0:00:02 > 0:00:05Countless English historical dramas have been filmed in today's counties.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Film crews and set designers have clapped their hands in joy
0:00:08 > 0:00:11when they've seen medieval manor houses like this one.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Find which county I'm in very soon.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32In today's show I'll be helping a couple head north to find a dream
0:00:32 > 0:00:35country home, and there's soon a feeling of deja vu.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I wouldn't change a thing.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- Yes, it's beautiful.- I really do feel like I've lived here before.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43We'll be touring a selection of top rural retreats.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44- Just buy it for me...- It's very good.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Now!- It's a very reasonable price.
0:00:46 > 0:00:53And there's a mystery house, but will any of our choices have them packing their boxes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Today, we're lucky enough to be in Derbyshire, and this
0:00:57 > 0:01:02is Haddon Hall, a 12th century masterpiece which has been the backdrop of many a day's filming.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Keira Knightley was here for a scene in Pride And Prejudice, there were two versions of Jane Eyre,
0:01:06 > 0:01:11the Zeffirelli one and the BBC, and Cate Blanchett strutted her stuff as Elizabeth.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16So, if it's good enough for Cate and Keira I think it's good enough for us. Now, where's the nearest lake?
0:01:16 > 0:01:19I want to go for a swim in my riding breeches!
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Derbyshire lies in the East Midlands hugged by a multitude of counties.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27The north is dominated by the Peak District National Park.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32It's 555 square miles take in some breathtaking landscape.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37And of course the park is also home to Haddon Hall,
0:01:37 > 0:01:43a fortified medieval manor house considered to be one of the finest examples to survive from its era.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Moving away from the impressive medieval homes, the countryside is scattered with pretty
0:01:47 > 0:01:53sand and limestone cottages originally built for farmers, quarrymen and local tradesmen.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Today they're immensely desirable with buyers looking for a picture perfect dream home.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05But enough Hollywood soft focus, let's get down to brass tacks.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10How much does it cost to live inside this Derbyshire film set?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Well, if you look at statistics not as much as you might think.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17The average house price for a detached property is £201,000, which
0:02:17 > 0:02:22is 14% below the national average, but who'd believe statistics?
0:02:22 > 0:02:28Because where people really want to live, inside the Peak District National Park, is very expensive.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33Bakewell, right in the centre, is almost double the price of Buxton, which is outside, and there are only
0:02:33 > 0:02:4138,000 people living inside the park which makes property very exclusive, but very beautiful. Take a look.
0:02:41 > 0:02:49With £1,450,000 to burn you could be the lucky owner of this six bedroom former farmhouse near Ashbourne.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52It's believed to date back to 1740 and has been sympathetically
0:02:52 > 0:02:56renovated to accommodate the traditional features.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01It comes with a range of out buildings and sits in the national park.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07Staying with farmhouses, this six bedroom property in Pikehall is less pricey at £50 short of £700,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It's a true mix of old and new with cosy features
0:03:10 > 0:03:15and ultramodern renovations and it all sits in just over four acres.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Or for something a little bit different, this three bedroom
0:03:18 > 0:03:23barn conversion in Bradbourne is up for grabs at £295,000.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26The Grade II listed property has been skilfully renovated to provide
0:03:26 > 0:03:31luxury modern accommodation and it's just waiting for an owner to put their stamp on it.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36Do you see what I mean? Budgets high and low can get beautiful bricks and mortar here in Derbyshire
0:03:36 > 0:03:41and fantastic views, but is it going to please our buyers today? Let's meet them.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47And they are teacher Ashley and trainee priest Lesley who live in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53Well, this is a five bedroom detached house and when we first came here in 1983 we paid £45,000 for it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- It was a bargain.- It really was.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01And now we're hoping to get at least 440,000.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04With the children grown up, the house is too large and
0:04:04 > 0:04:07the time is now right for that long dreamt of move to the country.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10The pace and tranquillity of the country is something that we both love.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14We really love the energy that hills and water give and
0:04:14 > 0:04:20I think as you get older that peace that you find when you're out walking
0:04:20 > 0:04:25gives you much more energy than taking any pills and potions can do.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27We've been looking to move for five years
0:04:27 > 0:04:31but you were quite ill a little while ago, about three years ago...
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Yeah.- With cancer and it put the whole journey off a bit.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38That sort of focused us as well I think, in terms of... I'm fine now, I mean, it was three
0:04:38 > 0:04:42years ago and I've been clear, but at that time we were thinking, well, let's go and live life, let's go out
0:04:42 > 0:04:46and do something different, so that was one of the reasons for us looking elsewhere.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Yeah. It really focuses your mind, actually.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- It makes you realise that you just want to be together.- Yeah.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Lesley and Ashley's home has been ideal for bringing up the family,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59but now they want to downsize and have drawn up a list of desires.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05The kitchen from me is the hub of the home, so with the new property I'd love a big kitchen, somewhere to put
0:05:05 > 0:05:09a table, people can sit there while I'm cooking, I can chat to them.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- I love to feed people. It's my ambition to be Ma Larkin. - I like my gadgets.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17I'm very into computing sort of side and in the new property we're hoping that we can have a study.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23OK, we've got two dogs and six hens and wherever we go it's got to be
0:05:23 > 0:05:29a secure garden so that with these six hens they're not going to go and annoy the neighbours.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And it doesn't end there. A range cooker and an acre of land for growing vegetables
0:05:33 > 0:05:37are also on the list, along with the ability to make the house as energy efficient as possible.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41So, what would be the perfect property?
