We created this unique collection of cottages over the past 10 years, carefully restoring, and renovating each property.
In the collection you will find beautiful barn conversions and cosy cottages all designed with our own distinctive style to create a collection of cottages that provide a relaxing and comfortable back drop to your stay in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
All the cottages are located in the picturesque village of Alstonefield or in the hills surrounding the village, so if you are looking for a little hide-away for two, a family adventure or a larger gathering the collection provides multiple alternatives.
View the CollectionLook & Feel
Influenced by Jo’s work as a stylist on interior photoshoots…
Our cottages feature a blend of countryside charm with rustic materials and clean lines to create a homely yet contemporary space. Jo’s style has been influenced by her time working in Boston, America and thus heartily associated with shaker style - simple with subdued earthly materials, vintage finds and traditional trimmings.
“The thing I love the most about the styling of each cottage is their elegant, peaceful energy.”
About Alstonefield Manor
History of the house
The house dates to the early part of the 17th Century with fine Regency additions. It was previously owned by the Harpur-Crewe family who lived at Calke Abbey (NT) who owned the land and villages from Derby all the way to Manchester. The house was used to manage the Northern estate and the Harpur-Crewe family would frequently ‘weekend’ at the house. In the census of 1801 the house had six staff, the Estate Manager and his wife, nanny, cook, groom and a maid. The offices for the Estate Manager and his staff were located in what is now the Estate Rooms apartment. Sitting within an acre of walled garden the house also had a resident Gardener who maintained the fruit and vegetable garden as the Harpur-Crewe family actively promoted home grown produce and self-sufficiency. The Gardeners Cottage sits beside the house and has been fully restored and converted into a little hide-away for two.
The Brand
As soon as you enter the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park you will notice that the landscape suddenly changes. The area is defined by the miles of limestone walls that climb over huge rolling hills with steep river valleys that weave between the hills to create a spectacular landscape.
As soon as you enter the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park you will notice that the landscape suddenly changes. The area is defined by the miles of limestone walls that climb over huge rolling hills with steep river valleys that weave between the hills to create a spectacular landscape.
it’s a family Affair
When we were lucky enough to acquire Alstonefield Manor in 2000 the house had previously been used as a B&B. We carefully renovated and restored the house and re-opened it to guests. As its popularity grew and our reputation flourished, we started to apply our design and management skills to create a small collection of self-catering cottages to offer our guests stylish alternative accommodation in the village.
Many of the cottages were either completely derelict or in desperate need of renovation so we were able to apply our design skills to create simple, stylish and comfortable spaces that have a curated look and feel. As a result, guests feel just at home in No. 1 Church St as they do in Gardeners or Harpur Barn and it is this reaffirmation that means that many of our guests keep coming back.
By 2019 we had completed ten cottage renovations and finally decided to close the main house to manage the growth of the self-catering business. To reflect this change, we have launched The Stone Estate to create a brand better focused on our self-catering cottages. Like our cottages the brand is grounded in the unique limestone walls that identifies the White Peak area of the Peak District. And most importantly it also retains a reference to our roots in Alstonefield, which is our home and the place we love.
Robert Wood
Robert is a Brand Strategist. He’s had design agencies in Boston & London, heads all the branding elements, and manages the business behind The Stone Estate.
Jo Wood
Jo is an Interior Designer and Stylist. She works on photoshoots and specialises in both commercial and residential Interior Design. Jo is the genius behind each cottage’s look and feel.
George Wood
George is a professional photographer. He freelances all over the country and specialises in interior photography. George captures all the photography you see on our site and Instagram.
Hannah Wood
Aged 25, Hannah has a small design agency based in the Peak District and London. Hannah manages all our digital presence, including the design and development of this site and our social media.
