The space

Set in the pretty Derbyshire Dales village of Carsington, Emily Barn is a warm and characterful base for a hen weekend that mixes countryside calm with plenty of space to celebrate together. This beautifully converted stone barn sleeps up to 16 guests across six bedrooms, giving your group the room to spread out without losing that all-important house party atmosphere.

The setting is classic Peak District: stone buildings, scenic walking routes, a cosy village feel and Carsington Water close by for fresh-air activities. Back at the house, oak beams, stone floors and underfloor heating bring the rustic charm, while the layout is practical for a big group of friends. It is a great choice for hens who want long dinners, garden drinks, relaxed mornings, country walks and a pub within easy strolling distance rather than a city-centre party pad.

Outside, the large south-facing garden is a real highlight for a celebratory weekend. There is a patio with seating for 18 plus guests and a large BBQ, so you can plan an easy afternoon feast, pre-dinner fizz or a laid-back Sunday lunch in the fresh air. Each ground-floor bedroom also opens onto patio areas, ideal for anyone who wants a quiet coffee before the rest of the group wakes up.

Inside the house

Emily Barn has six bedrooms and five bathrooms, including one en suite, which makes getting ready with a full hen group much easier. The bedroom layout includes three family rooms, each sleeping around four to five guests, plus three double bedrooms. This gives you flexibility for bridesmaids, close friends, family members and anyone who prefers a quieter sleeping setup.

The main social space is an open-plan lounge and dining area designed for gathering. The large farmhouse table seats 14, so most of the group can sit down together for a celebration meal, breakfast planning session or a round of hen party games. Comfortable seating in the lounge gives you a relaxed spot for playlists, present opening, speeches, quizzes or a cosy film night after a day exploring Derbyshire.

The kitchen is well set up for group catering, with a double oven, two fridges, a freezer, dishwasher and microwave. Whether you are bringing in a private chef, preparing a grazing brunch, cooking a big pasta night or simply keeping drinks and snacks chilled, the facilities are practical for a full house. There is also a boot and utility room with extra fridge and freezer space, plus room for coats, boots and outdoor kit, especially handy if your plans include walks around Carsington Water or the Peak District.

Throughout the barn, the combination of oak beams, stone floors and underfloor heating creates a comfortable countryside feel without sacrificing modern convenience. There is also workspace available, useful if someone needs to coordinate suppliers, finalise the itinerary or check in on travel plans during the weekend.

Hen weekend highlights

Emily Barn is especially well suited to hens who want quality time together rather than being split between hotel rooms. The open-plan living and dining space keeps everyone connected, while the six-bedroom layout and five bathrooms give the group enough privacy when needed.

The garden and patio are ideal for the celebratory parts of the weekend. Start with welcome drinks in the sunshine, set up garden games, decorate the dining space for a bride-to-be dinner, or host a relaxed BBQ afternoon. The patio seating for 18 plus guests means there is space for everyone to sit together outdoors, and the large BBQ makes casual group dining simple. Guests just need to bring charcoal and firelighters.

While there is no listed hot tub, spa or games room at the property, the house still works brilliantly for classic hen weekend plans. Think DIY pamper stations in the spacious living area, cocktail making at the farmhouse table, a themed dinner, board games, bridal quizzes, or a chilled evening of music and food after a day out. The setting also lends itself to wellness-style plans, from countryside walks and fresh-air picnics to a slower Sunday morning in the garden.

Because the property is in a village rather than a busy resort, it is best for groups who want a stylish rural base, good social space and easy access to Derbyshire activities. It is a lovely match for mixed-age hen groups too, with room for friends, sisters, mums and aunties to enjoy the weekend comfortably.

Location & getting around

Emily Barn is in Carsington, a picturesque Derbyshire Dales village in the Peak District area. The nearest village pub is around 500 metres away, making it easy to head out for a cosy meal or a few drinks without needing to organise taxis for every small outing.

Carsington Water is within walking distance, offering scenic trails, waterside views and outdoor activities for a daytime itinerary. It is a great option for hens who want something active but not too intense, from a group walk to coffee by the water. The surrounding Derbyshire Dales are also ideal for walking weekends, countryside photos and relaxed exploring.

For day trips, the historic towns of Ashbourne, Bakewell and Buxton are within reach, each offering its own mix of shops, cafes, pubs and local character. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are also nearby for a more elegant day out, while Alton Towers is accessible if the group fancies a high-energy activity. If nightlife is a priority, you may want to pre-book transport into a larger town, as the immediate setting is rural and village-based.

The location works best when the group has cars or pre-arranged taxis, especially for supermarket runs, restaurant bookings and excursions. Once you are back at the barn, though, the combination of generous indoor space, a big garden and the nearby pub means you do not need to over-plan every moment.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for a spacious Derbyshire house with character, countryside views and room for up to 16 guests, Emily Barn is a brilliant option to consider. Send an enquiry to check availability, discuss your group plans and ask any questions about the layout, local activities or making the most of your weekend in Carsington.