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Rural, three bedroom, definitely detached.
0:05:44 > 0:05:45Yeah.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50Don't really worry about the area as long as we've got some land.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53The property market is going through turbulent times, but Lesley and
0:05:53 > 0:05:58Ashley are hoping for a reasonable valuation from a local estate agent.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00This is an ideal family home.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02It offers well proportioned accommodation throughout
0:06:02 > 0:06:08in a popular residential location and for that reason I'd value the property at 420,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15We were hoping for £440,000 and...
0:06:15 > 0:06:17But he's sort of saying 420,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20so it is around the same sort of ballpark figure.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23With that news, how much are they looking to spend?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25For the perfect property, something that ticks all
0:06:25 > 0:06:31of our boxes, wants and needs, we're willing to pay a maximum of £340,000.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36It seems that Ashley and Lesley really do want to downsize.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41They want a small two or three bedroom cottage in the countryside and what's really exciting is they
0:06:41 > 0:06:48want to go as green as possible with a low carbon footprint and they want some land to become self-sufficient.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52The bad thing is that land is very expensive in Derbyshire.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Lesley and Ashley are flexible regarding location so we are
0:06:56 > 0:06:59focusing our search to the south and east of Buxton.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Ashley craves rural isolation whereas Lesley
0:07:02 > 0:07:06would like to be in a village so compromises may have to be made.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10In today's show I'll be taking them to see three beautiful properties,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14but I'll be keeping them in the dark regarding the prices until after the viewings.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19The last of the three is the mystery house which always has the potential to shake things up.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Welcome to your new home, Derbyshire.- Thank you very much.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Not your home yet because we haven't found you a house, but we're going to try and get you one.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- Which would be great. - That would be lovely.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35And clearly there are no houses in this bit of Derbyshire, but there is lovely spring wind.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- There is. It's very energising. - Yeah, it's gorgeous.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39That's why you wanted to come here, to get a bit of energy.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42We want energy and a green lifestyle.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46You want energy efficient, don't you? You want a sort of low carbon, high vegetable output.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- Absolutely. If we can get it, that would be wonderful.- Yeah.
0:07:48 > 0:07:55Now, you did mention an acre of land, which is a nice idea, but you also mentioned £340,000.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- We can dream.- You can dream. Any leeway on the budget?
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Yeah, we'd like to look at extending I think, really to about 375, somewhere in the region of.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04What about half a million?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- Wouldn't that be lovely? - We'd love that.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Wouldn't that be lovely?- Because, you know, land is really a premium.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Although there's lots of it it's all protected because it's in the national park.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Everybody wants land.- Sure.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17So, that's a bit of a headache.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- It is.- But you're very understanding, I can see these beaming smiles.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- We'll go for it.- You're energised.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- The wind is going to lift us! - Absolutely.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26And we're going to find a house for you, so, come on, let's go.
0:08:26 > 0:08:34So, Lesley and Ashley have upped their budget to £375,000 and for that they'd like a kitchen/diner,
0:08:34 > 0:08:40a study, three bedrooms and one acre of land for keeping chickens and growing vegetables.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Do you know this part of the country quite well?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I certainly know the Matlock area quite well.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Being working for the Youth Service we used to bring young people up here for Duke of Edinburgh award
0:08:54 > 0:08:58schemes, so Matlock we used to stay in quite regularly at a residential unit at Matlock Bath, didn't we?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Yes.- So, you certainly know it fairly well, as well.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- Yes, and it's lovely. - It's looking very lovely today.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:09:05 > 0:09:09I think this area looks lovely no matter what the season is.
0:09:11 > 0:09:17The first house on our viewing list is in Wensley, tucked just inside the Peak District National Park.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22The vast majority of the housing stock is built from the locally quarried limestone and gritstone
0:09:22 > 0:09:25which provide the village with uniformity.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30In the mid-1700s, lead mining was a boom industry here and many of the properties,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34including the one we are viewing, would have been miners' cottages.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Take a look at this.- It's so...
0:09:36 > 0:09:38It's such a lovely frontage.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- But also take a look at this. - Just take a look at all of that! - The view over that way.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Absolutely, well, it's glorious.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- What do you think?- It's a beautiful location, it really is.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- I really like it.- Yeah.- I really do.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It looks like the pictures I've always drawn since I was a child.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Yeah.- It's making us both smile. - That's good.- That's a good point.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Yeah.- Smiling is always good. - Yes.- Just wait until you get inside.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- OK.- Let's go and have a look.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Well, I couldn't ask for more than that.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05First up is the hall. Come on in.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08And it's almost a reception room in itself.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09- Oh!- Wow!
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- It smells just like our house. - It does!- Well, that's a good sign.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- Yes, it is.- Well, I hope it's a good sign!- No, it is, it is. It's lovely.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- It feels like home already.- Yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24It's a cottage. It's an old cottage from the 1800s, so it's not massive.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- No, but we don't need massive. - You're downsizing.- We are.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- We're downsizing.- Yeah. I wouldn't change a thing about this room.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36I just felt very joyful as I walked through and I can't believe that,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40you know, the first property we've looked at has made me feel like this.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41The books look gorgeous.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I can see Lesley using this as a study area, definitely.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47There's another sitting room through here.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Let's go through. That's a wood burner.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Here you've got a real fire.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Oh, I've lived here before.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Oh! Are you having flashbacks?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- I'm having flashbacks.- A former life.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00This is so... This is so me. Us.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- It's such a cosy room, isn't it? It's beautiful.- This is lovely.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- It's a lovely, again, local stone. That's a modern fireplace. - I love that.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Well, this is the place to be cosy.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- This is the place to be cosy, but this, this is the room to be warm in.- Oh!
