The Duke of Devonshire built the Newhaven House Hotel to take advantage of the coaching trade provided by the nearby junction of two important turnpike roads; the Buxton to Derby and the Nottingham to Newhaven. A plastered building, with stone quoins and window surrounds, it was then described as “a large, handsome and commodious inn, where travellers meet with every requisite accommodation, including stabling for 100 horses”.

King George IV once stayed at Newhaven House Hotel on his journey north. He was so impressed with the friendly hospitality that the gave the hotel a perpetual license.