Black's Guide of 1888^[1] describes Matlock and its hydropathic establishments, of which Matlock House was one. Part of the quotation below applies to all the Bank's Hydros - not just Smedley's.

"At MATLOCK BANK, a rapidly-increasing locality, there are several large and excellently conducted hydropathic and other establishments. Among these SMEDLEY'S, the first founded, is one of the largest and best conducted establishments of its kind in the kingdom. It is capable of accommodating some hundreds of patients, and no greater proof of its excellence can be adduced than to say it is always full, and constantly being enlarged. This establishment has passed into the hands or a company, the Matlock Bank Hydropathic Company (Limited), and is under the care of Dr. Hunter. The view from Matlock Bank is truly charming. In the distance is Masson, at the foot or which runs the river Derwent, crossed by the bridge which gives the name to the railway station beyond. To the right the eye traverses the country towards Darley Dale, and to the left the High Tor, Matlock Dale, Matlock Church, and Riber, skirt the view. A large Congregational chapel of Gothic design, with tower and spire, has been erected at Matlock Bank, as has also a spacious chapel, also with tower and spire, belonging to Smedley's establishment ; there is also a Mission House at Matlock Bank.
Other HYDROPATHIC ESTABLISHMENTS are Matlock House; Rock Side House; Jackson House; Tor House ; Prospect Place, and more than a dozen others. Good private lodgings may also be obtained. The air is more bracing than at Matlock Bath" (p.234^[1]).

A trade directory from about the same time describes Matlock House and other hydropathic establishments on the Bank as follows:- "Matlock House, a fine stone building, Rockside House, Jackson House, and Prospect House, are hydropathic establishments of the first class; there are several smaller ones, the whole of which are delightfully situated and are well conducted" (Kelly, p.237^[2]).

More on site information about this hydro and Water Cures
Matlock House & Rockside, 1869
Claremont, Matlock, and Mr. Rowland - The Rowlands, builders of Rockside, held the lease for Matlock House at one time
Water Cures
Matlock