History

There has been an Inn here for so long it is uncertain when it was built. Originally the famous Peacock Inn, it was the property of the Duke of Rutland and served the turnpike between industrial Chesterfield and the spa town of Buxton.

It became the Duke of Devonshire’s property around 1830 and in the early 1970’s was rebuilt as the Cavendish by Chatsworth Estate when the original character was preserved and the Duchess of Devonshire selected the decor and furnishings, some of which came from Chatsworth House itself.

The Cavendish has operated since 1975 under the proprietorship of Eric Marsh. A closely knit team is dedicated to looking after guests as individuals, not simply room numbers. The Hotel exudes a quiet elegance; an extensive collection of original artwork, antiques, charming furnishings and decor maintained in a continual programme of improvements all add to that elusive dimension – tranquillity. Add to that, of course, that view from the window of your bedroom; no traffic, only fields and you will begin to understand the lure of the Cavendish.

In September of 2008, Eric’s lease for the tenancy of the Cavendish came to an end. However, Eric with three other colleagues including General Manager Philip Joseph successfully negotiated a Management Contract (Peak Leisure Management Ltd) to operate the Cavendish on behalf of the owners, Chatsworth Settlement Trustees.

Peak District Accommodation

THE CAVENDISH IS A NON SMOKING HOTEL THROUGHOUT

We are able to offer two types of bedroom accommodation :

Standard Bedroom Accommodation

All the Cavendish bedrooms overlook Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District and are luxuriously appointed with twin or double beds, private bathrooms with bath and shower, direct dial phone, computer modems, television, hairdryer, refrigerated bar and beverage facility.

The ‘Inn’ Rooms

These are generally larger rooms which occupy the original Peacock Inn (the oldest section of the Hotel) and include four poster, brass or king size beds, luxury bathrooms, fine art and antique furniture. Many feature original iron fireplaces. The six ‘Inn’ rooms were refurbished in February 2009 to a luxurious standard.

Superior Rooms

These are two ‘superior rooms’ (16 & 21) located in the Mitford Wing. Both feature double aspect picture windows with particularly pleasant views over the Estate and are larger than standard bedded rooms.

The Gallery Restaurant

Our aim in the Gallery Restaurant is to provide imaginative food, using the freshest possible ingredients in relaxed and sumptuous surroundings. ‘Formal’ implies rigidity or lacking in friendliness, which is certainly not our intention. Rather a menu with emphasis on fresh and exciting flavours, stylishly presented and surrounded by (in the case of the Gallery Restaurant) some interesting fine art. The decor of the Gallery compliments this informality, muted hues of gold and burnt orange, soft lighting and of course the Chatsworth view. The fixed price menu emphasises the use of fresh ingredients, many locally sourced, but hopefully creating an unexpected twist here and there.

The wine list offers around 70 different wines, ranging from classics, such as Chateau Gruad Larose 1993 to exciting ‘New Worlds’, such as Viognier ‘La Cruz’, Colchagua, Chile. There is an extensive half bottle selection and thanks to the miracles of modern science, many wines are offered by the glass with every confidence of their peak quality.

The Garden Room

Home cooking that you can’t get at home!!

Relaxed, informal service, stunning views of the Chatsworth Estate through extensively glazed surroundings, food served from 10am to 10pm and a menu offering delights to warm a cold winter evening. The key to the Garden Room is a mixture of home cooked favourites teamed with some exciting twists.  Choose from simply a bowl of fresh soup to a full three or four course meal. Many of the dishes have been designed to double as starters or light meal portions, but all place equal emphasis of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours. The bread and butter pudding has become a Martin Clayton ‘signature dish’

While away the afternoon over full afternoon teas and scones with homemade jams and Liz Marsh’s Homemade Fruit Cake and think about the potential benefits of a walk through the countryside from the safety of your chair!

Conferences

The Boardroom at the Cavendish Hotel is situated on the ground floor overlooking the garden. It is furnished with red leather upholstery, antique brass lights, fine lithographic prints and features an open fireplace.

The room is designed for meetings, receptions or dining and can seat 16 boardroom style or 20 theatre style.

The area is well lit, carries ample phone, tv and power sockets and has interlined curtains. A flip chart is available free of charge and audio visual equipment can be hired.

The Private Dining Room at the Cavendish adjoins the restaurant. It has the same spectacular views and contains several of the hotel’s fine collection of oil paintings. It is designed for meetings, receptions or dining and can seat up to 12 persons boardroom style.

The area is well lit, carries ample phone, tv and power sockets and has interlined curtains. A flip chart is available free of charge and audio visual equipment can be hired.

Address: Baslow, Derbyshire

Postcode: DE45 1SP

Telephone: 01246 582311