0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm in Britain's first and most visited national park,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08standing atop its oldest manmade tourist attraction.
0:00:08 > 0:00:15Now, with these fantastic views, I'm still not able to see all 555 square miles of farmland,
0:00:15 > 0:00:19moorland and rounded hills that this area has to offer.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22But, with a view like that you really can't argue.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41On today's show we're helping a couple find their very first home together.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44You'd feel like the lord of the manor living here, wouldn't you?
0:00:44 > 0:00:48We'll be tempting them with some gorgeous character properties.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I think it's like a Mrs Tiggy-Winkle cottage now.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52You didn't say there was a secret garden.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57But can we find them their dream country pile for the right price?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59My God! Whoo!
0:00:59 > 0:01:01That's fantastic!
0:01:04 > 0:01:09In today's show, we're property shopping in and around the Peak District National Park.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13And this is Prospect Tower in the Heights of Abraham.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Now, every year approximately 22 million people are lucky enough to visit the park,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22with many of them wishing to stay here and make it their permanent home.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27In the North-East and lying mainly in Derbyshire,
0:01:27 > 0:01:34the Peak District also dips in and out of Cheshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Agriculture is still a significant business in the Peaks
0:01:37 > 0:01:40with about 1,800 farms dotting the landscape,
0:01:40 > 0:01:46and evidence still abounds of the mining and quarrying industry which goes back for generations.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50The main employer for the park's 38,000 residents is tourism.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57The Peak District was designated Britain's first national park in 1951.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Today it's the fourth-largest in the UK,
0:02:00 > 0:02:06but with an estimated 22 million day-trippers annually, it's also one of the most popular.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11At the heart of the park is the Victorian spa town of Buxton,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16a hit with visitors since the Romans built the baths in 78AD,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19taking advantage of the geothermal spring which rises there.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Outside the town, the countryside rolls majestically on,
0:02:22 > 0:02:27lightly dotted with delightful villages of limestone cottages,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30as well grit- and sandstone farmhouses.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Little has changed since the scenery inspired Jane Austen to use it as one of her settings
0:02:34 > 0:02:37for Pride And Prejudice over two centuries ago.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45If you're planning on buying in the Peak District, a word of warning.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Not all properties can be purchased by just anyone.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Restrictions can apply to certain homes,
0:02:51 > 0:02:57limiting them to people who've either lived or worked in the area for over three years.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03Now, the idea behind it is to stop the ebb of properties being sold as second and holiday homes,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08strengthening rural communities and plugging the gap in the first-time buyers' market,
0:03:08 > 0:03:14but, lucky for outsiders like us, there are still plenty of properties on the market to choose from.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19If you're after character and country views,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24look no further than this Grade II listed five-bedroom farmhouse
0:03:24 > 0:03:29in the village of Carsington. A bespoke kitchen adds a dash of contemporary styling
0:03:29 > 0:03:32to a property otherwise packed with period charm.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34It will set you back £995,000,
0:03:34 > 0:03:39but included in the price is a self-contained three-bedroomed guest cottage.
0:03:41 > 0:03:48For £650,000, you could snap up this five-bedroomed two-storey barn conversion in Wolsely.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's a spacious home with a large made-to-measure kitchen,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55two reception rooms and it's all set in nearly an acre of land.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01If golf's your game, how about living right next door to 18 holes in Burton-on-Trent?
0:04:01 > 0:04:09£525,000 will purchases this contemporary barn conversion in a gated community.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13It comes with four bedrooms, a modern kitchen and a galleried reception room.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Some fabulous family homes there.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22Let's meet today's buyers who are raring to set up their very first home together in the country.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Today we're helping business development manager and textile designer Niall
0:04:28 > 0:04:32and his research scientist partner Barry find their very first house together.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Niall lives in this elegant four-bedroomed Victorian semi
0:04:36 > 0:04:39in the fashionable Manchester suburb of Didsbury,
0:04:39 > 0:04:44while Barry 23 miles south in a modern house in the Cheshire village of Holmes Chapel.
0:04:44 > 0:04:50They're tying the knot next year, but the key thing missing from their gift list is a home.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55We've been looking to move to the country for about a year and a half now.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59But we started looking really seriously since the spring of this year,
0:04:59 > 0:05:06cos we decided at that point that we want to have a civil partnership next year in September,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10so we'd like to move and have everything in place before the big day arrives.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Barry and Niall currently have to commute to work from their separate homes,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so buying a house together will make things much easier.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20It's just very chaotic all the travelling about that we have to do
0:05:20 > 0:05:22to try and sort our week...
0:05:22 > 0:05:26With being in separate houses as well and both having quite busy jobs,
0:05:26 > 0:05:32quite often we'll only see each other at the weekends, maybe one evening in the week.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37And, you know... we need to move on from that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41And when they cross the threshold, what type of house do they envisage?
