Barn conversion for sale in Belper DE56, 4 Bedroom

Our exquisite property with gardens and large paddock is positioned along a very quiet country lane in the sought after Peak District village of Alderwasley. This c.1800 stone long barn was originally a milking parlour with hayloft above but was stylishly converted 10 years ago into a stunning home. There is nothing to do – just move straight in and start enjoying life in this rural idyll!

Where Is Alderwasley?

Windmill Barn is situated on a level hill top just east of Wirksworth and approximately 6 miles from Belper. There are handful of neighbours nearby and the 17th Century Bear at Alderwasley public house is just a short walk across fields. The peace is only broken by farm animals and wildlife amongst the gently rolling hills, the occasional neighbouring property and the beautiful fields and woodlands which surround the barn. This home provides the ‘get away from it all’ dream whilst equally being only a short drive from all the necessary amenities and being extremely well positioned for national transport hubs and/or commuting destinations.

Commuting Distances:

Sheffield 22 miles, Nottingham 17 miles, Derby 13 miles, East Midlands Airport 38 miles. Trains are available from nearby Whatstandwell (a 5 minute drive), leading to the national rail hub at Derby.

Floor Plan Dimensions

Ground Floor -
Sitting room - 5.01m x 4.64m (max)

WC - 1.55m x 1.35m (max)

The Approach:

A five bar wooden gate leads to a tarmac driveway which passes the side garden area to one side and paddock to the other. The front of the property has gravelled and paved hard-standing area for several vehicles (there is the potential on site to build a garage – obviously subject to necessary planning permission). A super seating area with planting overlooks the paddock and countryside beyond. Two small outbuildings adjoin the house, one acting as the turbine room and store room and next door providing space for the boiler and hot water tank for the house (with the latter doubling nicely as a great laundry drying space!)

The Downstairs:

A solid oak door leads to the spacious hall with attractive under-floor heated limestone flooring which flows beautifully throughout the ground floor (the only exception being the sitting room which is oak). An attractive solid oak staircase leads up to the first floor. There is a good sized downstairs cloakroom and WC and to the right a cosy office/study with rear facing window.

The sitting room is on the left of the hall and is a family sized, light room with an excellent high-level wood-burning stove and wide, engineered oak floor boards. There are completely rural and private views from the French doors overlooking the front of the property and the large paddock (currently used as a hay meadow) beyond.

To the right of the hall is the dual aspect family dining room which can accommodate those large family gatherings. Beyond is a well designed (again dual aspect) family dining kitchen with a good range of hand built wooden painted units and granite work surfaces. There is a neff integrated dishwasher and microwave, an integrated fridge and Rangemaster cooker, along with plenty of space for a large freezer. A well-designed utility room with coordinating units and space for a washer and dryer is located to the back of the kitchen. The space is perfect for informal family dining and currently has a table which can seat six.

The Upstairs:

The first floor is vaulted throughout with conservation skylights complementing the large casement windows ensuring that all the rooms are extremely light. The landing corridor is wide and blessed with roof lights and a gorgeous chandelier over the stairwell making it an unusual and special part of the house. To one end is the spacious master bedroom with stunning views over the countryside beyond and a spacious, high quality en suite. A large single bedroom (or small double) sits to one side with a good range of built-in wardrobes, whilst two further good doubles – one again with excellent integrated wardrobes – are positioned off the landing corridor. To the far end is a luxurious bathroom, with huge glazed shower cubicle, bath, WC and a range of integrated furniture accommodating the lavatory and wash basin.

A Word From The Owners:

Living in Windmill Barn is like being on holiday every day. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside and abundant wildlife as well as having the advantage of towns and cities on your doorstep. In the Summer time it is perfect for bar b ques on the patio giving way to stunning sunsets to end a warm sunny day. In the winter time too family dinners are followed by cosy evenings round the wood fire. It has the best of both worlds in every respect.

