Stay in a fabulous location and explore Dovedale and the Peak District. Nestled between Dovedale and the Manifold Valley, with stunning views , our farm boasts luxury award winning accommodation, spacious grounds with an animal sanctuary onsite to explore. Guests can feed the alpacas and goats and share time with friends and family around the firepit or in the hot tub (by arrangement) . The farm is situated in the best position to enjoy the Peak District and all it has to offer. The space This listing is for Reuben's Roost and Bremen's Barn connected via the courtyard. Together they sleep up to 16 guests in 7 bedrooms. Hot Tub available by pre booking, subject to availability. When you stay you at the farm, will be a part of a big family, not only with us but our animals too as Dovedale Animal Sanctuary is onsite and home to a range of rescued farm animals including goats and Alpacas. We pride ourselves on being a small family business and share our beautiful home to guests who want to relax and unwind in this wonderful part of the Peak District National Park. Our Farm has over 25 acres for guests to use, it is very rural with lots of space, gardens, and stunning landscapes to enjoy. The area is great for walks straight from the door and the farm is in the perfect position for exploring the Peak District National Park as it is nestled between the famous Dovedale and Manifold Rivers. We are surrounded by National Trust land and only a mile from the local village of Ilam with the NT Ilam park, Stepping Stones and Dovedale on the doorstep. We are also close to the villages of Alstonefield, Wetton, Milldale and Thorpe where there are good pubs and teas rooms as well as being close to the market country towns of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Leek, and Buxton where there are good amenities and local attractions to explore like Alton Towers and Chatsworth House. Residents at the farm will be staying in one of our award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages made up of the Courtyard properties (Reuben’s Roost, Bremen’s Barn, and Hope’s Hideaway) or Purdy’s Place in our 16th Century Farmhouse with a Hot Tub. In addition, there is the bespoke Alpaca Hut with the Hot Tub, and in summer months there is Rosie’s Retreat our little gypsy caravan. Lower Damgate Farm has a very long history, it was once home to a Viking Longhouse, the Romans lived here and built the culvert that is still running down the drive and in 1565 the Tudors adapted the property into the stone house we now live in. The landscape has little changed, the scenery is stunning, and it has an ambiance that radiates peace and tranquillity. The Farm is also our home, and we love sharing it with our guests as it is perfect base to explore the Peak District National Park and this beautiful part of the world. Our ethos is relaxed and informal with a philosophy that “Nothing is a problem.” We are very approachable and want our guests to feel at home. The Farm is an escape from the world, rural and remote, it’s not perfect, a little quirky, but its comfortable with everything you need to enjoy a break away. You can feed the animals, watch the sunsets, put your feet up, chill out with drink, light the BBQ, and enjoy quality time with your favourite people. You create your occasion, bringing your walking boots, provisions and a carrot or apple or two for the animals and we give you the space and respect to do your own thing. The cottages were awarded Farm Holiday Cottages of the Year 2021-2022 in the Midlands and North West, as well as Hospitality & Venue Business Owner of the Year 2024 (UK): Farm Wedding Venue & Accommodation Provider of the Year 2024 – UK. The Courtyard properties have been highly commended in the Sunday Times Travel Reviews as well as many 5* reviews on google and Airbnb. Affectionately known as the Tardis, these 16h Century barns have been adapted for large groups or independent, depending upon your needs. Each have their own private facilities in addition they can be hired together for from 2-40 guests. There is a beautiful large bespoke kitchen and living areas, a games room, as well as dining for all guests on site, perfect for a stay away. Individually Reubens Roost has 3 bedrooms sleeping 6/8. Bremen’s Barn 4 bedrooms sleeping 8/10, plus also in the courtyard is Hope’s Hideaway has 4 bedrooms sleeping 10/12 as well as a large games room and kitchen/dining to cater for all. All are spacious and joined via the U-shaped courtyard. In addition, there is Purdy’s Place sleeps 4 and is at the end of the farmhouse with 2 bedrooms a little living area, and Hot Tub. The outside areas include large gardens and lawns with a safe play area, BBQ and Decking areas, as well as outdoor furniture and plenty of space to run around, chill explore or play games. The Barn area has a fire pit and is a lovely area to eat and watch the animals as well as having stunning views across the Peaks. All guests are welcome to use and explore the farm, fields and paddocks including woods and a pond area, as well as to meet and greet our resident animals (Alpacas, Goats, Ducks and Chickens) who all love to be fed by you. We have an open-door policy and guests are welcome to come and find us! If you have any questions or need any information shout as we are always happy to help. Our philosophy is that “Nothing is a problem” and when you stay all we ask for is that you have an amazing time. All our bookings help to support Dovedale Animal Sanctuary. Dovedale Animal Sanctuary Lower Damgate Farm Welcome to Dovedale Animal Sanctuary a charitable non-profit organisation that provides a forever loving home to rescued farm animals and wildlife. When you stay at Lower Damgate Farm you will meet all the animals at the farm and hopefully interact and feed them. We started the Sanctuary in 1996 and most of our animal residents have been at the farm for many years, where the farm is now home to over 100 animals including Alpacas, Goats, Horses, Sheep, Ducks, Chickens and Geese. We also work with other organisations like the RSPCA and provide respite for other little critters like Hedgehogs! Our holiday accommodation supports Dovedale Animal Sanctuary and a % of all our bookings go directly to the welfare of the animals, as well as farm sales like free range eggs and homemade jam. Plus, donations and charity events dedicated to the animals. Without our guests we honestly could not provide the our animals with the welfare and care they have and thank everyone of you for the support you give. All our animals have a story to tell. As well as rescuing them we also work closely with them from the moment they arrive, spending lots of time with them, giving them food and cuddles and in turn they get to know us and trust people again. Some of our animals are under permanent vet care, so if you see one limping or looking unwell, please don’t be perturbed, they are well looked after but some do have long term health issues. Dovedale Animal Sanctuary is a forever home, they are safe, secure, and well-loved and once they feel safe their characters develop, they are happy, calm, and playful …. some of them especially the goats, think that they are human! Though a private sanctuary, our holiday guests often interact with the animals, and all are welcome to join in with feeding or just to watch us working with them. Our animals love company and are very inquisitive. The goats and alpacas are very friendly, especially at feeding time! You will find a feeding station up near the barn and our guests are welcome to grab a scoop and feed them either at the troughs on the gate, or by hand if supervised. You are also welcome to feed them apples and carrots, though please cut these into small chunks as the Alpacas don’t have chewing teeth and with long necks, food can get stuck! Visitors please be mindful that they are farm animals and children must always be supervised on the farm. Our hens and ducks and geese are also all rescued and our guests are welcome to collect eggs from the hen or duck houses, alternately we leave some at the house for locals, so first come first served! The geese are noisy and if they come to you, flap your arms and they will move away. Our hens often roam all around the farm and Free-range eggs means that the hens are not dependant on artificial warmth to lay, so please don’t be disappointed if there are only a few eggs! we hope to get to meet you and always happy to answer any questions Thanks Karl and Carolyn