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Look at those views! Absolutely amazing.- This is...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- This is lovely.- Isn't it great?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Yeah, you could imagine... You'd feel really healthy in here.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24You'd come in here, have your breakfast.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Breakfast would be gorgeous in this room.- Watch the sunrise, maybe, if you're up in time.
0:11:27 > 0:11:34I'm speechless, because the first property we've seen has so far ticked every dream box that I had.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Let's look at the kitchen, that could be a deal breaker.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- OK.- Yeah, very important. - Let's walk through.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I hope it's not, but it might be.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47So, we're going to go through here.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- After you.- OK, it's a split level kitchen/dining room.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Oh, I like the split level. - Oh, this will not be a deal breaker.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Ah, thank goodness.- This is lovely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I was thinking it may be a bit small, that was my concern.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06But you have this... This area here and I could be cooking up there.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- On stage!- Absolutely. - Yeah, it's quite good.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- You could do some display cooking. - Watch me!- Yes!
0:12:12 > 0:12:18- Throw things around.- Now, this is all actually in addition, so the cottage itself ends there.- Oh, wow!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22This was put on at the same time as the conservatory, so in the 1990s.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26When they put the extension in they obviously were going with the lay of the land.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30They went up, put it split level and they put down all this nice Yorkshire flagstone.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Oh, no, I love the flooring. It's gorgeous.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34This is exactly what we were looking at for our place, wasn't it?
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- It was, it's strange. - But it's not a vast kitchen.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42Well, no. I can imagine myself pottering around because of the...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46The other level, there's an illusion of much more space and I can imagine
0:12:46 > 0:12:49myself pottering and washing up at the kitchen.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I'd probably put in a butler sink, that's the only thing I'd change.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55And you've got lovely views over Matlock Moor.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Well, I'm relieved the kitchen scored so highly.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03From here there's also access to a small utility room and there's also
0:13:03 > 0:13:07a door through to an extra pocket of space that leads to a cloakroom.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Let's hope the upstairs with its three bedrooms get the thumbs up.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13First off, the master.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15This is so cosy.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17I wouldn't change a thing.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Yeah, it's beautiful.- I really do feel like I've lived here before.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Maybe you have.- Yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28- It's... It's unusual in a worker's cottage to have such high ceilings upstairs.- Yeah.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Very typically, they're much lower.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I think they may have actually taken out a bit of the head space to give that effect.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Definitely worth it.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38I think we can safely say this room is a big hit.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Next door is another double that's being used as a study.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Oh, my goodness! This is a good size, as well.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It's another nice room, isn't it? And loft space. - A bit of loft space, too.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Yeah.- But you could get a double bed in here if you wanted or...
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Or a couple of twins. Oh, it's...
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- It's a delight.- I'm pleased, I'm pleased.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I thought it would be too small for you, to be honest.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- No.- I quite like it as a study, too.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04Yeah. I still feel in this house that there's room to move, room to express oneself.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- And to get away from each other... I mean that in the nicest possible way.- No.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Yeah.- But when you've been married for 30 years you sometimes need separate rooms.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13And a big part of your move to the countryside
0:14:13 > 0:14:16was the outside space, so do you fancy looking at that?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Yeah, it would be great. Yeah, essential.- Down we go.- Thank you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22We seem to be doing quite well here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Next door is the final double room which will be great when the family visits.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29And next to that is the main bathroom.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32The last leg of our tour takes us to the garden.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36It's not quite the size they were hoping for, but this place is all about the views.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Words don't even do it justice. - They don't.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45We've even got the pond for the newts and the frogs to keep the slugs away.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48I'm not sure whether it would really work for a veggie patch.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Well, I could probably do something quite easily for the veggie patch.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57We don't need a lot of lawn, but the thing that I'm considering is room for the hens...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59The animals.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- And the two dogs.- One of the ways round it is that Matlock...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Yeah.- Which is nearby, has a very good scheme of allotments.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Oh, right, right. - They've 40 plus allotments.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Good.- It's £21 a year...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- That's amazing, isn't it? - To rent them.- That's amazing.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16And although they're not vast, that might be able...
0:15:16 > 0:15:18You might be able to do your your veggie growing there.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Yes, yes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- The one salient point that I haven't told you is how much it's going to cost.- Aw! Don't!
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Do you have an idea what it might be?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- I haven't.- Ball park figure.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Bearing in mind it's in the national park.- It's in the national park.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I think it must be at least
0:15:35 > 0:15:38390, 400, possibly.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- I was going for around 380, I think. Around 380.- Or even more.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48Well, you'll be pleased to know that actually it's on the market for £325,000.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Oh, my goodness!
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- That is very good.- Oh, you've got to just buy it for me...- Very good.- Now!
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- That's a very reasonable price.- Oh! - It's put you back into a quandary.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Actually, I'm actually quite... Yeah.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Quite shocked, aren't you?- I am.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04That's just... That is amazing!
0:16:04 > 0:16:08It's a great price for what it is and where it is, most particularly.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- Being in the park, yeah. - But that's the question of the land.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Sure.- Why don't you've a look around inside and then we can
0:16:14 > 0:16:17have another look around outside and explore down there.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Yeah, that would be nice. - And then we'd better get moving.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- Yeah.- OK. Are you all right?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- You're shocked by the price, aren't you?- I'm totally shocked!