0:05:41 > 0:05:46Ideally our next house will be detached, have off-road parking,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50two reception rooms, good-sized kitchen...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and at least three bedrooms.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57But designer Niall is more interested in the aesthetics.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Yeah, personally, I'd be looking for something with some character to it,
0:06:00 > 0:06:05so maybe Victorian or even Georgian type of features,
0:06:05 > 0:06:10just basically because I like that type of architecture and I like that type of interior.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15They love entertaining so are looking for a separate dining room,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18but keen cook Niall has ambitions for the outside space too.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24Well, I'd like to actually try and grow some vegetables, because I do cook quite a lot,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28and that, to me, would just be an extension of the sort of entertaining that I do at the minute,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32so invite some friend round and be able to say, "Oh, look, I actually grew these from scratch,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34"and I've cooked them for you as well!"
0:06:34 > 0:06:39And Barry has some equally outdoorsy reasons to lust after country life.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44Well, I love the outdoors, and I've been doing hiking and mountain climbing for years,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and I'm really looking forward to actually having it all on the doorstep,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51if I move to the Peak District, rather than having to drive somewhere.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55The beautiful country views will give Barry inspiration for his other hobby,
0:06:55 > 0:07:00landscape photography, but Niall has other ideas about what to hang on the walls.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05The hobby I've got is collecting front covers of, of all people, Madonna!
0:07:05 > 0:07:10I've been doing that for about 15 years now and I've got around 100 up on the wall.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14It would be great in our new property to be able to have space to put all the other ones up,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17and show somebody's career change over the last 25 years.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19From mountains of magazines to mountaineering,
0:07:19 > 0:07:24they've both got plenty of ideas about how they'll spend their free time.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27But how much do they have to spend on their new property?
0:07:27 > 0:07:34Niall and I both have a property to sell and our combined budget's going to be round about £500,000.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44So with a good budget, Barry and Niall are looking for a detached period property,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46the period in this case being Georgian or Victorian.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Now, they want a separate kitchen-diner
0:07:49 > 0:07:54and enough space for an extensive Madonna collection, hopefully, to go on the walls.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Outside they want quite a large garden to grow their own vegetables
0:07:57 > 0:08:02and all this in a convenient location for both their jobs.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06With Barry working in Alderley Edge in Cheshire
0:08:06 > 0:08:08and Niall working in Brighouse in West Yorkshire,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10they want to concentrate their search
0:08:10 > 0:08:13around the northern edge of the Peak District.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17We'll be viewing some of the best period properties available on the market,
0:08:17 > 0:08:22but, as always, I won't be revealing their price tags straightaway.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23And finally there's the mystery house
0:08:23 > 0:08:27which could have Niall and Barry planning more than their big day.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- Barry and Niall, welcome to the Peak District.- Thank you.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Are you looking forward to the next few days?- I'm sure it'll be great.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Good. Well, we've got some great houses lined up, but, first things first...
0:08:41 > 0:08:46a little bird has told me you've reassessed your finances, so what's your current budget?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Well, our top budget's about £650,000,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52but I think in the current climate we'll probably look up to about 700,000.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And with the slight change in budget, as we've upped it,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58are you still looking for the same type of property?
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Yeah, I think in principle the same type of property,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- but, obviously, maybe something nicer.- Good.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08We've got some amazing properties lined up and, of course, we've got the mystery property,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- which is always a bit of fun, so are you ready to get going? - Yeah.- Yeah, great.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Come on, then, let's start the search.
0:09:16 > 0:09:22Upping their budget to £700,000 is a good move on Barry and Niall's part,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26as it'll give us a lot more scope to find them their sizeable dream house.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28They want...
0:09:30 > 0:09:32They love entertaining so...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39For their landscape photos and Madonna magazine collection...
0:09:41 > 0:09:45..and finally, as Niall can't wait to get green-fingered growing veg...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53So this is the first time you two as a couple have looked at properties together?
0:09:53 > 0:09:58Yeah, I mean, we have looked in estate agent windows, but we've not actually made any appointments,
0:09:58 > 0:10:03so in that respect it's the first time you're taking us to see anything.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Well, I hope I'm not going to cause any arguments.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11I think the main thing that we might have to discuss is the commuting,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15because it's quite a bit of a drive for both of us,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17and, you know, unless we get somewhere exactly halfway,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19one of is going to have to slightly compromise.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Well, our first location slightly favours Barry
0:10:26 > 0:10:28in the commuting stakes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32It's situated in Whaley Bridge in the High Peak District,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34which is a 30-minute drive to Alderley Edge,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38as opposed to an hour's drive to Niall's work in Brighouse.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43Sat on the south-western outer limits of the Peak District National Park,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Whaley Bridge looks out over stunning park scenery.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50The village has plenty of amenities, including some good shops and restaurants
0:10:50 > 0:10:52for our self-confessed foodies.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55The house we're viewing is on the outskirts of the village
0:10:55 > 0:10:58in a sought-after elevated position above Todbrook Reservoir.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04And here it is. This is your first property.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07As you can see, it's Edwardian, built in 1904.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10What do you think as you're standing here?
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Well, it's got little turrets, that's giving it a bit more character as well.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19And it's obviously in a really nice setting with all the greenery here, so the gardens must be great.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Yeah, looks fab!
