Shippon Cottage

Shippon Cottage is a spacious 19th Century shippon (or dairy) converted into a luxurious and romantic cottage for two with lovely views of Lose Hill.

Built in 1872 from local limestone, this substantial cottage originally housed the farm's cows, dairy and hay loft.

Shippon Cottage was lovingly converted in 2000 and now provides spacious, high quality holiday accommodation. It is a perfect retreat to relax in luxury after exploring the delights of the Peak District.

Uniquely, Shippon Cottage features a large beamed 7m by 5m double bedroom with an antique four poster bed with tasteful co-ordinating drapes and furnishings. A cot or small bed can be made available for an infant or child should you wish.

There is a sitting area adjacent to the bedroom with a colour TV. A second sitting area downstairs, also with TV, affords additional substantial living space. This sitting room has a fireplace complete with a cast iron living flame stove all of which makes for a cosy as well as luxurious feel in the cottage.

The downstairs bathroom has a bath and power shower while the dining-kitchen is fully equipped with an electric cooker, fridge freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

The cottage is fully fitted with wool carpets throughout. Gas-fired central heating and double glazing make the cottage comfortable at all times.

The cottage is equipped with everything you could possibly need. Full laundry facilities are available if required.

The sitting room opens onto a private terrace area with views to Lose Hill. It is an ideal place to relax in summer for drinks and dine ‘al fresco’ - made easy with a gas barbecue. Covered parking is available with the cottage.

History of Shippon Cottage

William Wells Gould owned and farmed Spring House Farm from 1849, on his father’s death, until his own death in 1876. We know that originally he was a ladies' stay (corset) dealer in Sheffield and married Abigail Cheetham from Stockport.

His main income was from butter and eggs. In 1872 he wanted to build a new ‘shippon’ for his milking herd. We are lucky to have the original farm ledger written by Abigail.

Hidden among the routine of everyday farm life are details of the building of the new shippon. We know that the stone came from Smalldale, that Wilfred Isaac supplied the timber at a cost of £9-13-0 and that Robert Shirt built it.

Most poignant of all is an entry in the ledger which says that on the 8th June 1872, Joe Shirt was paid one shilling (5p) for carving the initials and date which can still be seen in the lintel above the front door - "WWG 1872".

The shippon was last used for milking in 1962 and was then used for general storage before being converted in 2000.