Nestled within the Peak District lies a quaint village with a unique history and an array of fascinating architecture.

The village, as we see it today, was purpose-built in the 1830s and is renowned for its diverse blend of architectural styles, encompassing mock Tudor and Swiss Cottage designs. Edensor, pronounced ‘Enza’, is situated within the more famous Chatsworth Park, presenting a picturesque collection of buildings that exhibit meticulous attention to detail.

The village was initially commissioned by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, who decided to entirely demolish the old estate and reconstruct it in the 19th century. His motivation? The original estate marred his view of the magnificent Chatsworth House and its grounds.

The responsibility of redesigning the entire village fell to Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect behind the renowned Crystal Palace. Legend has it that when presented with a variety of architectural styles, the Duke instructed them to select ‘one of each’, resulting in the village’s eclectic aesthetic.

This rich diversity of styles is evident in Edensor’s most prominent structures, such as St Peter’s Church, which commands the area with its elegant spire. Inside, it houses monuments dedicated to the late Cavendish family, whose graves are still located on the premises.

A recent visitor said on TripAdvisor: “If AI was asked to generate the perfect English village, it would be Edensor. It is so lovely it didn’t seem real at times. At one point a pheasant stalked in front of us, and smaller, curious birds landed on a wall close to where we were standing. It brought to mind a scene from Disney’s Snow White!”.

Nestled within the village is the charming Edensor Tea Cottage, formerly the local post office, welcoming visitors throughout the year on a daily basis. Nowadays, this enchanting establishment offers breakfast, coffees, lunch and afternoon tea for inquisitive tourists seeking a convenient refreshment stop in the vicinity.

Reflecting on the church, one visitor noted: “Edensor is a lovely village with interesting architecture, so lovely to walk round. We enjoyed visiting the graves of the Devonshire family at the top of the churchyard and found peace and time for reflection inside the church.”

Ideally positioned adjacent to the magnificent Chatsworth estate, visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll from the village to discover one of Britain’s most celebrated stately homes. 

Boasting expansive gardens, an adventure playground, a working farmyard, plus numerous retail outlets and dining establishments, Chatsworth provides an abundance of attractions practically on the village’s threshold.

For those wishing to explore this picturesque village, seemingly plucked from the pages of a storybook, Chesterfield serves as the most accessible railway station, with several bus services providing connections to Chatsworth. Alternatively, Edensor is situated less than an hour’s drive from Derby, with several car parks conveniently located near the village, all within a short stroll.