Ticknall Lodge

Ticknall Lodge was built in the early 1800s as a gatehouse for the Calke Abbey Estate. The pentagonal, Grade II-listed building's unusual shape and many windows make it both cosy and light, and it has an open fire and large lawn. 

Calke Abbey, nicknamed the 'unstately home' thanks to its peeling paintwork and abandoned rooms showing the dramatic decline of a country house estate, has plenty to explore. As well as the Baroque-style mansion, the historic stableyard and riding school have been preserved as they were found, and you can walk to St Giles Church, a restored 19th-century church with a bell tower.

The walled garden is full of seasonal colour, and there are 600 acres of parkland with National Nature Reserves, herds of red and fallow deer, and sheep and Longhorn cattle grazing in summer. Listen out for birds in the meadows. Calke Explore is an outdoor recreation area with adventure play and plenty of facilities. There are waymarked walks, and the multi-use Tramway Trail is perfect for bikes. You can take a leisurely walk (under 2 miles) to Staunton Harold, an area of countryside in the care of the National Trust with wildflower meadows, woodland walks and open water.

Of course, there's a National Trust café, restaurant and shop to enjoy at Calke, and you can venture into the wider estate to visit a micro-brewery called the Milking Parlour (not National Trust) continuing an old tradition of brewing on the estate. There are lovely villages in the surrounding area, with pubs, places to eat, shops and galleries.

There's another gate lodge on the Calke Abbey Estate - Heath End Lodge (sleeps three). Southwood House Farm (sleeps 14) is nearby.