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- A hot flush!- Let's go and have a look inside.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Fantastic! It's an amazing bargain, largely because of that.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35The surroundings are amazing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37And, you know, if they could think about the land, because,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41to be honest, to get that much land for their budget is going to be a struggle,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44so it might be a compromise that they'll have to make. We'll see.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50This cosy cottage was a superb surprise at £325,000.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56It has the kitchen/diner they're looking for, three bedrooms, conservatory that they loved
0:16:56 > 0:16:59and it looks out over those panoramic views.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04And there's plenty of money left to consider improving the energy efficiency of the property.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06This bit's absolutely amazing, isn't it?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09It's definitely going to be your favourite room, I can see you staying in here.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11It will be, it will be.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I absolutely love the house. I've fallen in love with it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16It's ticked every box inside.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21Unfortunately, outside I think I'm going to have to rethink, it's a big challenge.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Ashley loved the house. I mean, moving around the house has been a real sort of breath of fresh
0:17:24 > 0:17:28air and it is very, very homely and comfortable. What a beautiful room.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It is so lovely. The natural light in here.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- I love the skylight.- Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I think I'd have this as our room.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36The road's quite busy I mean, it's beautiful,
0:17:36 > 0:17:41really picturesque, but you do get quite large vehicles going through, so that would be my only concern.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45My dream, I can't believe you've found it!
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Come on, guys, we got more of The Peaks to explore.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Lovely.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59The beautiful spa town of Buxton sits just to the west of our search
0:17:59 > 0:18:03area, so Lesley and Ashley are taking the opportunity to explore.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Romans were attracted here in 80 AD by the warm springs
0:18:06 > 0:18:11which rise at a constant temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14St Anne's Well, still offers free water today.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- So, what does it taste like? - It's fairly warm.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Mary Queen of Scots drew attention to the area by taking the water during the 16th century.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29Later, in 1789, the Fifth Duke of Devonshire built the Crescent for
0:18:29 > 0:18:32the benefit of wealthy visitors the springs were drawing in.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34You can imagine the carriages just sweeping round
0:18:34 > 0:18:39here with all the grand ladies in as they came to take the waters.
0:18:39 > 0:18:45But long before that time, water played a notable role in the area, creating rock formations.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Just a 20 minute walk away is Pooles Cavern, a cave system
0:18:48 > 0:18:55created over two million years ago by rainwater dripping through cracks in the carboniferous limestone.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Wow, that's unbelievable!
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- Some of the structures are just incredible.- See that bit...- Yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- That bit at the top.- It's just splashing away up there.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08I think this bit's called the Frozen Waterfall. You can see why.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Neolithic tribes used the caves for shelter
0:19:11 > 0:19:15and today they're regarded as one of the finest show caves in Britain.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Back above ground, the best place to take full advantage of the spectacular scenery
0:19:19 > 0:19:26is from Solomon's Temple, a folly built in 1895 to provide jobs for the unemployed.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28The structure sits in a former limestone
0:19:28 > 0:19:31quarry that has been transformed into a beautiful nature reserve.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34The tower's high position makes a superb vantage point.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38On a good day you can see up to 15 miles.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43What a climb, but it was definitely worth it, wasn't it? Isn't it beautiful?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It is absolutely amazing. It makes your heart sing.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Yeah, definitely.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54As the sun sets on the Derbyshire countryside, day one of our property search is at an end.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Lesley and Ashley from Buntingford in Hertfordshire want to downsize
0:20:02 > 0:20:06from their family home and make a new start in Derbyshire.
0:20:06 > 0:20:13They have a budget of £375,000 and ideally want an acre of land, which is proving tricky on their budget.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18So far they've viewed one house and coming up Lesley has great expectations.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Oh, my goodness! Can we have it all?
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Well, I was just about to say, you're not getting it all, unfortunately.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- And there's a mystery house. - I feel like I'm in a little Hansel and Gretel place.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31But will there be a fairytale ending?
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Day two has dawned on our property search and we're still looking in the Matlock area, but the weather
0:20:38 > 0:20:43has turned a little grey, but that's all right because I think it's quite important to tease out some not
0:20:43 > 0:20:48negative, but constructive criticism of the properties we're showing Lesley and Ashley, because they've
0:20:48 > 0:20:54been so nice and I think when you're spending that much money you have to be able to say what you don't like,
0:20:54 > 0:21:00and the properties today are probably going to elicit at least different opinions.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04We're kicking off our property search this morning in Sturston,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07a quiet hamlet just to the east of Ashbourne.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11This small market town is famed for its annual Royal Shrovetide
0:21:11 > 0:21:14football match, which has been played for centuries.
0:21:14 > 0:21:20The two local teams use the town as its pitch and the goals are a massive three miles apart.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The property we've lined up is away from the action
0:21:22 > 0:21:27and it's part of a development of old barns next to a working farm.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It's semi-detached but, nevertheless, I'm hoping
0:21:29 > 0:21:31that we're going to get this one in the back of the net.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Oh, my goodness! Can we have it all?
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Well, I was just about to say, you're not getting it all, unfortunately.- Oh!
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- We're looking at that portion. - It's a lovely property. It really is. I like it from the outside.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- I like the look of it.- Yeah.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45And how do you feel about living on a farm?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- I was brought up partly on a farm. - Oh, really?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53So, I feel quite at home with the noise and the smells. It just makes me feel very peaceful.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Ah, that's good. What about you, Ashley?
