Our stay at Lea Hurst exceeded our expectations on every level. Peter sent through a very helpful note explaining how to get there, along with some excellent recommendations for walks and places to eat. Jen was a superb host—she went out of her way to make us feel comfortable. Breakfast was superb, and the rooms were beautifully presented, all set against the serene backdrop of the Derbyshire countryside. The house and gardens were extraordinary. What Peter and Jen have achieved here extends far beyond the scope of an outstanding B&B, hotel, or even a family home. Restoring the home of Florence Nightingale in such a historically sensitive and sympathetic manner, as Peter and Jen have done, should indeed be regarded as a philanthropic endeavour—and it deserves to be celebrated. I personally felt privileged to have the opportunity to stay there and could have spent days simply studying the house, the rooms, and the various artefacts. We very much look forward to staying again. Best wishes, The National Tru... I mean, Will and Reet

Not applicable.

From the moment we approached the house to the moment we left, we were taken aback by how grand it all was! The grounds are immaculate with gorgeous landscaping and adorable animals. The house is majestic and filled with history. Peter is a welcoming host who is happy to tell you anything you want to know about Florence Nightingale and the house itself. Breakfast was amazing (including the views from the windows) and slight alterations weren't a problem. The staff are lovely as are Peter's family. Despite being in a family's home, you still have plenty of privacy.

The only thing we found less than perfect was the mattress. It was quite soft and pillowy, which is great for a quick lie down, but a firmer bed is better for our sleep.

I stayed at the Florence Nightingale Suites at Lea Hurst and it was a truly special experience. The house has been beautifully restored by the current owner, staying true to its original character. The suite itself was spacious, comfortable, and full of charm, offering a perfect balance of historical atmosphere and modern comfort. The location is absolutely stunning – set in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside with sweeping views, rolling hills, and a real sense of peace and quiet. It felt like a privilege to stay in such a historically significant place, beautifully brought back to life. A unique and memorable stay – I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere with character, beauty, and tranquillity.

Perfect Stay at this fantastic house.I cannot praise it enough. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the charming exterior and meticulously designed interior. Every detail of the decor was carefully thought out, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the hospitality of the host couple Peter and Jen Kay.They went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and were always available to provide valuable information about the area. They recommended five local restaurants, and we tried three of them—each one was outstanding! The culinary experiences were a delightful addition to our trip, thanks to their excellent suggestions. The garden was another perfect touch to this beautiful property. It was well-maintained and provided a serene space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Every corner of the house both inside and out, was spotless and exquisitely decorated. In summary, our stay at thus stunning house was nothing short of perfect. The combination of the beautiful setting, impeccable design, and warm hospitality made it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a flawless stay.

Peter was in touch with directions straight after we booked & we arranged a mutual arrival time. Its not often you can stay in a historical home & especially where the owners have tried to bring alive the history of Lea Hurst, Florence Nightingales home, with artifacts & antique furniture. Peter is a great host, friendly & informative about the property and history. We booked the suite a large bedroom with a view of the rear garden, a king size bed, tea & coffee facilities, thick towelling robes, tv, CD radio, dressing table, side tables & lamps. A private bathroom with toilet, basin & shower towels & a sitting room with access to the outdoor balcony. Peter also gave us the use of a room downstairs, with tv & the lounge with log fire & handmade sofas. We had breakfast in this room, the antique Sutherland table set with white linen tablecloth, for breakfast we had granola with yogurt and fresh blueberries and strawberries, fresh orange juice or apple juice, with tea & coffee choices & then cooked breakfast with fried eggs from Peter's chickens. We have enjoyed staying at Peter's home & he recommended a Italian restaurant at Belper for a evening meal & it was fantastic. We woke one morning to a male fallow deer in the back garden nibbling the lawn, the views are amazing. If you are looking for peace & quiet & a host who is available if required but leaves you to enjoy your stay, then its money well spent. Thank you Peter & family.

There are stairs to the bedrooms if you have mobility problems.

A beautiful setting in its own private grounds, the lovely spacious rooms offer relaxing views of the handsome gardens and across a wooded valley. See if you can spot the stags! You might also run into the peacock and the chickens that provide the free-range eggs for the delicious breakfasts. Peter your host is friendly, helpful and well-informed, the house a tribute to his dedication with a host of historical antique furniture. The house is close to many Derbyshire attractions, including several heritage sites, as well as friendly pubs.

Peter and his family made our stay so wonderful! He gave us a lot of recommendations for sights to see around the area and hiking trails. We got the full English countryside experience! The house and the gardens are so lovely. So much care has been taken when renovating the house and honoring Florence Nightingale's history. The bed was also really comfortable. We slept really well. It's one of the most relaxing places I've been to!

Nothing! I'd love to go back again.

Honestly, the history alone is probably enough - Florence Nightingale's childhood home - but Peter, Jen and their family were so generous and hospitable we didn't want to leave! The house is stunning, set in beautiful gardens with lots of gorgeous canal and village walks on the doorstep.

The weather??!!

Historic building, lovingly restored, beautiful gardens, very attentive service. We stayed in the “Florence Nightingale suite” and were very impressed by the memorabilia and atmosphere. The private balcony has wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

The restoration of the house was made with a tremendous passion for history and respect for Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Gaskell. Whilst the surroundings seemed like a piece of Heaven, the house itself is a part of history. The hosts, especially Peter, were very friendly and respectful. We are surely aiming to come back here.