About us
A question we are often asked is what made you choose to have and run a bed and breakfast? The simplest answer is hospitality. Prior to having a Bed and Breakfast we visited lots of hotels. Many were lovely; however, the hospitality was often not quite right.
As a result, we started to visit more and more Bed and Breakfasts. What made them interesting was that they came in all sorts of shapes and sizes. No two were the same. But the best of these had certainly cracked the hospitality challenge. Friendly, informative and interested in their guests. But also gave guests their space. Put simply, there when needed. Hence our decision.
Why Derbyshire?
Derbyshire is a wonderful place for rest, relaxation and for those that choose some exhilarating outdoor activities. It has so many wonderful spaces and of course the Peak District National Park – the first national park to be established in the UK back in 1951.
When we came across Glendon in 2011 we could see it’s great potential. It has a fascinating history. It was built in 1857 by the Knowles family, hence the address – Knowleston Place. For much of the last six decades Glendon had been run as a Bed and Breakfast. Although things have changed quite a lot over that time.
After buying the house in early 2012, we set about a large-scale renovation and reopened Glendon in 2012 just before the Olympic games hosted in the UK. Since then we have received wonderful guest feedback and our most notable achievement was being voted in the 25 best Bed and Breakfasts in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015.
Helpful and Hospitable
We enjoy our space when away, but it is also nice to know someone is there to help if needed, with suggestions of places to visit, with the local knowledge to answer questions and generally be interested in knowing if you are enjoying your time. That is what we aim to do – be helpful and hospitable, seeing our guests as individuals but also being respectful of their space. We know how busy life can be and a few days away makes a big difference. And that is why we see hospitality as so important, as it can help to make a good stay a great one.
The History of Glendon
We also wanted to offer Bed and Breakfast in a building with interest and we think that is what Glendon does – a classical Victorian villa, history is evident both inside and out. Knowleston Villas (now Knowleston Place) was built between 1857/58 and consisted of 4 properties. John Knowles and his wife Sarah lived in the property known as “Glendon” which had 8 bedrooms. The properties were described as beautiful villas with ornamental and rock gardens opposite laid out by Joseph Paxton (one of the most famous garden designers at nearby Chatsworth House) at a cost of £6000. There is a bridge over the brook into Knowleston Gardens. The gardens were sold to the local council in 1899 and include a lamp-post, a gift from Knowles to the parish of Matlock Green in 1867.
Knowles was a church warden at St. Giles Parish Church in Matlock. In 1859 he contributed to the re-building of the church and after his death his wife paid one quarter of the cost which was completed in 1870. In 1882 a three light window was placed in the church in his memory. His grave is within sight of Knowleston Place and describes him as “A known railway contractor”.
Knowles was described as a humble man. He was classed as illegitimate when born but not into poverty. He was a hard but generous man and was known to provide food and drink for his workers when the weather was harsh.
And the other member of our team…
Meet Jasper, the B&B dog who has a love for Instagram. He is our Springer Spaniel and luckily is calm and quiet. He is a dog with a liking for ‘s’ – sausages, sticks and sunshine and of course sightseeing. He is often out walking and exploring in Derbyshire and the Peak District but can also be seen starring as an “action hero” in the video below for Derwent House.
Plan your Staycation
We are proud that both Glendon and our sister business Derwent House were selected to feature in the latest video from Visit Peak District.
“Warm friendly welcome. Impeccable B&B throughout”
TripAdvisor Review
Events in and around Derbyshire
Our news and articles
Visiting the Mills of the Derwent Valley
When you visit Derbyshire and the Derwent Valley you are also visiting the birthplace of our industrial revolution and its factory system. The mills you will discover housed ground-breaking technology for manufacturing cotton for mass production- a first in the world.
Book a Staycation in Derbyshire
Have you booked your Staycation yet? After a long time, it is lovely to be able to travel again and enjoy a few days away. And it feels like an ideal time to enjoy a Staycation in Derbyshire.
Visiting Derbyshire during COVID-19
The one thing a B&B needs is guests, so It is fantastic to be open again after just over three months. Our first guests have stayed at Glendon this week and it is great to know they felt welcomed, enjoyed the hospitality but could also see the precautions we have taken, as unobtrusively as possible