Formerly a gentleman’s residence and originally built in 1740 then extended in 1908, Sheriff Lodge is now a relaxing and tranquil Bed & Breakfast in Matlock, away from the bustle of the town but still within easy walking distance. In an elevated position, the rooms have a wonderful view of the Derwent Valley and Riber Castle, High Tor and Pic Tor.

All five en-suite rooms have been recently redecorated for a fresh, uplifting yet peaceful feel with lots of extras to make your stay more comfortable, if you are looking for a place to stay in Matlock this is the one. Amenities in the rooms include: ‘Things You May Have Forgotten Box’, seven-foot beds, power showers in all rooms and baths in two of the rooms, luxurious Christy towels, extra blankets, extra pillows, fresh flowers, sweeties, 32” TVs with Netflix, standalone radiator, turbo fan, magazines, as well as more than you would expect on the hospitality tray, with Fairtrade goods where available. You will be offered homemade cake and a cuppa on arrival.

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As with a lot of us this goes back to my Grandmother. She was a hotelier, but had big, busy, bustling hotels in the home counties, Arundel and Westerham and in service later on to a private family in Clifton, Bristol. I loved going to stay with her and helping out around the place, listening to her great (and not so great) stories about guests, how to hire people, how to quickly make a bed, how to welcome and understand guests needs and of course her fantastic cooking. Simple and homely but absolutely the best. So I guess wanting to run a B&B was in the blood, one of my cousins has one in France too.

I left home quite early and pursued a professional career in Brussels, then the company relocated to Sunbury on Thames where I stayed until I arrived at Sheriff Lodge. Sunbury is a pretty place and will always be a special place for me, having had my sons there and living most of my adult life there.

When a natural break came in 2016 I decided that if I didn’t pursue the ‘its now or never’ adage I never would. So I started looking for a suitable B&B that could also be dog friendly. It didn’t help that I had no idea where in the country I wanted to be, my only criteria were: 1) a private car park 2) easy to find and 3) near a pub.

Having looked at about 40 B&Bs up and down the country I just kept thinking – ‘I’ll know it when I see it’. Eventually honing down ideas and another major factor; if I was too far north the boys had an excuse not to come and see me – Derbyshire was about as far as I thought I could stretch it ! Seeing those other B&Bs made my criteria even more concrete, parking in tiny car parks on steep hills, not being able to find a place that I wanted to buy, let alone stay at and when arriving after a drive and half a day off work, getting to the room and thinking – ‘Great – now what?’

So October 2017 Red (boxer dog) and I arrived at Sheriff Lodge and without going in the door thought – ‘YES YES YES’, moved in on 19th December 2017 – wee whah wee whah – it was a mad two months. But I LOVE Sheriff Lodge, it’s a beautiful building, although maintenance rich, I feel like I’m a custodian for it – it has a personality of its own. The Lodge is very different now and a wonderful, homely, elegant, relaxing place, and adults only. Big car park, so easy to find and licensed ! No need for that pub up the road. I have refurbished the whole house since moving in and its now the peaceful, elegant haven I had always hoped for.

Sadly Reddy passed away in November 2023 after a very short illness. It was such a shock. I found being in Derbyshire and without a dog devastating, I needed to get another one. In January 2024, Sakura, my sweet, beautiful little girl arrived here.

Come and see for yourself. I’m look forward to greeting everyone and hosting your best stay. Many guests come back time and time again which is like welcoming family through the door. Its been a learning curve but I’ve loved all of it – even the not so great bits!

If you are still not sure – join the VIP mailing list and/or the social media pages, to get the inside view and some special offers, before you come and stay and let the Peaks do their magic. Looking forward to meeting you.

Ziz
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