a space that feels open yet cosy, with character in every detail. Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings run throughout, giving a strong sense of height and history, while softer textures and warm lighting keep everything feeling comfortable and inviting.
Sleeping
Set on a mezzanine level, the beautifully furnished double bedroom forms part of the original chapel balcony, complete with its original balustrade. Overlooking the living space below, it adds to the sense of openness while still feeling tucked away.
The en-suite bathroom sits alongside the bedroom, with a bath and shower over – ideal for a slower start to the day or winding down in the evening.
- Double bedroom on mezzanine level
- Accessed via a spiral staircase
- Positioned within the original chapel balcony
- En-suite bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and toilet
Living Space
The main living area sits beneath the vaulted ceiling, where exposed beams and soft lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a space that naturally draws you in as the day slows – somewhere to settle in with a book, share a drink or simply enjoy the quiet together.
At its centre, the woodburner adds both warmth and a sense of comfort, making it especially cosy in the evenings as the light fades and the chapel takes on a softer glow.
- Cosy sitting room with woodburner
- Comfortable seating
- Characterful interiors with rustic and natural textures
Kitchen & Dining
Set on the lower ground floor, the kitchen offers a more contemporary contrast while still feeling in keeping with the rest of the space.
- Modern kitchen with dining table for two
- Accessed via spiral staircase
- Downstairs cloakroom
Outdoor Living
Just outside the chapel, a small terrace offers a quiet spot to sit and take in the surrounding views. Overlooking a wildflower meadow and the Amber Valley beyond, it’s a place that naturally draws you outside at different points throughout the day.
Mornings can begin here with coffee in the fresh air, while evenings lend themselves to something slower – a drink in hand as the light fades across the valley and the landscape softens.
- Terrace with outdoor seating
- Views across wildflower meadow and Amber Valley
- Enclosed outdoor space
- Off-road parking and EV charger
Romantic Breaks in the Derbyshire Dales
The Old Chapel is made for time away together, where the setting and the space naturally draw your focus back to each other. From the moment you step inside, there’s a sense of warmth and character that makes it easy to settle in and slow down.
Days can be spent exploring the Derbyshire Dales or nearby villages, before returning to your own quiet corner of the countryside. Evenings are where it really comes into its own – the woodburner lit, fairy lights softly glowing overhead, and the chapel taking on a more intimate feel as the light fades.
There’s an ease to staying here. A long soak in the bath, a glass of something shared, or simply sitting together in the stillness of the space. It’s a place that suits meaningful time away – anniversaries, birthdays or simply a few days set aside for each other, in a setting that feels both distinctive and quietly romantic.
Dog-Friendly Stays
Dogs are very welcome at The Old Chapel, making it easy to bring them along for your stay. The enclosed outdoor space gives you somewhere secure to relax outside, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of walking routes straight from the doorstep.
There are plenty of great walks nearby for exploring together, along with a selection of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants within easy reach – making it simple to plan a day out without needing to leave them behind.
With open views and quieter paths close by, it’s well-suited to slower days out before returning to the comfort of the cottage.
In the Derbyshire Dales, Close to the Peak District
Set in the Derbyshire Dales, The Old Chapel enjoys a peaceful countryside setting with views across the Amber Valley. It’s somewhere that feels quietly set apart, while still being within easy reach of nearby villages and places to explore.
The surrounding landscape is shaped by rolling hills, open valleys and distinctive grey stone cottages that sit naturally within the scenery. It’s a landscape that feels both rugged and gentle, with far-reaching views, winding lanes and a strong sense of place throughout.
The village of Crich is just a short drive away, with a local pub around a mile from the cottage and shops within a few miles. The wider Peak District is also close by, offering everything from well-known walking routes to quieter corners, scenic drives and viewpoints that make the most of the surrounding countryside.
Crich sits high above the surrounding countryside. At its centre stands Crich Stand, where far-reaching views stretch across five counties. Nearby, the National Tramway Museum offers a slower pace—ride beautifully restored trams through a recreated village setting.
Local Attractions
There’s plenty to explore nearby, from historic houses and gardens to scenic viewpoints and classic Peak District days out.
For heritage and historic sites:
- Chatsworth House – A stay here would be incomplete without time at Chatsworth House. One of the country’s most recognised estates. Set within expansive parkland, with gardens to wander, a working farmyard, and interiors shaped by art and history. Events run throughout the year, from winter markets to open-air performances.
- Haddon Hall
- Lyme Park
For visits and views:
- Matlock brings together independent shops, green spaces and wide, open viewpoints. Just along the river, Matlock Bath has a livelier feel. Arcades. Fish and chips. Riverside walks that follow the curve of the Derwent.
- Bakewell offers a gentler rhythm. Stone buildings. The River Wye moving quietly through the town. Independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs. An easy place to spend an afternoon before returning to the stillness of the chapel.
- Heights of Abraham
For something a little different:
Getting Here
- By car: Easily accessed via local road networks in the Derbyshire Dales
- By train: Nearest stations include Matlock and Derby
- By air: East Midlands Airport is within driving distance
A Characterful Escape for Two
There’s something about The Old Chapel that stays with you. The combination of its original features, thoughtful restoration and quiet setting creates a space that feels both distinctive and easy to settle into.
Days unfold at their own pace – time spent exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoying the calm of the chapel itself. As evening draws in, the atmosphere shifts. The woodburner glows, the lights soften, and the space takes on a more intimate feel.
It’s a place designed for time together. Warm, characterful and quietly romantic, it offers the kind of setting where you can switch off, slow down and enjoy each other’s company – leaving with a sense of having properly stepped away.




















