Lea Hurst – the historic home of Florence Nightingale in Derbyshire.

Once upon a time, a simple news item in a local newspaper changed the fate of a historic English house.

In 2011, Peter and Jen Kay saw an advertisement: “Former home of Florence Nightingale for sale.” Their hearts told them to follow this extraordinary opportunity.

For more than 60 years, Lea Hurst had served as a residential care home in Derbyshire — continuing, in its own quiet way, a legacy of compassion and service that echoes Florence Nightingale’s life work. The house had not stood abandoned; it had been lived in, cared for, and used for meaningful purpose. Yet time had left its mark.

Beneath the wear of decades remained the dignity of a Victorian country house — the birthplace and early home of Florence Nightingale.
With vision and devotion, Peter and Jen began the careful restoration of this historic property.

They revived the Victorian gardens overlooking the Derwent Valley.
They furnished the rooms with antiques and rare artefacts connected to Florence Nightingale.

They restored the atmosphere of a 19th-century English family home.
Soon, Lea Hurst became a true family residence once again — their two children were born here, returning the house to its original spirit as a lived-in home.

By 2020, this historic house in Derbyshire opened its doors as a boutique bed and breakfast, welcoming guests from around the world who wished to experience the legacy of Florence Nightingale and stay in a place where history feels personal.

In 2025, Peter and Jen entrusted Lea Hurst to Svitlana, who continues their work with sincere dedication and warm Ukrainian hospitality. Today, the house remains a carefully preserved heritage home, blending history, comfort and authenticity.

Lea Hurst continues to live — not only as the former home of Florence Nightingale, but as a house that has always served people, in different ways, across generations.