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- Let's go and have a look inside. Let's explore. - That's the exciting bit, yeah.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29This period property has plenty of space and bags of potential,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32which I'm hoping will appeal to textile designer Niall,
0:11:32 > 0:11:38so he and Barry can create their very first home together just as they want it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Come on through.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44And here's your entrance hall.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46That's really grand, isn't it?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- A surprise as you come through the door?- Yeah, sure. I didn't realise the hall was as big as this.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- It's great having a big hall. - It's a great entrance.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58- So you've got two reception rooms from here. Let's go straight through into the lounge.- OK.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I can see you're both taking it all in.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's not bad, really. I suppose it's just putting your own stamp on it, isn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- Yeah, which is perfect for you! - Yeah. Great. I'd love to have a go at it.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- Barry, we're going to follow straight across the hall to the other room, please.- OK.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28- So you guys love entertaining.- Yeah. - And ideally you wanted a separate dining room.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32That's right, yeah. I think it's nice to have more of an area contained
0:12:32 > 0:12:34so that you don't feel as if you've spilled through a kitchen area.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- It's got another lovely fireplace inside it.- Yeah.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- And we've got a brilliant view there. - I'm liking this.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- You're looking at all the positives around you in the second room.- Yes!
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Considering this is our first viewing,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53not to mention it's the very first house they have ever viewed together,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55I'd say we're doing pretty well.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Off the hallway you've got a storeroom and a bathroom at the end of the corridor,
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- which I'll let you explore in a moment.- OK.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Cos I wanted to bring you straight into this room which I'd call a snug.
0:13:04 > 0:13:10- Maybe it's supposed to be a morning room... - Could be a morning room.- Yeah.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Fantastic parquet floor, isn't it? - Mmm.- You've got a wood burner.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I've always wanted a wood burner.
0:13:16 > 0:13:22- So quite a small room...- Yeah. - But I think there are options with this part of the house.- Mmm?
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- Because...let's take a look at the kitchen and bear this room in mind. - Yeah, sure.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Through here is the kitchen.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- Gosh, a bit small.- But if you took your morning room with this kitchen, it could be a fabulous space.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It could be brilliant. You could do a lot with it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42You've got a utility room which is separate just outside so you've got access to your garden.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- At the side of the property you've got your utilities, all your white goods in there.- Yeah.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- So you wouldn't have to worry about them in this space.- OK.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54But, personally, I would really consider, if you could, knocking through
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- and making it one huge area.- Yeah. Well, certainly this is a little bit on the small side
0:13:58 > 0:14:00to have as your kitchen, I would think,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03so it would be worth really investigating that further.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06And the kitchen itself does need updating, I think.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11Yeah. Now, there's four-and-a-half bedrooms upstairs, so plenty of space...
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I'm intrigued by the half a bedroom. - Half a bedroom. Some might say five, I'm going to say four and a half!
0:14:16 > 0:14:18So we're going to go back through there...
0:14:18 > 0:14:22It sounds like they are buying into the potential of this property.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Let's hope the positivity continues upstairs.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- Now, how's this for a landing?- It'd be great for all our photographs, all my landscape photographs.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35I've got lots I could hang up on the walls here.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Landscape photographs... - Madonna pictures.- I knew it was going to come pretty soon.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I mean, look at the space. As landings go...
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- It's really brilliant, yeah. - Massive.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52- I love a big landing, yeah.- And just off this part of the landing is the family bathroom.- OK.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55Mmm...
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- it's a little bit dated.- It needs... - And it doesn't have a shower either.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- No.- It's a bit like the kitchen again. You just put your own stamp on to it now.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09This is a wonderful blank canvas to work with, although back across the hallway,
0:15:09 > 0:15:16I think there's one aspect of the master bedroom Niall and Barry will find picture perfect already.
0:15:16 > 0:15:23- So this is the master bedroom. - It's a good size.- Look at the view! - Fantastic, waking up to that!
0:15:23 > 0:15:24- There is your reservoir.- Yes!
0:15:24 > 0:15:29It's just a perfect room to be able to do something with, put your own stamp on it
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- and make it the way you'd like it to be.- Let's go and have a look at that intriguing half bedroom.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- That might be an en-suite. - Yeah, sure.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46- Here it is.- Quite dinky.- Big enough to get a cot, but I would say a dressing room or a bathroom.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Yeah, I think really you'd need a bathroom up here, wouldn't you, because of all these other rooms.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- Be a nice en-suite space, wouldn't it?- Yeah, you could lie in the bath and look out at the water
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- and the trees and things.- Mmm. - Plenty more to see.
0:16:00 > 0:16:06There'll be no shortage of room for visiting guests, with three further double bedrooms,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08one of which is used as a study.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13But outside space is equally important to them, and I'm feeling confident the garden here
0:16:13 > 0:16:15won't disappoint.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20So...I think the gardens are a project in themselves.
0:16:20 > 0:16:26- Yeah, they sure are.- Yeah, lots of maintenance, but they've been nicely kept, haven't they?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Beautiful mature gardens. - Lots of apple trees.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Well, they might want to use this as the orchard, as there's plenty more garden space.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37At the front of the house there's another sizeable lawn,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41and at the side of the property there's practically a football pitch.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- God!- Wow! You didn't say there was a secret garden.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53- This is the third part of your garden.- Is this all for the house here?- All for the house.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54- Right.- Wow!
