The beauty of this bucolic cosseting cocoon of a country escape is that it’s virtually plonked in the middle of nowhere. Wildhive Callow Hall is, in all respects, a slick and exciting wilderness retreat that redefines the very definition of what a quintessentially British country house hotel should be in this day and age. There’s glam and spunk to the design, and on top of all the usual quirks, the estate trumps all the competition with its back-to-nature sensibility and philosophies.
Its location helps with the latter especially. The main lodge sits on the southern edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District and a smidge west of the vintage shop-loving town oshop-loving. Life out here, despite the odd car, truck, tractor, and Velcro-wrapped cyclist is blissfully isolated. Rolling hills, ancient trees, and long fields featuring grazing cows and other British beasts make up much of the scenery, along with the sights, villages and monuments of the Tissington Trail that leads into the heart of England’s hilly hinterland. It’s all visually delicious, yes.
The inside of the place is just as pastorally sexy. Interior designer Isabella Worsley is the woman behind the trendy refresh of the old 19th-century gaff built originally by H. J. Stevens for John Goodwin Johnson, a local magistrate. The best way to sum up the look, in a word, is “kaleidoscopic.” Patterns, colours, and all shades of English glow up give the entire place a fine dose of eccentricity that is rare in this part of The Midlands (that’s Middle England to you Americans). Think London maximalism meets the shires, but with whimsical, romantically charged taste and plenty of shadow play come sunrise and sunset.
The rooms and suites are just as lovely in the main house, and as expected, are all very English with roomy tubs, loud furnishings (the pillows get a special mention) and smitten beds that scream naughty weekend by the fire. For something different, nab one of the hives or treehouses that snake their way into the surrounding woods. The vibe is more immersive with outdoor tubs that scream a bit of sundowner exhibitionism – because how much more natural can you get it? Shaped as beehives, the secluded Scandi-esque cabins house everything from kitchenettes to chic living rooms (throws included) lively bedrooms, and for the prudes, an indoor shower to keep your modesty intact. It’s all lovely, wondrously self-contained, and if you are looking for a moment’s peace, delivers just the tonic…cuppa tea and a good book included.
The grub here is proper British finessed, with a touch of European flair. As is with all things these days, everything is seasonal, so the menu changes according to whatever can be caught, hunted, pulled from the ground, or plucked from the trees. Local steaks, gourmet burgers, and chicken numbers are usual staples, as are the triple-cooked chips – they are gluttonous and oh-so worth the top button popping on your trousers. It’s posh pub grub served under a cute glass terrace, flecked by floral arrangements, potted plants and candle-lit tables. All very cute, indeed.
What’s there to do, you ask? Do as I did and grab one of the hotel’s bikes for the morning. I spent it whizzing down the Tissington Trail (it’s a good and refreshing 13 miles long) and by lunchtime, found a bench to perch on and ate my packed lunch with a view of the hills, cows and dotted villages that sped their way up to the horizon. If you are not into cycling, revel in the great British pastime of a good old walk or wander into the town of Ashbourne to check out all of the vintage shops and tea houses. You cannot get more peak English than that in my books. Or just hit the small spa for a massage or help with the massive jigsaw puzzle in the drawing room. Whatever floats your boat.
Summed up, Callow Hall is a great spot to just escape to if you are in desperate need of clearing out those cerebral cobwebs. And don’t be afraid to go solo. The cabins are special and were made with recluses (and naughty couples, of course) in mind. As a place to switch off and enjoy the perks of the countryside, this gets top marks.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Ashbourne, England, United Kingdom
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Country retreat meets bookworm heaven with a dash of solo wellness in mind.
Amenities: Restaurants; Bar; Fitness Center; Spa
Our favourite thing about the hotel: The beehive cabins. When you need a touch of chic isolation, they deliver, and brilliantly so.
What’s nearby? The town of Ashbourne and plenty of rolling hills, walking trails, and cyclists clad in Velcro riding up to the Peak District.
Any personal neighbourhood reccs? Grab one of the hotel’s bikes and spend the morning cycling along the Tissington Trail—a refreshing 13-mile ride through rolling hills, grazing cows, and charming villages—then pause for a packed lunch with stunning countryside views.
Rooms: 15
Pricing: From about 379 USD per night, dependent on season.
Closest international airport: Birmingham International Airport.
