Comments from the visitors book

Over 50% of our customers come back every year (our repeat booking rate at the barn was well over 50% in 2006, 55% in 2007, and running at 75% so far in 2008) and some enjoy two or three weeks every year in one of our cottages. We are always interested to read the comments in our visitor book. If someone makes a reasonable suggestion (sorry we can't guarantee the weather) we will always try to make sure that this is done. Our aim is to make people feel at home as soon as they walk in the door.

Here, week-by week, (assuming we have the camera with us so that we can photograph them for transcribing later) are the last 20 comments from the barn's visitor's book.

10th May 2008
What a wonderful place to stay, the cottage was 'home from home' and we really relaxed (between walks that is!). Your walking books were very useful as we have always stayed at Matlock previously and didn't realise how wonderful this area was around Hartington. Hope to be back next year and will certainly recommend to family and friends. Many thanks.
Brian & Chris
North Yorkshire.

12th April 2008
The day before we arrived, the weather forecast predicted snow. Sure enough, we woke on Sunday morning to a picturesque Hartington - a couple of inches had fallen overnight. The sun however came out and melted it away just as quickly as it came. Although bitterly cold for the majority of the week, we managed a bike ride and a couple of walks and we were lucky enough to dodge the showers. Once again the Bears Barn provided comfortable, restful and well equipped accommodation, allowing us to rest and recuperate from the stresses and strains of our hectic working lives. Many thanks for letting us return, this is our 6th visit and the barn is like a home-from-home for us. Hope to be back soon.
Pauline & Peter
Hants.

5th April 2008
Another good week, and the food at the Devonshire Arms, Pack Horse at Crowdicote and the craft centre at Longnor remains as good as ever. We enjoyed some very good walking weather too. Hope to be back in 2009. Thank you.
Linda & Graham
Watford.

29th March 2008
We've had a real mixture of weather this week, snow, sunsnine, wind and rain, but have managed to get out every day for long walks and were glad to get back to the cottage to relax.
Joyce & George
Leicester.

22nd March 2008
Our first visit to this lovely cottage in Hartington. It's been cold but the sun has shined for us. Enjoyed three very different walks, the scenery as always beautiful. The cottage has been spacious and like its sister cottage in Youlgrave, is very well equipped for a relaxing break. Will be back again.
Kevin & Madeline
Cambridge.

23rd February 2008
We've had a lovely week in Hartington. Lots of sunshine at the beginning of the week but with very cold temperatures at night. We found the Bears Barn cosy and well equipped. Enjoyed walks in Wolfescote Dale, Biggin Dale, Millersdale and Dovedale. We cycled the Manifold Way and particularly enjoyed Thor's cave - a steep climb up it but fabulous views from the top.
Ann & Calim
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

16th February 2008
Another wonderful relaxing week. The weather has been marvellous and we've enjoyed cycling the Tissington and Manifold trails. We've also walked to Milldale seeing two herons as we did so. The Devonshire Arms has been a marvellous source of evening meals and we've been treated as regulars. Once again the barn has been wonderful accommodation having everything we've needed. Hope to visit again next year. Thanks.
Liz & Haydn
Burntwood
Staffs

5th January 2008
A good mixture and tiring and relaxing for the New Year. Devonshire Arms as good (and friendly) as our last visit and Rookes Pottery was open yesterday.
Clara and Jon
Norwich.

29th December 2007
We've had a lovely week, brought some fairy lights and made it 'Christmassy'. Christmas dinner was no problem. Did several walks, went to the pantomime in Buxton, slobbed in from of the television and generally had a lazy time. Many thanks for letting us stay. Bears Barn is fabulous. We really liked Baaaabara!
Neil & Jane
Nottingham.