0:16:54 > 0:16:58So we're going to have to cut straight to money.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02How much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04615.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I think it's probably on for a bit more than that.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I imagine it's probably about 645.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- It's been on the market for two years...- Gosh, that long?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19They did have a buyer, but that's dropped through, so the current asking price
0:17:19 > 0:17:25- is £675,000.- Gosh, that's a lot more than I was expecting.- Yeah.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28So not at the very top of your budget,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33but bearing in mind you would want to do work on the property, something to think about.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- So do you fancy having another little look around the house? - Yeah. That'd be great.- Yeah.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Go on, have a wander, and I'll catch up with you in a little while. - All right.- See you later.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46On the market for...
0:17:46 > 0:17:51this large Edwardian home is 25,000 under Barry and Niall's top budget.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54It also has commanding views.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02It's been on the market for two years,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04so there should be room for negotiation,
0:18:04 > 0:18:08freeing up cash for any cosmetic changes they'll want to make.
0:18:10 > 0:18:17- I think this room could really be great, but... - I love both the reception rooms.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19I think they're two of the best features of the house.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It's certainly the sort of period property I'd be looking for
0:18:23 > 0:18:26if I was going myself out to the estate agent's.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31It obviously needs a lot of updating, and, you know, I think there's lots of potential there.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37I think if that wall maybe was taken down, it would give you a much bigger area,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41then maybe if you had, like, a conservatory on the back there,
0:18:41 > 0:18:46it would give you a fantastic big dining-kitchen-entertaining area as well.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52Given that we'd want to do a certain amount of work to it...
0:18:52 > 0:18:54you know, we'd need to have a talk about it,
0:18:54 > 0:18:59but, you know, I think I would be wanting to be making a lower offer.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Have you seen enough? - Yeah, I think so.- Yeah, I think so.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- A good start?- Yeah.- Yeah.- Good. We've got plenty more to see, so let's hit the road.- OK.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Keen to visit the national park proper,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23during the week, Barry and Niall headed to the very heart of the Peak District,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27to one of the region's prettiest and most interesting villages, Castleton,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31where local historian Peter Harrison was on hand to show them around.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Well, hello, guys.- Hi, good to meet you.- Welcome to Castleton.- Hello.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41Settled by the Celts, Romans and Normans, it's a little place with a long history.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46The village that stands here today prospered thanks to the local lead-mining industry
0:19:46 > 0:19:49that thrived here from the 17th to the 19th century.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54And many of the limestone cottages are well over 200 years old.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00Originally the village grew up in the shadow of the Norman castle which gives the village its name.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Built by William Peveril, reputedly an illegitimate son of William the Conqueror,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09the castle was first constructed in timber in 1080
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and later rebuilt in stone.
0:20:13 > 0:20:20It was built in the time of Henry II at a cost of £175,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23that's 6-8 million these days.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27One thing you can't put a price on is the view,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31but Castleton's attractions aren't just above terra firma.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37Below the village is a huge network of prehistoric caves of which Peak Cavern is the largest.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42Up until 1915, it was home to Britain's last known troglodytes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48For 400 years, these cave-dwellers made their living making rope for the local mining industry,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52and the drier conditions of the cave provided the perfect environment for the job.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55This cave's massive, Peter. How far back does it go?
0:20:55 > 0:21:00Well, visitors go down for about three-quarters of a mile,
0:21:00 > 0:21:07but then the cave system itself goes on for a maze of underground passageways,
0:21:07 > 0:21:13and in 1993 they discovered the biggest cave in England,
0:21:13 > 0:21:17called Titan. It's huge. About as big as this.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Gosh!
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Potholing however isn't on the week's agenda,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25but finding the dream house is, so it's on with the search.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35We're not straying far from the national park for property 2,
0:21:35 > 0:21:41as we're heading to the outskirts of the village of Charlesworth on the park's western boundary.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43There's a thriving community here, served by two pubs,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46a post office, a grocer's and a local shop.
0:21:46 > 0:21:53However one of the major selling points of our next property is its proximity to the national park,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55which is literally a stone's throw away,
0:21:55 > 0:22:00so perfect for Barry to don his hiking boots and ramble for hours.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- So here is your barn.- Oh, right? It's very different to what I was expecting.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Have you ever considered living in a barn?- Well, I've not ever thought about it,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15but then again you should always look a bit further than just what you think first of all.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Oh, I like that!- Yeah? - I like that answer, yeah.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22The documentation says around 1850 that it was definitely here.
0:22:22 > 0:22:28Recently converted in the early 1990s. It took three years to convert,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and it has been done most beautifully inside.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35But before I take you inside, what do you think of this as a location?
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Well, it's probably a lot more remote than I was expecting,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41but there again I've not seen the property,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44and just to consider whether or not you like the property enough to be somewhere
0:22:44 > 0:22:48where you might be just a little bit further than you wanted to be, but I'm quite open-minded.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- It's a bit blustery. Shall we have a look inside?- Yeah.- Great.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56We are taking a bit of a gamble with this property.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01Although most definitely Victorian, this won't necessarily be what Niall and Barry had in mind
0:23:01 > 0:23:04when they said they wanted a period home.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08What the converted barn offers up however is unadulterated rustic charm.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Come through, boys.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Gosh!- Not what you wanted or not what you expected?
