Steeped in history, and located in the conservation area of Derbyshire, this beautiful cottage was once a local leadminers home, which housed two families upstairs and animals downstairs. It has been carefully refurbished to a high standard without spoiling the immense charm of it's character. The cottage was once featured in a BBC production of George Elliot's famous Silas Marner story.

The village of Cromford is well known through it's association with Sir Richard Arkwright, who in 1771 established a water powered cotton spinning mill here. The mill was powered by the plentiful supply from Cromford Sough (known locally as the "Bear Pit" which the cottage overlooks. This was the drainage point for the Wirksworth lead mines, and joined Bonsall Brook just above the River Derwent. The Sough had never been known to freeze, and was thus ideal for powering a mill.

Cromford was transformed by the decision to build the mill here - Arkwright built houses for the workers, a new corn mill, a hotel, and started Willersley castle and St Mary's Church - these last were completed after his death in 1792. He was Knighted in 1786 for his work in the cotton industry.

More information about the village and surrounding area is available here. The mill buildings, which have served many uses over the years, are now preserved by the Arkwright Society.