22nd December 2007
Our first visit to Bear's Barn and perhaps not our last as we enjoyed ourselves so much. Weather made for going out and exploring nearby towns so much easier, if not a little cold. Buxton, Ashbourne and Bakewell (especially for the Bakewell tarts) were particularly pleasant. And, thanks to the praises of the other visitors we enjoyed 2 meals at the Devonshire Arms, the staff made it easier to discuss going back also as they were lovely. Many thanks Paul & Linda and we look forward to returning in the future.
Gemma & Jonathan
Leeds.

3rd November 2007
As usual, a brilliant week. We arrived in rain and it was still raining on Sunday morning - BUT - the sun came out about 11.00am and it was fine for the rest of the week. We have visited old favourites - Rudyard Lake, Baslow and Curbar Edges - as well as trying some new walks out of the short walk book (in the bookcase). We enjoyed Lyme Park, Carsington Water and a beautiful walk in Chatsworth gounds. The Barn as ever is warm, comfortable and a great place for getting to other places. We hope to be back soon.
Andy & Lynn
Bedfordshire.

13th October 2007
Our third visit and even better than we remembered. Nice new bathroom and a few other things - prints etc. Brought bikes this time and enjoyed the Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and the Manifold Way. Also good walks and the weather was kind. Food really good at the Manifold Inn - approx 4 miles right from the door and also the Devonshire Arms. Thanks for the welcome pack and hope we will be back again to enjoy your lovely home and surrounding countryside.
Gloria & Chris
Norwich.

29th September 2007
We have again enjoyed our holiday at Bears Barn - everything as good as it has always been. Thank you - we shall be back.
John & Gill
Leamington Spa.

1st September 2007
We have forgotten how good England is! Bears Barn is just what we wanted - well equiped and well positioned for the walks found around Hartington were excellent. Who wants more?
The Hopkins
North Cyprus.

25th August 2007
Yet another great week at the Bears Barn. Left the bikes at home this time but managed some good walks with the help of some lovely weather. Everything at the barn is as good as it has always been. What more can we say! Thanks.
Peter & Pauline
Lyndhurst, Hants.

18th August 2007
Had a great holiday at Bears Barn, the place is something special. Had some good weather this week, went to Crich Tramway 1940's wartime weekend which was excellent. Various walks around the area, Wolfscote, Dovedale and Tissington to name a few. I agree with the other visitors that the meals in the Devonshire Arms are well worth the money. Chip mobile van visits on Friday night in the village so no need to cook on the last night. We too loved 'Barbara' in the bedroom. Hope to come back.
Mark & Ellen
Leicester.

Note from the editors...

'Barbara' is a print of a sheep in the bedroom that has now been referenced a couple of times, so we thought we'd better explain. We'd also like to point out that a couple who stayed two years ago had to cover it with a towel because it 'put them off'. Put them off what, we couldn't possibly say.

4th August 2007
A lovely cottage and loved 'Barbara'. The weather couldn't have been better, we were panicing the week before as it was so wet. Managed quite a few walks, such an ideal spot for touring the area. Would certainly come back again.
Margaret & John
Norfolk.

28th July 2007
This is the best appointed cottage that we have ever hired. Mixed weather but we managed to make several long walks, a 30 mile cycle ride on the High Peak Trail and an all day ticket on the Churnet Valley Railway when it really was awful weather. One of the highlights was having an hour's chat with the farmer at Ludwell farm - don't mention politics!! A fabulous holiday and will book for next year.
The Sextons
Bracknell, Berks.

21st July 2007
A delightful cottage - met our every need - reassuring when one is booking by email 20,000 km away! Despite only one fine day we have had a wonderful time exploring this most beautiful part of England. Neil has managed a number of walks (a recently broken foot has put Kerry somewhat out of action) and he is totally enamoured of the area and its walking opportunities. Thanks you for the opportunity to share the Bears Barn, we shall 'spread the word' on our return.
Kerry & Neil
Brisbane, Australia.

26th May 2007
Had a lovely stay - very comfortable place to be - super village. Don't listen to the forecasts! Chip van on a Friday. Good Pub. Will tell our friends. Happy to meet, sorry to part!
Sharon & Jim
Sowerby, West Yorkshire.