0:23:18 > 0:23:20A bit of both!
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Not what I expected.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- But it has a real impact, doesn't it?- It certainly does, yes.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31I think it's so unusual, so different, you know, I'm just fascinated.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- I'd love to see a bit more of the property.- Let's go through into the living area.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40So we'll start off in the drawing room.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Oh!
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Beams.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49- Beamed.- Well, a beam.- A beam, probably quite an important beam,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51so you wouldn't want to take it out.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- But it's not too low this ceiling. - No.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Is that acceptable?- Yeah, I think we'd get away with that one. - But there's still more to see.
0:23:57 > 0:24:04- You want kitchens? I'm not going to show you a really beautiful kitchen! - Great, thank you.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Gosh, this is big, isn't it?
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Oh, wow, that is big!- Oh, we've got another beam in here.- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- You've got to see past the beam. - I'm only joking.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24So this is your kitchen and dining area, so although you've got the space,
0:24:24 > 0:24:30- and again extremely well finished, you don't have a separate dining room here.- Right, OK.
0:24:30 > 0:24:36But it's got a big area there, so you could use that with your own table and set it up differently.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Through the oak door, you've got a utility room, which is quite big, I have to say,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- and a downstairs cloakroom as well. - That's good.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- So happy with the kitchen?- Mmm.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Yeah...- Go on, tell me what you're thinking, Barry.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55I wasn't sure when I first saw the property, but now I've walked in I'm sort of warming to it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59It's very different because it's not something I would have normally looked at, I think.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Could this property be a divider of opinion?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Whilst Barry seems quite taken with it, I'm not sure Niall is convinced.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Let's see if upstairs can convert him.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15So here we are in the bones of the barn.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21So down the hallway you've got two large double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23And then through here...
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- Gosh! A bit imposing, the bed, isn't it?- It's a great bed.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32It's surprising as well cos you've got a lot of height in here now.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- I was expecting it to be all very low again.- Yeah.- It's really good.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- It is deceiving, actually, this property. Barry, you're smiling.- I like it.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43I think it's nice.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It's kind of baronial, isn't it?
0:25:46 > 0:25:47LAUGHTER
0:25:47 > 0:25:50And through there you've got your shower room.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51Your bathroom's a little en-suite.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57Well, if Barry thinks this is baronial, wait till he sees the garden,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01because this property comes with a rather impressive three acres,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03more than enough space for Niall's veggie needs.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Beautiful cobbled area here,- Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09And here's your lawns.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12A substantial lawn.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14How much lawn do we get here?
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- All of this, you can just see the boundaries. The other side is the national park...- OK.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- ..With the sheep grazing.- Right.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22But I haven't shown you everything.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Right...- Just to this gate...
0:26:25 > 0:26:32..if you follow the wall all the way along past those trees, the other side of the aviary and beyond...
0:26:32 > 0:26:37- Right.- That is all your land if you were to buy this property.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39A total of three acres.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I thought you were having a laugh!
0:26:41 > 0:26:45And what they've done is they've let that go very natural, a natural woodland there...
0:26:45 > 0:26:50there's a huge pond. How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:26:50 > 0:26:56Well, I've really no idea about this sort of property's price, so I'll say a wild...
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- 550,000.- Well, I'd probably say it was more than that. I'd say 650.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Niall, you're bang on the money!
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- Very good.- It's been on the market for a few months, but it is £650,000.- Right.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16- Well, with that in mind, do you want to take another look around? - All right, thanks.- Thanks.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23At £650,000, this attached barn is 50,000 under the top budget.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28For many it would be the rural dream with...
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Right on the edge of the national park,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38the barn commands an enviable location,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42but I'm not convinced it's the perfect nest for Niall and Barry.
0:27:43 > 0:27:49I'm a bit concerned that I think this is the only living space apart from the kitchen area.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51It's a little bit sort of restrictive, isn't it?
0:27:51 > 0:27:55It's not enough of a room if you needed to sort of have an area even to work in.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00I think really it doesn't have enough rooms for the sorts of purposes that we would like.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02It's only got one main living room.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And even though you've got a great big kitchen-dining area,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08if you just needed that extra space it's not really there.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I am excited about it because I do think it is a really impressive property,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and it is very impressive...er...
0:28:15 > 0:28:19but I just think, on reflection, I couldn't see myself living here.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- It's very wild here, isn't it?- Yes!
0:28:22 > 0:28:27- That must be the boundary. Can you see the wall going...? - Yeah, all the way up to the top.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29There's a lot of scope.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- Have you seen enough, guys? - Yeah, I'll have to get a tractor!
0:28:34 > 0:28:37I'm going to turn you into farmers, I think, at this rate.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40I think one of us would have to give up our jobs and work full-time on that.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- At least you'd keep fit. - Oh, we would.
0:28:43 > 0:28:44Let's keep going.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53One of the big reasons behind Barry's move to the Peak District
0:28:53 > 0:28:58is so he can take full advantage of the national park's prime hiking territory.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02And not to waste any time, he's persuaded Niall and I to don our walking boots
0:29:02 > 0:29:05and head off for the hills... and the wind!
