What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas early in the special setting and atmosphere of Darley House! Transport covered planes, trains and cars: with my eldest sister and family flying into Manchester airport from Switzerland; my middle sister getting the train to Matlock and my parents, aunt and uncle and our children driving from various corners of the country.
We had already decorated the house in early December so were able to relax and spend our first night catching up round the kitchen table enjoying a lamb tagine, seasonally tweaked to include cranberries and chestnuts, followed by my mother’s blackcurrant tart.
The next day, inspired by the bright blue skies and sunshine, we divided up according to our preferred levels of activity. I took my sister (recovering from a hip replacement op!) and brother-in-law on an 8 km tour of Monsal Head, followed by a welcome half at the Monsal Hotel Stable Bar whilst a more leisurely party went to Bakewell for last minute Christmas shopping, conveniently bringing back Bakewell tarts from the Bakewell Tart Shop for tea.
That evening we were treated to a very special meal by Charlie Ratcliffe from the Private Chef Company. The menu was superb and even included ultra violet lit sorbet!
Pan seared scallops, ham beignets, leek terrine and toasted hazelnut.
Roast breast of goose, potato and pancetta pressing, parsnip puree, chestnuts, red currents, sprout leaves and port jus.
Spiced poached pear, almond brittle, caramelised pear sorbet and salted caramel.
It was so special to have my family all together and with Charlie and Tony’s help I was able to participate fully in the evening events including our family’s our special brand of musical entertainment – The Music Master!!! and party games involving humming well known tunes – more difficult than you would think!
If you like the idea of spending Christmas away, or want to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, Darley House is a fabulous luxury location combining Georgian grandeur with contemporary convenience. This house is superbly well equipped, beautifully decorated and sleeps 14. Contact Lucy if you would like more information.
