About us .. our story

Welcome to Wooley Pingle – your luxury holiday retreat on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District.

Hello! We’re Stephen and Diane, proud owners of Wooley Pingle, a unique shepherd’s hut nestled on a hillside behind our cottage in the charming village of Bonsall, Derbyshire. We’d love to share our story and how our dream of providing a cosy, comfortable place for relaxation became a reality.

Our Story

We’ve spent many years moving around the UK for work and exploring Europe in a touring caravan on family holidays. We’ve always preferred the freedom and homey comforts of this lifestyle over the constraints of hotel stays. As avid walkers, cyclists, and skiers with a love for the great outdoors, we wanted to create a holiday experience that aligns with our passions.

In 2015, with our children grown and starting their own lives, we took a leap of faith and bought an old cottage on a hillside in Bonsall to renovate. This quaint village, an old lead mining community, is nestled on the edge of the Peak District National Park, along the Limestone Way and the Peak District Boundary Walk.

Living the Dream

The cottage was in rough shape, and as we peeled back layers of damp plaster, the extent of the work became clear. Despite the challenges, the serene setting and village charm won us over. Amidst the renovation chaos, we often remarked how it felt like being on holiday every day. The tranquillity, the flowers, and the stunning landscape made us realise we were living our dream.

After seven years of hard work, the cottage is now a comfortable home. We still feel incredibly lucky to call this beautiful place our home and enjoy the surrounding area.

The Birth of Wooley Pingle

Our desire to share this wonderful area led us to the idea of building a Shepherd’s Hut to offer accommodation for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. We wanted to create a space where people could escape the city, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors.

We purchased a parcel of land from a local farmer, extending our property behind the cottage. This new space allowed us to improve parking, create a vegetable and flower patch, and, most importantly, site our Shepherd’s Hut. The landscaping began in Spring 2021.

Challenges and Triumphs

Building the Shepherd’s Hut was not without its challenges. We discovered that transporting a pre-built hut to our hillside location was impossible. So, we decided to build it in situ. This turned out to be a blessing, as it allowed us to design the hut exactly as we envisioned. With the help of some tradesmen for the basics, we took on the painting and fitting ourselves, ensuring every detail met our guests’ needs for comfort and relaxation.

Drawing from our own holiday experiences, we fine-tuned the facilities to provide a luxurious retreat. After a day of walking or cycling, guests can enjoy a sumptuous bed, a fabulous shower and a peaceful evening under the stars.

Why Wooley Pingle?

The name “Wooley Pingle” comes from the historical name of the field we purchased, as detailed on old maps of the area. We thought it a fitting and memorable name for our accommodation, keeping true to its origins.

Welcome to Wooley Pingle

In Summer 2023, we opened Wooley Pingle to guests for the first time. We can’t wait to welcome you and help you create happy memories. Ready for your escape to tranquility? Book your stay at Wooley Pingle and start your adventure today.