0:29:05 > 0:29:12- We all wrapped up?- Yes.- To face the elements?- Yeah.- Or brave the elements, I think. Let's get going.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16But with over 550 square miles to explore,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20we're taking our lead from someone who knows the land very well,
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Margaret Anderson, the park's longest-serving volunteer ranger.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Right, let's get going, then. Come on.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30We're heading for Mam Tor.
0:29:30 > 0:29:36At 1,695 feet, it has one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41And from the base of the car park it's a steady 45-minute climb to the top,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45which even in this rain and wind, Niall and I should manage.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Am I supposed to look happy as I walk past now?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Hopefully, the inspiring scenery will make it worth our while.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Margaret, that is a spectacular view. Where's that?
0:29:56 > 0:29:59That's the west end of the Edale Valley.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04And over Rushup Edge at the far end there is what we call the Salt Trail.
0:30:04 > 0:30:10They brought the salt from the salt mines in Northwich, Middlewich, etc, in Cheshire
0:30:10 > 0:30:14over the hills, through the valley, out the other side
0:30:14 > 0:30:19and over to Penistone where it was sheep, and that was the way they traded,
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- and the sheep would go back the other way.- All done by foot? - All done by foot, yes.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- Pack horses, pack mules... - It's bad enough just walking, isn't it? It's hard enough!
0:30:30 > 0:30:33There are over 300 volunteer rangers like Margaret,
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and 20 full-time wardens looking after the park.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40And conservation is very much the name of the game.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43The National Park Authority has spent time and money
0:30:43 > 0:30:49ensuring the 22 million people who visit each year do as little damage as possible,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53and today there are 1,600 miles of stone paths and trails in place.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56How do they get them up here?
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Helicopter. They bring them in in cradles underneath the helicopter.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- And does this stop the erosion from all the ramblers?- Yes.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Although there are some great heights to scale in the Peak District,
0:31:09 > 0:31:14the name is a bit of a misnomer, because there isn't actually a single peak to be found here.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19The region is thought to have been named after the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon tribe,
0:31:19 > 0:31:20the Pecsaetan.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23My goodness!
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Well, we've been buffeted, but it hasn't put us off!
0:31:27 > 0:31:31So what do you reckon, Niall? Do you think this is going to be your area for your future home?
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Well, maybe not on the top of here!
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But hopefully we can come and view it once we move in.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47With the clouds drawing in over the dramatic landscape,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Barry and Niall get a much-deserved rest
0:31:50 > 0:31:54and a chance to discuss their first experience of house-hunting together.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Will they be in agreement on the properties they've viewed so far?
0:31:58 > 0:32:04So two very contrasting properties today. What did you think of the first house, by the reservoir?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Yeah, I thought it was really good, it had lots of character,
0:32:07 > 0:32:11good proportion to it as well. I mean, the garden was really great.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16You could do lots with that. I just thought it obviously needed lots of updating
0:32:16 > 0:32:19in some of the main areas that you're going to be using.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Yeah, I think the kitchen is the most pressing thing that would need attention.- Yeah.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29I mean, the bathrooms weren't ideal but you could do them whenever.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- What was your opinion on the barn conversion that we saw?- Very windy!
0:32:33 > 0:32:39- I thought it was beautifully done. - Mmm. And obviously there's that beautiful staircase
0:32:39 > 0:32:42that they'd put in to give it a really grand entrance-hallway.
0:32:42 > 0:32:48I loved the bedrooms too. They were very nice and light and very restful,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01With a civil partnership planned next year, Niall and Barry
0:33:01 > 0:33:06are looking to buy their very first home together, and have decided on the Peak District.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08They've liked one of the houses we've shown them,
0:33:08 > 0:33:13but we are on a mission to find them a truly wonderful home.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17I feel a bit lost for words, to be honest, because it is absolutely fantastic.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21And will today's mystery house measure up to size?
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Yeah, is it a hobbit's house?
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I thought yesterday went pretty well,
0:33:29 > 0:33:31considering that this is the first time
0:33:31 > 0:33:34that Barry and Niall have actually viewed a potential property together.
0:33:34 > 0:33:40Now, Barry certainly takes a very practical and logical approach to the search,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43with Niall being guided by his creative side and his heart.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47So let's hope what we show them today will get both heads and hearts racing.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52And let's not forget the mystery house which will certainly get them thinking.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56For our first property offering of the day,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58we're heading to the village of Combs,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00just a few minutes' drive from Whaley Bridge
0:34:00 > 0:34:02with its full run of amenities.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Which may come in handy as Combs itself will be a real rural escape for Barry and Niall.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11The village is slap-bang in the middle of some great walking territory,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14but there's just one pub providing refreshments
0:34:14 > 0:34:16for pre- or post-hiking needs.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21The reason we've brought you here today is this...
