18th-Century three-bedroom Mill Worker's Cottage

Built in 1778, the Arkwright Cottages of Cromford hold a unique place in the history of what is considered the birthplace of the industrial revolution, now a World Heritage Site. Huge efforts have been made locally to preserve historical attributes, and this grade 2 listed cottage is part of that rich history. The back door gives access to Rose End Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the beautiful village with duck pond, canal, and Mill buildings repurposed to showcase local entrepreneurs. The space The historical development from a two-up, two-down open plan living space with outdoor 'dunny' to its current layout can be traced through the thickness of its walls and through its many remaining original features. You can almost hear the echoes of footsteps from previous occupants on that impossibly steep staircase! The third bedroom has a small double platform bed which would be big enough for two young children, but a squeeze for two adults. Older visitors might struggle with the bed being positioned above normal height. The kitchen is well equipped with a dining area which can seat 6 people - or table can be reduced for 4. The living room can comfortably seat 5 and has a living fire stove to back up the combi boiler. We can add another chair for a sixth guest. Netflix and Prime are installed on the TV. On the first floor there are a bathroom, a double bedroom with king size bed and a single room with a large single bed. On the next level there is a spacious room with a bigger-than-king-size bed which can be rearranged as two singles on request. There's a little seating area in this room. NB... The cottage is located about two-thirds of the way up a steep hill (anything called the Hill in the Derbyshire Dales is going to be impressive!) The car parking is a 5-10 minute hike up this hill. This needs to be taken into consideration if you have mobility issues, although there is free parking down in the village outside the greyhound and you can also drive to Alison House if you want to avoid the hike back. Guest access Outdoor space at the back includes a patio which is accessed from the back door and a quaint little partially walled garden which I intend to plant up with herbs come Spring. Cromford and Wirksworth are both lively, bustling villages with connections to their industrial past. The Hill connects the two villages. Exiting from the back door of the cottage, you're immediately into walking country and can access Rose End Meadows, Cromford village, Wirksworth, Middleton and the High Peak Trail on foot in minutes, without touching tarmac! There is a working quarry, Dene Quarry, above Cromford and lead and limestone quarries have been repurposed as parkland and nature reserves across the area, notably at Rose End Meadows at the end of the lane behind the property, at Gang Mines nature reserve - a short walk away - and the nearby National Stone Centre (with a great walker's cafe and visitors' shop full of semi precious gems on the High Peak Trail). Other things to note To unload your car, park on the pavement just above the cottage. Off-road parking is available up at Slinter's Mine carpark just above Baker's Lane, which is a 3 minute (uphill) walk away and free. Marvellous workout! Dog owners please be aware there is no enclosed garden (but some lovely walks nearby, including in a nature reserve behind the house). We are baby friendly, stairs notwithstanding, and have a travel cot stair gates and a high chair.