Couple's 'labour of love' lockdown project renovating Peak District cottage

Helen Davies and husband Ben have combined everything they love as part of their ‘lockdown project’.

Their holiday cottage, named SnapTin, in Bakewell went live for bookings over the weekend with 42 days already taken throughout May, June and July.

“It has been a lockdown project, and for me I think having the holiday cottage lets me combine everything I love: I love hosting people, and I love looking after people, and I love the Peak District ” Helen said.

"There is just so much on our doorstep, and having a holiday let means we are able to share all those fabulous things, whether that’s local makers, or our favourite walks. That’s what I am hoping will be the charm of it when we open SnapTin.”

She added: "It has consumed most of or weekends for the last year and a half, so it has been an absolute labour of love, and has been a real family affair.

"We just tried to really work in a way that is local. All of our paint we bought in Bakewell from The Heritage Paint Centre, the steel we had made came from a chap in Chesterfield, the old worktops are from old science labs in Sheffield, and the chairs came from Abbeydale Road. It has been a bit of a labour of love, but we hope people really like it.”

This is the first time they have taken on a project such as this, but Helen thinks this is the perfect time.

"This year is a different year for everybody, so I think lots of people will be having different holidays and I think there is a real desire to get away for a short break in the UK, and the Peaks is just perfect for that.”

The cottage opens to public visitors from May 14.