Earlier this week we had a few days in Derbyshire at a place where we’ve stayed before. We weren’t disappointed.
The hotel is located in a small village, quite off the beaten track, and situated in several acres of grassland, tree lined paths and with views stretching away into the distance. It was bliss! A true sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. The food is fabulous. The steaks are incredible.
I did something I never do – napped on two of the afternoons. We ventured out one morning but the remainder of the time we stayed around the hotel, in the lounge drinking tea or simply enjoying the peace and quiet in our room.
I explored the grounds finding a circular path I hadn’t discovered last time. I took photographs, went to see the horses, admired the view and wished I could live there for ever.
We came home with a bit more juice in our batteries.
As soon as we got back, we unpacked the car and started packing again! The following day we drove several hundred miles down South so that Chris could do a woodturning demo.
Since leaving Derbyshire I’ve been drinking gingerbread tea from mugs I bought at the hotel. I’ve been having croissant or overnight oats for breakfast – because that’s what I had in Derbyshire. I’ve been looking at motion sensor bathroom mirrors with lights around the edge – because we had those in our bathroom. We’ve been making things for dinner like cauliflower puree – because we ate that one evening.
It will come as no surprise that I mentioned to Chris one day that I wished we could live in Derbyshire. He said, we can! And just like that, we’re on the move!
Sometime over the next few months we’ll be selling our house, finding one in Derbyshire and starting a new life there.
I didn’t see that coming yet it’s part of my evolution to embrace a slower, more meaningful pace of life. To be connected with the rhythms and seasons of nature, to be able to step out of the front door and to walk straight into a full on rural landscape, to hear owls hooting at night, to have local places that sell fresh produce, milk and eggs. We may even have our own chickens.
I’ve dreamed for a long time of living in Derbyshire. Since I first visited a tiny village called Wormhill, I felt at home. It seems the same way with each subsequent visit.
We never know what’s around the corner. Sometimes it feels as if we’re treading water and then suddenly the floodgates open and we’re moving forward again.
I can only imagine what the coming year will bring but it feels like I’m going home.
dealing with burnout and bumps in the road