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Well, home for me was a fairly rural community so I love the smells.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That could probably put some people off, but I adore the farm smells.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- It's been great going in. - Let's look inside the property.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Yeah, let's go.- Great, we're on to a winner straight away.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12We're entering into the generous hall, which the current owners are using as a study.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Oh, lovely.- Beams.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18They're not huge and they're not overpowering.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22This is the smallest room, what they're using as the study, it could be a dining room.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Yes.- But they've used it as a study, which might be nice for you.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Yes, it's a lovely study area.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29There's nice light coming in both ways.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Yeah, yeah. Well, in many ways people come into the kitchen because that is the heart of the home.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- OK.- Shall we waltz through?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Oh, wow!
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Oh, this is...- Wow, that's beautiful. - This is delightful. I would not...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Oh! I've just spied the Aga. - Ah, the range.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- I would not change a thing.- Really? - I really would not change a thing.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52I don't think I would, it's beautifully laid out.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I always said that in a new house I'd need the kitchen to be the hub
0:22:55 > 0:22:59of the home and I couldn't express what I wanted but I'd feel it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- Yeah. And you can feel it.- This is the feel. It's lovely.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Let's take a look at the range. It's an object of desire for you.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Beautiful, isn't it?- Very much.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I was interested you wanted a range - they're very un-environmental.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14They are very un-green.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- They're red, in fact. - They're very red!
0:23:16 > 0:23:21But I think with me it's kind of the human want
0:23:21 > 0:23:26rather than the green in my head, but as this one is oil-fired,
0:23:26 > 0:23:32really, that's something we would need to look at, because oil isn't going to be around to be using.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34It's probably something...
0:23:34 > 0:23:37A dream that I might have to let go.
0:23:37 > 0:23:43The range looks the part, but it sounds like Lesley may have to reconsider her eco ideas.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45This is the last room downstairs.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- Oh, this is a nice room. Cosy. - But it has a...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- A wood burning stove. - The wood burner.- Lovely.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Dual fuel, so you can put coal on there as well.
0:23:53 > 0:23:59- Beams again but, you know, I'm beginning to like beams!- It's not that low either, is it?- No.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01These are obviously not original, this would have been open.
0:24:01 > 0:24:07Very snug and cosy. I think as the daylight went with the day you could,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11you know, you could just end up in here quite comfortably.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- You could imagine yourself here on a winter's night, couldn't you?- Yes.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Let's take a look upstairs because you've got three bedrooms.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20This house seems to be giving Lesley and Ashley all the right vibes.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I only hope it continues upstairs.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29The family bathroom is a good size and houses the airing cupboard.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Next door, the owners are making the best of the smallest bedroom with
0:24:32 > 0:24:35bunk beds and there's a beautiful feature beam.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40Bedroom two is bigger and has the bonus of built-in wardrobes.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43And then there's the master suite.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- Oh, my goodness!- Oh, I like that.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50I like the shape of the roof.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Well, it's...it's... I wouldn't say huge, but it's big.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55- It is big, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- Yeah.- It's quite surprising, because you really do think that it's going to be small upstairs.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04Yeah. And the light, I thought it was going to be quite dark, but there's a lot of light coming in.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08I like the bed, you could look up at night as well and it would be gorgeous.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09You have an en-suite here.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Oh!- That's good to know. - Oh, that's a lovely surprise.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Nice, eh?- Oh, look at that. A walk- in shower.- Which would be great.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- A walk in shower would be lovely. - When we're in our dotage we can...
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- You wouldn't be able to get up the stairs, unfortunately. - Well...- This is true.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- I can just stay in bed.- Who would... Who would want to?- Let's go and look at that precious outside space.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Yeah, that's important.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32So, the bedroom with its en-suite is a winner, too, and outside
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I have a bit of a surprise up my sleeve in the garden department.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Ah, Derbyshire rain, very good!
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Yes. Seasonal.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42This is your land.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Land sounds a bit grand, doesn't it? But this is your garden.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- Well, at least it's closed in. - It is closed in.- Yeah.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50You've got a little area here, it gets lovely afternoon sunshine.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Yeah.- And you've got some great trees planted here. You've got the apples trees.- Wonderful.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57A plum tree. Lots of berries.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00And there's more than enough room for growing veggies, actually.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03There is. Well, actually, this is not all your land.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- Oh!- It's parcelled out.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08You've got lots of bits and, Ashley, you'll be very glad to know you've got a big garage.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I saw that on the way in. That's a wonderful garage. Yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- So lots of space for...- Brilliant.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Creation.- Big smiles there. - I'll have to look in there later on.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- Let's take a look at your other land.- Wow!
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Beyond the garden block lies the additional green turf.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- This is your land.- Wow!
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Oh, a little parcel of England.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31It is a little... Little being the operative word.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- But it is definitely a parcel of farmland.- It is.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Which would be great for vegetables.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37It is the perfect vegetable... And maybe also a chicken run, as well.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- Yeah.- Definitely. - I can imagine building the actual chicken run down there.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44And the good news is that the farmer is very open to offers.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- He actually offered originally the land all the way down to the dry stone wall there, the fence.- Did he?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Wonderful.- So, it would include that lovely oak.- Yeah.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55What are you thinking it's going to cost to buy this?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Well, I think this could go 420.
0:27:00 > 0:27:06I think I'm going to go to the upper end of our budget and say between 375 and 380. It's a nice property.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Yeah, it is lovely.- Yeah.- Good.
