Overlooking gardens designed by Joseph Paxton, close to Buxton’s opera house, this is an ‘excellent B&B’ in an ‘attractive, convenient location’, write trusted readers after a return visit this year. The Grade II listed property, built in 1871, is owned by ‘pleasant, attentive’ Gerard and Maggi Heelan. ‘When our room’s shaver point failed, it was fixed as soon as we mentioned it.’ Front bedrooms overlook the forest-garlanded lake; all are sympathetic to the house’s Victorian roots with leather wingback chairs and dark wood; some have an antique-style brass bed. ‘Nice details include hand towels in the bathroom, although the elaborate swan towel arrangement on our bed had disappeared, perhaps it was “so last year”.’ The warmly traditional sitting room is well stocked with guides, maps and books, backed up by the owners’ detailed knowledge about the Peak District (both were tour guides, Gerard also drove a London Routemaster bus). A wide-ranging breakfast includes ‘delicious home-made banana loaf’, although the ‘quiet canned classical muzak’ was less admired. During the Buxton Festival, when Roseleigh is busy, its reception posts a daily events schedule. (Stephen and Pauline Glover)