Duck Cottage Milldale | Alstonefield | Ashbourne | DE6 2GB
Duck Cottage Cover.indd 3 07/02/2019 09:55 DUCK COTTAGE
Duck Cottage Cover.indd 4 07/02/2019 09:55 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 1 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 2 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage is a 3 bedroom stone built period property with the added benefit of a separate coach house. This stunning characterful property, located in the sought after village of Milldale, is surrounded by open countryside, stunning walks and views of the River Dove. The main property offers over 1,025 sq. ft. of well-appointed accommodation. The property boasts a large reception room with a cosy office area in the corner with views to the courtyard, sash windows, high ceilings that provide a sense of space and bespoke fitted units. The country style kitchen diner is the heart of the home with its Italian tiled floor, integrated washer dryer, dishwasher and an electric log burner. The luxurious feel for the property flows to the first floor via the bespoke handmade staircase, giving a boutique hotel atmosphere.
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 3 07/02/2019 09:51 Seller Insight
As a novelist, I fell in love with the cottage at first sight,” says the current owner of Duck Cottage, “and as a former TV Director, my wife instantly visualised how it could be beautifully renovated and become a fabulous second family home and top-class holiday let. It’s the kind of picturesque country cottage you’d invent for a story – a quiet, detached, historic home, made from honey-coloured Derbyshire stone with a grey slate roof, set in a private courtyard garden full of roses, alliums and borders stocked with seasonal flowers, all literally a stone’s throw from the shallows of a slow-flowing river and an ancient packhorse bridge.”
“Originally called No 1 Cottage Along the Bottom, Duck Cottage was the first privately owned property in the tiny village,” continues the owner, “and needed extensive restoration/modernization. Important improvements we have made include opening up both fireplaces and installing Chesneys log burners, and laying a new stone floor in the kitchen. Bespoke curtains and blinds were created by Lynda Pedley Interiors and an expansive rear decking area with integrated planters was added. From it, you can see and hear the River Dove flowing down to Viator’s Bridge, the setting for Izaak Walton’s famous book The Compleat Angler, where as well as myriad ducks you can still spot anglers wading across the banks.”
The situation of the property is utterly charming, in the hamlet of Milldale within the Peak District National Park, with a village hall, shop, church and pub all less than a mile away. “From the front door, you can walk to beauty spots such as Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud, Ilam and the Tissington Trail,” says the owner. “Another mile gets you to Alstonefield, serial winner of the Best Kept Village in Staffordshire Award. Taking its name from the Saxon, meaning ‘Aelfstan’s open land,’ its Saxon occupation is indicated by the fortified hill farms. At its centre is The George, one of the highest rated and best reviewed pubs in The Peak District. Ashbourne, the nearest large town, is 5 miles away and has multiple restaurants, services and supermarkets, as well as bus links to all major cities. The Georgian spa town of Buxton, with its’ famed Buxton Opera House, Pavilion Gardens and soon to be opened £68m Buxton Crescent, is 30 minutes away. Schooling is also excellent in the area, with a range of primary, grammar and independent schools nearby.”
“Duck Cottage has been as much a holiday home for us, as it has been to the select guests who’ve come through its doors. It’s a citadel of peace, calm and relaxation; a quiet place in the woods to escape to and block out the noise. We’ll miss the natural mindfulness and historic beauty of the place.”
“We have 3 favourite rooms: the kitchen, where if you’re not careful and you’ve left the door open, you’ll find ducks from the river quacking for food; the master bedroom, where with the window open you can fall asleep to the gentle sound of the river rushing by; the sitting room, where one icy winter I finished a novel sat near the glow of the log burner while watching snow fall in the front courtyard.”
* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 4 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 5 07/02/2019 09:51 The cottage has achieved a 5 star Gold rating with Visit England and cottages.com for the past 4 years, and throughout the seasons has entertained guests both inside and outside. The open-plan kitchen/dining area easily accommodates a large table with seating for eight people. A patio table for four plus extra seating is sited in the front garden, while the rear, tree-lined upper deck is perfect for barbecuing, sunbathing and larger parties.”
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 6 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 7 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 8 07/02/2019 09:51 The first floor comprises a master bedroom with large sash windows and an en suite that it accessed via sliding mirrored doors to reveal the elegant roll top bath, chrome heated towel rail and the high quality finishes. The family bathroom has been refurbished to the highest standards with a large walk in shower, quality tiled floor and walls, heated towel rail, and high quality fixtures. The second double bedroom is both spacious and light with the added benefit of a dressing area. The third bedroom is also well lit with the large sash window and is ideal as a kid’s bedroom or guest room.
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 9 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 10 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 11 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 12 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 13 07/02/2019 09:51 Duck Cottage Pages.indd 14 07/02/2019 09:51 The sheltered, east facing paved front garden is just metres from the riverbanks and is a favourite place to take breakfast or morning coffee, catching the morning sun. The large, sunny elevated rear deck area is a perfect spot to have an early evening glass of wine.”
OUTSIDE
The property sits on a good size plot that offers an enclosed garden area including a large patio that provides both versatility and privacy. The rear garden with stunning views across the village and River Dove also provides access to an additional parcel of land with a dilapidated stone building. The property also benefits from a designated parking space and a separate two storey coach house that is full of potential.
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Duck Cottage is located in the beautiful village of Milldale in the Peak District and is a magnet for walkers from all over the country. The village benefits from a local café and a selection of great pubs just a few minutes’ drive away. Further to this, the village is 10 minutes away from the market town of Ashbourne. The village also has great access links to the A38, the A52 and the M1 for those looking for commuter links.
The village of Milldale also benefits from several schools within the area including Parwich, IIam and Kniveton. For international travel, East Midlands Airport is less than an hour away, Manchester International Airport is just over an hour away with Birmingham International airport being 80 minutes’ drive.
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 17 07/02/2019 09:51 SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY Mains water, electricity and drainage are connected to the property.
LOCAL AUTHORITY Staffordshire Moorlands
VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS Strictly via the vendor’s agents Fine & Country – Contact Greg Perrins on 07495 368823 or 01332 973 882
WEBSITE For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com
OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 8.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Sunday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 04018410 VAT Reg No: 754062833 Registered Office: Newman Property Services, 1 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2PE. copyright © 2018 Fine & Country Ltd.
Duck Cottage Pages.indd 18 07/02/2019 09:51 EPC Rating: E
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 07.02.2019
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Fine & Country is a global network of estate This unique approach to luxury homes marketing agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and delivers high quality, intelligent and creative rental of luxury residential property. With offices concepts for property promotion combined with in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, the latest technology and marketing techniques. Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West We understand moving home is one of the Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the most important decisions you make; your home international marketplace with the local expertise is both a financial and emotional investment. and knowledge of carefully selected independent With Fine & Country you benefit from the local property professionals. knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive professionals, working to make the sale or purchase properties require a more compelling, sophisticated of your property as stress free as possible. and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.
The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation THE FINE & COUNTRY to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. FOUNDATION Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation 6
Duck Cottage Cover.indd 6 07/02/2019 09:55 Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1332 973888 [email protected] 11 Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8GX
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