0:27:08 > 0:27:15- You're very pessimistic, because it's actually on at 390, just a shade under 390.- Oh!
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Right. - And it's been on for a few months
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and they haven't dropped the price yet, so there is the possibility...
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Of offers.- That you could get it for the top end of your budget.
0:27:22 > 0:27:28- Yeah. But there's nothing that needs doing, so we wouldn't have to spend much more money.- No, we wouldn't, no.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- So, it's a thumbs up? - I think that's a thumbs up.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Well, I suppose you have to negotiate the fact that you're not
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- isolated in the sense that you do have...- That's the only thing.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36I'd like to find out how loud we can have the music.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Ah! Well, let's try it when I come back I'll find a listing to...
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- OK.- La Traviata at top volume. - All right, we're going to go in.
0:27:43 > 0:27:50This barn conversion sitting next to a working farm has been a hit at £389,950.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53It has the perfect characterful kitchen for Lesley,
0:27:53 > 0:27:59two reception rooms, three bedrooms, including a master en-suite and a range of gardens
0:27:59 > 0:28:03offering enough space to grow vegetables, and wonderful views.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08It is over budget, but in this market it's worth putting in an offer they can afford.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10This is wonderful.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- It's a fantastic kitchen. I love it. - It really is. And there's a range...
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- Yeah.- Which is fantastic.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I've been really impressed.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22I like the way the conversion has blended the old with the new.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It ticks every box that I wanted ticked.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28The study, kitchen, snug, the bedrooms are lovely.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Drum kit! This must mean that we can turn the music up loud.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36A big bonus is there's an extra piece of land that we could actually grow vegetables on.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40This house is a contender and, listen...
0:28:40 > 0:28:44There's no cars going past. Really good.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Hello.- Hello.- Hi. You all done?
0:28:47 > 0:28:48- Yes, we are.- Closed behind you?- Yes.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Very good. Let's head on.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Lesley and Ashley love restoring old furniture and appreciate the beauty of period pieces,
0:28:59 > 0:29:06- so we've arranged for them to visit Colin Hall, who has a passion for reclaimed furniture.- Hello there.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Hello.- I'm Colin.- I'm Lesley.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- I'm Ashley.- Pleased to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Colin and his team scour houses and auction rooms for interesting
0:29:14 > 0:29:21artefacts and Colin is keen to show Lesley and Ashley an item of great age that has led a mysterious life.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- OK, so here we have a seagoing chest...- Oh, wow.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27From, we think, about 1640.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- Fantastic.- That's so lovely.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33It's a seagoing chest and it's got the drama pictures on it.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- Do you think, you know, it could have had some actors taking it on ship somewhere?- It certainly could have.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Actors were still moving around in those days, so it could have.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43And the key. Look at the size of that key!
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- If you can pick it up, you can have it!- Shall we try.- Give it a try.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Oh! No, I think you're keeping it.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- You're not going to move it. - Is there something else you can show us?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Yeah, I can show you something quite different to this.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58This place embraces the idea of recycling and not throwing anything away.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Our next stop is the door emporium.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05These reclaimed doors are hugely popular with those restoring homes to their former glory.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10OK, here's a door we only got in recently, actually.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Oh, it looks lovely. How old is it?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14- Well, it's not as old as it looks. - Really?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17This has been made in the last century, because some of these
0:30:17 > 0:30:23parts are machined and so it's been made to look older, but it certainly comes from a very grand house.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- I can imagine. What kind of wood is that?- That's oak.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Lovely. Do you think it would fit into one of our houses, then?
0:30:28 > 0:30:32Let's hope they can find us a house that it fits. We'll model the house around the door.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34That would be a very grand house if you do, I'm sure.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37I'm not sure their budget will stretch to that, but
0:30:37 > 0:30:40they will need a bed and Colin has one he's proud of.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Oh, it's marvellous!- A fantastic bed.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46It's very ornate. It's very big and very grand, isn't it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49This is something we've created ourselves from original materials.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52The columns and the cornice were obviously not in those
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- original positions and we created it into a bed.- Wonderful.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57I love the colonnades. It's gorgeous.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- This is something you could do yourself.- Yeah, a quick weekend.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Keep you busy for a weekend, wouldn't it?- It really would.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04That's certainly something to ponder, but
0:31:04 > 0:31:08it's our task to find Lesley and Ashley an idyllic country abode.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14In many ways, this whole show has been about finding the limit
0:31:14 > 0:31:17of acceptable compromise, because Lesley and Ashley
0:31:17 > 0:31:22really wanted a lot land-wise, but they really didn't have enough money to get it here in Derbyshire.
0:31:22 > 0:31:29However, the mystery house, it has land, but will it have enough of the other things?
0:31:31 > 0:31:36The mystery house is just outside desirable Matlock Bath.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It was the thermal springs that were discovered here
0:31:39 > 0:31:44in 1698 that brought in high society and gave it an air of elegance.
0:31:44 > 0:31:50Today the area, sitting in a deep gorge, still attracts the tourists who marvel at the stunning scenery.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52The location of our mystery house should suit Ashley.
0:31:52 > 0:31:58It's tucked away in the hillside with staggering views and has recently been renovated.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01It also has an asset which will be a surprise.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- This is the mystery. - This is a kingdom!
