The Whimsy is a dog friendly quirky modern cottage with log burner and private parking in Blackfordby, Derbyshire. It's on the edge of the village, along a quiet country lane with no through traffic, in the middle of the National Forest There are lots of country walks from the door on footpaths through rolling fields and woodland. The cottage has 2 double bedrooms with king-size double beds (180x200cm). Both can be set up as two singles too - let us know before you come. Supporting wildlife and local biodiversity is very important to me. Since January 2023, for every booking at the Whimsy I pay for a native tree to be planted in the National Forest by the National Forest team. I also support The Wild Life Trusts of Derbyshire and Leicestershire (as we're on the border of both), and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) with regular donations from the property business. There's an excellent dog friendly village pub just 2 minutes walk up the lane, and more a short drive. There's a large 24 hour Tesco supermarket just 5 mins drive, and lots of shops, tea rooms and restaurants in Ashby de la Zouch (10 mins). The National Trust's Calke Abbey, with its wonderful estate and tea shop, is 15 minutes drive, as is Staunton Harold reservoir. Other nearby attractions include Conkers Waterside Arena, The National Forest, the National Memorial Arboretum, Hick's cycle centre and bike paths, and Moira Furnace.

Blackfordby is a quiet rural village set in rolling Derbyshire countryside in the heart of the National Forest, and just 3 miles from the market town of Ashby de la Zouch. There's easy access from the M42/A42, and good road links to East Midlands airport (20 mins), Birmingham Airport (40 mins), Donnington Park race circuit (20 mins), Derby, Loughborough, Burton upon Trent and Hinckley.

Good places to eat nearby include The Taphouse (a country pub with an excellent carvery), The Lakeside Bistro in Moira (a cafe by the lake, lovely in summer), Cafe Eden in Moira, Amalfi White, Melbourne (a fine dining restaurant), and Zamani's in Ashby (an Italian restaurant). Please note: if you're travelling with children, you'll need to bring your own cots, high chairs. We provide bed linens and towels, but it is unironed to keep the costs down for you. There is a charge per dog, which varies depend on the length of stay, so please let me know if you're arriving with dogs.