The Local List: A Few People We Actually Rely On In The Peak District

Living in the Peak District is wonderful, but like anywhere, real life still ticks along in the background.

Whether it’s keeping on top of the house, sorting out the car, dealing with the garden, or getting proper advice when you need it, these are the people we actually rely on - the ones who turn up, do a great job, and quietly make life a lot easier.

This is very much a working list, and we’ll keep adding to it over time.

Car Cleaning & Detailing - Elite Touch

Harry, who runs Elite Touch, is an absolute gem - one of those rare people who genuinely loves what he does and takes real pride in it.

He’s based in Chesterfield but fully mobile and regularly travels across the Peak District. Whether it’s a regular clean, a lease return, or a full deep detail, he somehow manages to make even the most well-used cars look like new again.

We’ve used him on both a brand new car and a much older one, and the difference is incredible. No more apologising for crumbs, mud or general chaos when someone gets in - everything just feels fresh again.

Cleaning - Molly Maid

We’ve used Molly Maid for everything from an end-of-tenancy clean to a full spring reset and regular maintenance cleans, and they are consistently brilliant.

Two people usually come to our four-bedroom house and, in about an hour, completely transform it. We’re still not entirely sure how they do it. Everything is spotless, the house smells amazing, the beds are made, and somehow even the boys’ toys are reorganised.

Total wizards.

Tree Care & Garden Clearance - Aussie Tree Care

We first found Aussie Tree Care in slightly less-than-ideal circumstances - a tree had fallen onto the house over Christmas and we had absolutely no idea what to do.

Luke came out quickly, sorted everything calmly and efficiently, and went above and beyond - removing a particularly stubborn (and very spiky) shrub while he was there, and talking us through the rest of the garden with genuinely helpful advice.

A lovely guy, and exactly the kind of person you want to have on hand - whether it’s routine maintenance or something more urgent.

Decorator & Joiner - J.M & E.M Rowland

Jason has repainted a large part of our house, which was in serious need of attention, and the difference has been huge.

He’s also built some really lovely wardrobe space in our under-the-eaves bedroom - practical, well made, and finished properly.

He’s in high demand (you might be waiting a while), but absolutely worth it for the quality of the work.

Best to contact him via phone or text on 07976 967798

Accountants - JH Riley & Associates

They handle all of our tax and accounts each year and are exactly what you want - organised, reliable, and easy to deal with.

Nothing feels overly complicated with JH Riley, everything is explained clearly, and we know it’s being done properly.

Solicitors - Franklin & Co Solicitors

A long-standing, family-run firm in Bakewell that we’ve used for house purchases and sorting things when we moved back to the UK from New Zealand.

The team at Franklin & Co are fast, knowledgeable, and reassuring to deal with - particularly when things feel stressful or time-sensitive.

Mandy's Cattery

So convenient and endorsed by Bakewell Vets, Mandy's Cattery is based on a lovely farm a few minutes past Lady Manners School. The purpose built indoor rooms are spacious, warm and - unlike some catteries - the walls are transparent so the cats can see each other (though there are also private areas to the rooms if they're less sociable or want some alone time).

The owner (Mandy!) is absolutely lovely and we have no qualms leaving our kitties here at all. She is very popular though so it pays to book months ahead, if you know your dates, especially around school holidays.

We’ll keep adding to this

This is just a starting point - the people we rely on most often to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

We’ll keep building it over time with more recommendations for everyday life in the Peak District - from schools and clubs to local shops, services and the small things that make a big difference.

If there’s someone you think we should know about, we’re always open to recommendations too. Drop us a line at hello@thegoodlifelist.co.uk.