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- It's an amazing view. - It's the kingdom, isn't it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- It certainly is.- You know this area. This is Matlock Bath.- Yes.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- Yeah.- This is the Derwent Gorge. This is the great Masson Cliff
0:32:13 > 0:32:17that goes along the side and we found you a property that is right on the edge of it.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- I can't believe you've done that! - It is amazing.- It's wonderful.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- I'm stuck for words.- Which is rare.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- It's rare, yeah.- It's rare.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29What are your impressions of the road, for example.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32The road is really pretty, the way it winds through. I've got no problem with the road.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37- No, it's a bit noisy, but for a kingdom like this...- Yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- You have to pay something.- You do. - You do.- Mind the steps.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Gosh, these steps are quite steep.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- It is. You want to death slide, don't you, really?- Yeah.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- Absolutely.- Come straight down. - Can we get a lift in?- Yeah.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- A chairlift.- Imagine when it's icy.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57We'll be staying indoors.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02It's a small house.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05It's... It's quite small.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07But it's all about the views.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13Yes, it's... It's small, but it is perfectly done.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15I mean, it's very, very stylish.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17In terms of the kitchen,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21friends sitting around tables... you won't get that necessarily.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- Well, two friends.- Two friends.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Yeah.- Exactly. And it's all about the views this property.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- Yes.- Yes.- It's wonderful.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30And it's a kingdom out there.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- Kingdoms are important.- They are.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36And this is the rest of the downstairs.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- Wow!- It's a lovely room, though.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- I have to say they haven't spared a penny in doing this up.- No.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Everything is done to the highest standard.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Solid oak floorboards an inch thick.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- My goodness.- This whole fireplace was put in by them.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55They found these half stones in a smithy, there are still bits of lead you can see in it.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59I feel like I'm in a little Hansel and Gretel place. It's lovely.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01It is lovely, but it is little.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03It is very little.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06But it's very pleasing to the eye, I have to say. Yeah, no, I do like it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- And this is it? This is the extent... - This is the end of your kingdom.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Of the house? This is the end of the kingdom inside.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- My goodness!- Downstairs.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16I'm just wondering whether it is too small.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19But, apart from that, I think I like it.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22I really like it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- I would like it more if there was another room that way...- Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:32Because I like my space, I like to be able to zone out and I can't imagine us getting away into our own...
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Zones.- Zones.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38That's the closest we're going to get you to saying that you don't like something, isn't it?
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Yes.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43OK, that's good enough for me.
0:34:43 > 0:34:44But let's take a look upstairs.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48It's not the end of my bag of tricks here. I'm not giving up.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53Oh, dear, I think the initial excitement has worn off, but there is more.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Up here there's a small but beautifully finished bathroom,
0:34:57 > 0:35:00and down the landing is the master bedroom which takes in the stunning scenery.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03You can't deny those views.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- I mean, they are worth a king's ransom, really.- In both directions.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- The windows in this room are fantastic, the amount of light. - Yes, yes.
0:35:11 > 0:35:17You do have a bit of storage here. I don't know quite how much you need. A chest of drawers.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Well, Ashley needs a whole wall.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- Really? Are you the hoarder? - He is.- I am the hoarder, I'm afraid.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Not necessarily with clothes, but I do hoard a variety of things.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Ah, that's a turn-up for the books. - Yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28There's two more bedrooms.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31I wanted to show you the views from the top one.
0:35:31 > 0:35:38The first of those two bedrooms is a single with built-in storage and the other room is just next door.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Then there's this little beautiful room. But look at the views!
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Oh, the views are wonderful.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- I thought this could be your study. - It could be.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Actually, they've squeezed quite a lot into a small footprint.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51- They have.- They have.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57But beautifully formed as this house is, it's not the inside of the house I want to show you, but outside.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Ooh!- There's more.- OK. - Right.- Let's go.- Let's go on, then.
0:36:01 > 0:36:07The views from this house really are amazing, but will they be enough to win them over?
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Oh, my goodness! You did promise us a view.- Wow, what a view.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Lovely terraced gardens.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Yeah.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15And you've got these outhouses here which you could possibly develop.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18So, how much land do you think this is all told?
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Is this enough to do...
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Well, I think vegetables
0:36:23 > 0:36:27could go on the slope, because it...
0:36:27 > 0:36:29You know, you could work with that.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33And the chickens, I don't know.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- We'd have to think about.- Yeah.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39This is the first one that I've actually felt quite flummoxed about.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Yes, I can see your enthusiasm is down from its usual stellar heights.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Absolutely. Yes.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47So, what you think this is maybe about half an acre?
0:36:47 > 0:36:50It's got to be at least half an acre, I think, it sits in.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52- Yeah.- If not more. - Probably the footprint about...
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Yeah. Up to half an acre.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- Actually, the plot of land is eight acres. - Oh, really?- Eight acres!
0:36:58 > 0:37:02It encompasses eight acres of this ancient woodland which is yours.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- Oh, my goodness!- Let's have a look. - All the way to the top?- Yeah.- Wow!
0:37:07 > 0:37:10I did say I had more in my bag of tricks.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I think the wood is wonderful and it does come with its benefits.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17All the fallen trees are for their use, providing free fuel.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- This is wonderful. - This is an amazing piece of woodland.- Your own woodland!
0:37:20 > 0:37:23But I'm very glad I've got Ashley in front of me to break my slip.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Aw! Yes, I didn't brief you on...
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- He's very romantic. - Woodland walking, did I?