0:34:21 > 0:34:25rather grandiose house. Quite deceiving from the outside.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- Built in the 1840s, this section... As you can see it's a terrace.- Yeah.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- That's believed to be built in the early 1800s.- OK.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38And this was an extension. And in the '70s, three architects took it over,
0:34:38 > 0:34:43because it was a huge manor house, and they converted it into three separate pieces of accommodation.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- What do you think, Barry?- I love these great big chimneys on the top.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49It's a very grand-looking house.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I know they love Georgian and Victorian architecture,
0:34:53 > 0:34:57so I've got very high hopes for this Grade II listed former manor house.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Fully refurbished in the last five years, it's beautifully finished,
0:35:01 > 0:35:08and, although not detached, this property could well and truly give the TARDIS a run for its money!
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Thank you.- So here's your entrance.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It's really lovely. Yeah, really nice.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It's got all the period features that hopefully you were after.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Yeah, it is beautiful, actually.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Now, Niall, I know this is a very important room for you.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28Yeah, it's beautiful.
0:35:28 > 0:35:35- I wasn't expecting it to look like this, the kitchen, but it's fantastic.- And it's so big as well.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40- You both love entertaining, but it's important that we get the reception rooms right, isn't it?- Mmm.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- So let's see what you think of the next room.- OK.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Gosh, this is fantastic!
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Gosh, it's so big. I wasn't expecting this at all.- It's huge!
0:35:54 > 0:36:00- You'd feel like the lord of the manor living here, wouldn't you? - Look at the fireplace, gosh!
0:36:00 > 0:36:02So there's a working fire.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07Well, you've found something fantastic here, I really love this.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- It's brilliant.- I'm glad you love this room, but I've got another one now to show you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- My gosh!- It's just as big.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- And you wanted a separate dining room.- Oh, fantastic!
0:36:28 > 0:36:34I feel a bit lost for words, to be honest, because it is absolutely fantastic.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And so much wall space for my lovely landscape photographs as well.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41It's crying out for your photographs, Barry.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45It looks like we've already hit the nail on the head with this house,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48but there's still a lot more property to see.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Gosh, there's another floor.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Oh, gosh!
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Lots of goshes as we were coming up.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00So what I haven't told you is the house has four bedrooms.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04So on this landing you've got a massive bedroom there which is currently used for storage,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- another double there, and let's go through to the master.- OK.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10But, before I show you the master...
0:37:10 > 0:37:12just stick your head in there.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16That has to be the biggest airing cupboard I've seen in my life!
0:37:16 > 0:37:19But this is pretty huge too.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Oh, that's lovely.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I don't think we've got a bed big enough for there.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26We have, I've got a super king size.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28I still don't think it would look big enough.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33I mean, I can't believe the size of the rooms, they're so massive.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38- Another fantastic view, like a picture, through the window. - Yeah.- Really high ceilings,
0:37:38 > 0:37:43- even up here, so lots of space, but you probably have noticed it doesn't have an en-suite.- Right.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47So you've got the downstairs cloakroom, but on this floor you've got a family bathroom,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- plus a separate WC as well.- OK. - So let me show you that.- All right.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- Gosh, what a grand bathroom! - Oh, this is a beautiful bathroom.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03There's a shower, bath,
0:38:03 > 0:38:08- toilet, sink, everything you'd want. - This is really beautiful. - Nothing you'd have to do to that.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11And another beautiful view out through the window.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15The fourth bedroom is upstairs in the attic which has only been half-converted.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19If Niall and Barry wanted to create even more space, with planning permission,
0:38:19 > 0:38:24they could knock through to the rest of the eaves to create a really big office or art space.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28However these two are also hankering after a good garden plot,
0:38:28 > 0:38:34and this property comes with an impressive parcel of land, including a private terrace.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39This is the way to see the Peak District, with the sun shining.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44Gosh! I mean, the view is just spectacular, isn't it?
0:38:44 > 0:38:49The tiered lawn is shared, but there's a private strip of land at the bottom of the garden,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51ideal for Niall's veggie plot.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56So we've seen the house, we've seen the gardens...
0:38:56 > 0:39:00you can't fail to be impressed by that spectacular view, but... You're looking worried, Niall.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It's time, isn't it? It's that money question.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06How much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:39:06 > 0:39:12Well, that's the bit I was worried about, because I think it's probably quite a lot over our budget,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16so I'm going to have to say probably...750.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- OK. And your budget at the top was 700.- Yeah.- Barry?
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- Yes, I think it's probably 700,000 to 750,000.- OK.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27The price for this property
0:39:27 > 0:39:31is £5 short of...
0:39:31 > 0:39:33£500,000.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34My God! Whoo!
0:39:34 > 0:39:36That's fantastic!
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Yeah. 499,995.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Easy for some to say.- I can't believe that.- That's amazing.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- I mean, I'm just dumbstruck, really. - Good.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Why don't you go and have another wander around? Take as long as you like
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- and I'll catch up with you in a little while. - All right, then. Thank you. Thanks.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Well, two very smiling faces.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03They're so pleasantly surprised, but how can you not be?
0:40:03 > 0:40:08I think this is the most confident I've ever felt with a property. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12At just short of £500,000,
0:40:12 > 0:40:16they would get an enormous amount of property to the pound with this...