The Outside:

On entering the property via the wide driveway, the paddock (which has been cleverly planted with fenced wooded copses) sits to the left. The wind turbine is discreetly positioned behind one copse and almost hidden from the house. There is water in the paddock for those wishing to introduce animals to what is currently used as a hay meadow. To the immediate right of the driveway is a lovely mature beech hedge with archway and gate leading into a fabulous vegetable garden. A flat space with lawned pathways and complete with beds and a greenhouse, this space is perfect for anyone wanting to tread a path of small scale self-sufficiency.

Along the driveway and completely hidden from the quiet lane is the front garden with parking area, outbuildings and terrace as mentioned above.

More About The Area:

On entering the property via the wide driveway, the paddock (which has been cleverly planted with fenced wooded copses) sits to the left. The wind turbine is discreetly positioned behind one copse and almost hidden from the house. There is water in the paddock for those wishing to introduce animals to what is currently used as a hay meadow. To the immediate right of the driveway is a lovely mature beech hedge with archway and gate leading into a fabulous vegetable garden. A flat space with lawned pathways and complete with beds and a greenhouse, this space is perfect for anyone wanting to tread a path of small scale self-sufficiency.

Along the driveway and completely hidden from the quiet lane is the front garden with parking area, outbuildings and terrace as mentioned above.
The 17th Century ‘Bear at Alderwasley’ is a short walk away, but within a 20 minute drive, a hugely diverse range of gourmet eateries are to be found. Independent shopping, an independent cinema, incorporating a tapas bar, wine bar, and further restaurants, cafes and public houses are located only a few minutes away by car in the 12th Century ‘hidden gem’ of Wirksworth. Everything one could possibly need may be found just a 10 minute drive away in nearby bustling Belper – again blessed with an independent cinema, supermarkets and a range of shops and activities. The spa town of Matlock (with a Sainsbury’s and M&S Food Hall) is approximately 15 minutes from our property. The elegant town of Ashbourne, just 13 miles south of Alderwasley houses an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and a Waitrose - alongside a large number of prestigious antique shops.

It really is too difficult to list the opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in this area. There are numerous public footpaths and bridleways surrounding the property – this part of the Derbyshire Dales is a magnet for walkers, riders, cyclists, and of course, watersport enthusiasts, as Carsington Water is a mere 10-15 minutes drive from the farm. Just along the road are Shining Cliff woods, originally part of the 17th Century deer park (part of the Hurt family estate) but now a haven for walkers and wildlife alike. There is climbing potential, less than 10 minutes drive away at Black Rocks and the Peak Park itself stretches to the south and east. Further famous climbing opportunities at Stanage and Burbage ‘Edges’ are only 30 minutes away. The diversity of geology in the countryside of the Park offers every possible escape, from pot holing to hang gliding, from the hills and valleys of limestone in the south or ‘White Peak’ and the granite in the ‘Dark Peak’ of the North.

We are proud that this area is home to some of the best National Trust (eg Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle), and privately owned (eg Chatsworth House Tissington, Kedleston and Haddon Halls) country houses in the country. Buxton, with its opera house and theatres is just 35 minutes North West by car. Wirksworth is on the doorstep and may have been better known for its previous life as a once prosperous lead mining and limestone quarrying town. More recently it has developed a strong bohemian streak with independent shops, cinema and a huge array of cultural and performance events running throughout the year and culminating in an annual Arts Festival which has gained a national and international reputation, seeing the town double in size with visitors every September.

Practical Information And Viewings:

Connected to mains water and mains electricity (with additional wind turbine power)
Oil powered central heating
Septic tank and soak away system for sewerage and drains
Council tax band G

Viewings: Strictly through Jacqueline Ashmore at Grant's of Derbyshire - call including out of office hours and weekends).

Directions To The Property:

From our Wirksworth office, turn left along the Market Place and immediately right onto the B5035 (Wash Green). Pass the heritage railway station and continue along this road to the very top of the hill. With the Malt Shovel public house on your left, carefully take the right turn, signed Alderwasley. Continue on this road, passing The Bear (public house) and continuing ahead. As the road bears quite sharply to the right, take the next right turn (back on yourself) onto Sandhall Lane (our board is on the corner to direct you). A hundred or so metres along the lane, a further sales board leads you to Windmill Barn.