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- It is beautiful woodland, though. - All of this is yours.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- It's amazingly picturesque. And the wildlife.- Woodland is woody,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and there's not an awful lot you can do with it, in all honesty.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40It's lovely to own one,
0:37:40 > 0:37:46to say that you own one, but it's not really very practical for us.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Apart from the free fuel, but that's the only benefit.- Yeah.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55So, the free fuel doesn't interest you, but the oil guzzling range does.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Well, what can I say?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59A total princess.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01How much do you think it would cost?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Now that's a tricky one. Because it's in Matlock Bath
0:38:04 > 0:38:08and the location, I think it's quite expensive, so I'd go for about 420 or something like that.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I would go for about just over 550.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16- You're going high.- Do you think I'd show you a property that was so much out of your budget?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- You've shown me one with a kingdom. - Oh, I did, I did.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Well, the kingdom comes relatively cheap.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It's on the market for just a shade under 400. 395.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Whoa!- That's a very... That's a very competitive price for its location.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30It would be affordable,
0:38:30 > 0:38:32but not interested in this one.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Shall I get a toboggan so I can drag you back up?- Yes, why not?
0:38:35 > 0:38:38That would be great, a ski lift would be fantastic!
0:38:40 > 0:38:45The market price was certainly a surprise at £395,000.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52It has an immaculate interior, with three bedrooms, sits on a plot, including eight acres of ancient
0:38:52 > 0:38:56woodland, and not forgetting those superb views.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59I do love this room.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01The beams are absolutely amazing.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06I can see why you love it, but it's really, really small.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- But you look round and it's just so well finished.- It is.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13It is too small for us, I agree, but I'm just amazed at the quality of it.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- The quality... It's perfect.- Yeah.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And I have a problem with perfect.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Yes, true. But you married me, though.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- True.- For a mystery house it's a really impressive location again.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28I mean, the actual views are stunning and I think they've done the house amazingly well.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32The garden is so picturesque, along with the woodland, but to be fair
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I think as Lesley and I get older it's going to be fairly impractical.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38The reality of being a 70-year-old in the future and going out
0:39:38 > 0:39:41and getting your own logs isn't a reality.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43And if you can hear it,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46the road is very loud.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51Come on, this is the last time you'll have to climb these steps, by all accounts.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52My goodness!
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Wow! That's a workout.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- It's a workout. Think of it as a workout.- Yes.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Let's go back.- OK.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08Lesley and Ashley have now seen all the properties and it's time to hear their final thoughts.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13Now is the time for you to really spill the beans, because
0:40:13 > 0:40:16you can't have liked them all as much as each other, there must have been differences.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18What about the first property? It seemed to go down very well.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It was a beautiful house, that one.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24It ticked every single box imaginable for me.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I felt I'd lived there before.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29It just felt so right.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32The road was a big problem, though. It was surprising the amount of traffic that did come by,
0:40:32 > 0:40:36so for an unsecured garden that would have been a real problem and unfortunately, if you'd secured
0:40:36 > 0:40:39it you'd have lost that view, that wonderful view.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- The barn conversion in the middle of the farmyard didn't have any road noise.- No.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- What did that have going for it? - We loved it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- Out of all of the properties that was certainly my favourite.- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52We just felt really at home there.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- I was a bit worried that it was attached to other properties.- Yeah.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00And it would be something that we would need to look into,
0:41:00 > 0:41:06but that was a wonderful property and it's left us with a very good feeling and that's a big possibility for us.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Yes.- The mystery house flagged up lots of things that
0:41:09 > 0:41:13you didn't like, but have they been useful in focusing your mind on what you do love?
0:41:13 > 0:41:17The location and the beauty of Matlock Bath was breathtaking, but the practicalities
0:41:17 > 0:41:23of getting older and steps and stairs and woodland, I think we'd have to consider in reality.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Yeah. I can't imagine us logging at the age of 70.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I can't imagine me getting up and down those stairs possibly in the next five years!
0:41:32 > 0:41:34And, overall, what have you taken away?
0:41:34 > 0:41:37You seemed to like the barn conversion most.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Would you make a move on that?
0:41:39 > 0:41:43I'd like to see again the barn conversion and then talk to some of the neighbours, talk
0:41:43 > 0:41:49- more to the farmer and see, because I think that one out of all of them had the most potential for us.- Yes.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50So, given the fact
0:41:50 > 0:41:53that there are lots of kind of factors that make it
0:41:53 > 0:41:57difficult to find your dream house, can you let that go?
0:41:57 > 0:42:03Less of a priority for me now would be the actual kind of prettiness of the house,
0:42:03 > 0:42:08but the green sustainability, really, and when I think about it is
0:42:08 > 0:42:13the way that we should go and I think both of us want to hold on to that.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It was lovely looking at the range.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20You can be green, just possibly not 100%.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22I really hope you make it, because, you know, it sounds like
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- the move will be the perfect thing for you in your life.- Yes.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29For once, you're a couple that have taken downsizing seriously.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32They're not downsizing into a house twice as big.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- Well, no, we did discuss that at one point, didn't we?- So, best of luck.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38I hope it goes well and I'll see you up in Derbyshire very soon.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41OK. Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- It has been a pleasure, it really has. I've really enjoyed it.- Great.
0:42:47 > 0:42:53Green or not green, landed or not landed, I think that we'll be seeing Lesley and Ashley making
0:42:53 > 0:42:57tracks to live in Derbyshire, and who wouldn't? It's a beautiful place.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02And if you've been inspired then do tune in next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Lesley and Ashley did return to the barn conversion for a second
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and third viewing, but their hearts are set on a detached house.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15They're now considering buying a plot of land and building an energy efficient property.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17If you'd like to escape to the country and would
0:43:17 > 0:43:20like our help, please contact us through our website.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd