In the heart of Derbyshire, surrounded by green hills and the quiet beauty of the English countryside, stands Lea Hurst — a house closely connected with the name of Florence Nightingale.

This is not a museum, but a living home that welcomes guests. Its atmosphere is shaped in many ways by its manager, Svitlana Barabash — a woman for whom Florence Nightingale’s story feels deeply personal.

Medicine as a Way of Life

Svitlana is originally from Ukraine. Her family founded the Dobrobut medical network — one of the largest private healthcare projects in the country.

It was never just a business. It was a family philosophy: to build a system where the patient and genuine care come first.

That is why working in the historic home of Florence Nightingale feels far from accidental.

Florence Nightingale became the founder of modern nursing during the Crimean War. She transformed perceptions of hospitals, sanitation, and professional medical care.

“When you build a medical business yourself, the name Florence Nightingale can never be just a historical fact. It is a symbol of the profession — a symbol of service and responsibility.”

A Parallel Impossible Not to Feel

Florence Nightingale worked in wartime conditions.

Today, Ukraine is living through its own tragic war.

Svitlana has lived in the United Kingdom for more than ten years, but in recent years her connection to her homeland has grown even stronger.

“When your country is at war, you understand the words ‘resilience’ and ‘care’ differently. Florence’s story becomes not abstract, but deeply alive.”

For her, managing Lea Hurst is not about “continuing a mission,” but rather a quiet alignment of values.

“To manage the historic home of Florence Nightingale is deeply symbolic for me — not as a continuation of her work, but as a reminder of the values of care and resilience that remain essential today.”

Lea Hurst Today

Lea Hurst is a remarkable home in Derbyshire where history blends naturally with a contemporary atmosphere of hospitality.

There is calmness, attention to detail, and respect for the past.

Today, Svitlana shares the house with two Ukrainian women. Together, they create a space filled with warmth and quiet support.

Guests come here for:

• The atmosphere of Victorian England
• The story of Florence Nightingale
• The nature of Derbyshire
• Privacy and tranquillity

Personal, attentive hospitality — and even traditional Ukrainian dishes prepared with heartfelt care.

Lea Hurst does not feel like a hotel. It feels like a home with character — warm, alive, and authentic.

Where Past Meets Present

Florence Nightingale’s story is one of reform, courage, and systemic change in medicine.

Svitlana Barabash’s story is one of family, modern medical culture, and personal resilience.

Lea Hurst becomes the point where these meanings intersect. Today it represents a combination of:

• Historic heritage
• Female strength and leadership
• Medical values of care
• A refined yet welcoming atmosphere

If you are planning a trip to Derbyshire and wish to stay somewhere that combines historic heritage with a living human story, Lea Hurst will be a truly special choice.

You are always a welcome guest at Lea Hurst.