About The House
Sheldon House is an 18th Century Grade II listed building located on the edge of the village of Monyash, in the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park. The White Peak is so called because of the greyish/white limestone frequently seen outcropping in the area providing building materials for the characteristic drystone walls, which often still follow the medieval field patterns, and also for Sheldon House itself. One interesting feature of the limestone is the quantity of carboniferous crinoid fossils to be spotted, many at eye level - please ask if you would like a guided tour of these! The area was rich in minerals, especially lead, and old workings are scattered around the landscape. We understand that Sheldon House was originally the pay office for the old Magpie Lead Mine, an iconic ruin within walking distance (1½ miles) of Sheldon House. A quick inspection of the outside of the house shows an old external staircase and upstairs door through which the miners are thought to have gone to collect their pay, possibly exiting by the downstairs door and into the pub next door! Sheldon Barn is more recent - a 1990 rebuild of a much older barn building - but it nevertheless retains the character of a limestone barn with views across the nearby fields.
Our guest rooms have quirky names: Newton Wonder, Belledge Pippin, Black Dabinett and Redstoke - all varieties of Derbyshire apples, in honour of a Devonshire B&B owned by Mike’s parents in the 1980s which had rooms named after Devon cider apples ... even the door nameplates are handmade with recycled apple wood from a former garden.
"A very warm welcome, great hospitality and a comfortable place to stay."
About The Owners
Back in the 1980s and 90s we (Caroline & Mike) took our children to stay at a lovely, welcoming B&B in Devon run by Mike’s parents. Maybe this provided some of the inspiration for us when, in 2018, we left our home and work in north Buckinghamshire to start a new venture at Sheldon House, Monyash. We had wanted to do this for a considerable time; eventually our family circumstances made it possible. Although we had visited the Peak District on a number of occasions, indeed Caroline had run geology and geography field trips there, Monyash was a new location for us. We both love being outdoors – whether that’s gardening, cycling or walking, and are becoming knowledgeable about the area in which we now live. Maps and guide books are available for guests to borrow and, as an experienced geology/geography teacher, Caroline can also offer some explanations of the local landscape. We offer secure bike storage and can provide space to hose down muddy bikes, also a maintenance stand and tools for basic repairs. Mike has longstanding experience of maintaining bikes and can offer assistance if needed.
We have an Electric Vehicle charging point (7.4kw, £0.50/KWh, min £10) for use by either B&B and self catering guests, please contact us for further information. We also have a boot room for muddy boots and damp walking kit. As we receive people into our home our welcome includes a drink and homemade cake on check-in - we aim to provide a very different experience from a large hotel!
"Thank you for a lovely stay, every detail has been attended to. 10 out of 10!"
Where to find us
SatNav may take you to the crossroads in the middle of the village and Sheldon House is on Chapel Street, going north from the crossroads (so the pub is to the right as you enter Chapel Street). If approaching from:
Buxton (via Tagg Lane) - turn left at the crossroads into Chapel Street
Ashbourne (via The Rake) - go straight on at the crossroads into Chapel Street
Bakewell - turn right at the crossroads into Chapel Street
Go up the slight hill and we're on the left just as the road starts to go down again. Google Maps has us identified and located correctly! Parking for B&B is off-road at the front of the house, at right-angles to the road. Parking for Sheldon Barn is at the rear of the Barn (through the gate to the right of the house).