0:40:18 > 0:40:21And they'd have £200,000 left in their pockets.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31..over the Goyt Valley.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36Yeah, I think it'd be really interesting to be able to use this space for something.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I know at the minute we could think of an office,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41but if you imagine making some more bedrooms up here,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45you could actually increase the price of the property in the end.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50I think the fact we'd have the extra money would be a big bonus, because if there were certain projects,
0:40:50 > 0:40:52we thought, "Right, well, we'll tackle that now,"
0:40:52 > 0:40:56or maybe we'll do something that we've not really thought about initially,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58it would give us the opportunity.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03You know, I think this has got to be my favourite room. It's fantastic.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05I'd just love sitting in here.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- Look at the views out through even the mirror there.- Am I reflected? - Brilliant. Isn't it beautiful?
0:41:10 > 0:41:12I was a little worried when I first came to the front door,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15because it looked quite small, like a terrace in the middle,
0:41:15 > 0:41:21but it was deceptively spacious inside. I couldn't believe it when Nicki told us the price.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26Er...so, yeah... I do think it's a fab house.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Come on, guys! I know I said you could take as long as you liked!
0:41:31 > 0:41:36- But we really now do need to press on.- OK.- Seen enough?- Yep.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Let's keep going.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49Well, we may have already found Barry and Niall's dream Peak District pad,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53but if Niall's serious about growing his own veg, he may need a helping hand.
0:41:53 > 0:41:59So we've sent him and Barry along to Baslow Hall to meet up with kitchen-gardener extraordinaire
0:41:59 > 0:42:04and owner Derbyshire's only Michelin-starred restaurant Max Fischer.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Morning.- Morning.- How are you? Lovely to see you.
0:42:06 > 0:42:11Kitchen gardens came into prominence in the Georgian and Victorian era,
0:42:11 > 0:42:16when the owners of large country piles relied on growing their own produce to supply their estates.
0:42:16 > 0:42:22But you don't need to have a mansion or an allotment to grow your own greens.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27In fact, one of the most effective methods for producing veg, herbs and even fruit trees,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30on a small scale is to use raised beds.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Max is giving Niall a master class,
0:42:32 > 0:42:37and, apparently, once you have a timber frame, it's all down to creating the right compost.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41So what you're starting off with is brash,
0:42:41 > 0:42:46a good layer of that and that will just decompose nicely...
0:42:46 > 0:42:52The next layer is woodchip which you can buy from any good garden centre.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55A healthy dose of grass clippings goes on top of that.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Take from your own lawn if you have one.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00And you put loads on, absolutely massive. Then we've got this...
0:43:00 > 0:43:05this wonderful farmland manure which is just absolutely fantastic,
0:43:05 > 0:43:10and this is the top of it... mushroom compost,
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- but just smell that... that is just...- Mmm!
0:43:13 > 0:43:19It smells mushroomy...and a good layer of that goes on top.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24And then you just finish off with the... Get the soil on top of that.
0:43:24 > 0:43:29And you will see the raised bed will be about...
0:43:30 > 0:43:37200mm above when you've finished. And then when you start planting in early spring,
0:43:37 > 0:43:42- it'll have come down to this level here.- It'll have rotted down. - Cos you rot down, you know.
0:43:42 > 0:43:49Patience is, obviously, key, as all this will take a good few years to decompose
0:43:49 > 0:43:51and create the ultimate fertile soil.
0:43:51 > 0:43:58But the good news is it can be planted straightaway and more added in cycles through the year.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02And if you want to know how to keep the pests at bay, Max has a top tip.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06So this is where we plant marigolds. These are the French marigolds.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09It protects the crop from the insects.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14The little lovely butterflies come along and lay eggs... They won't, they'll do it on there,
0:44:14 > 0:44:17but they won't do it...cabbage in here and broccoli in here.
0:44:17 > 0:44:24And you can see there isn't one caterpillar on here and this looks very healthy and beautiful.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Max grows everything from apple trees to leeks and potatoes,
0:44:28 > 0:44:34but novices can start with easy-care crops like lettuce, herbs and courgettes.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36- Thanks very much, Max, it's been great.- Thanks for coming.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48It's time now for our final property, the mystery house.
0:44:48 > 0:44:54Now, we know these two love large reception rooms, fantastic landscapes and plenty of space.
0:44:54 > 0:44:59This house is something completely different and very unique.
0:44:59 > 0:45:05Not only is it in an ideal setting, but it also has brilliant development potential.
0:45:07 > 0:45:08For the mystery house,
0:45:08 > 0:45:10we're heading into the national park itself,
0:45:10 > 0:45:12to the village of Calver.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16It's a typically pretty limestone Peak District village,
0:45:16 > 0:45:20made even more appealing by its location on the banks of the River Derwent.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23The community is served by a handful of pubs, a church and a village hall,
0:45:23 > 0:45:27and with Froggat Edge and Curbar Edge close by
0:45:27 > 0:45:30it's a Mecca for climbing enthusiasts.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34However we're sticking to ground level with our final property
0:45:34 > 0:45:36which is a truly unique proposition.
0:45:36 > 0:45:41Built in the 1700s and situated on an outlet of the River Derwent,
0:45:41 > 0:45:45it was formerly the shuttle house for the nearby textile mill.
0:45:45 > 0:45:50It's a little house, but if they're willing to take on a project, it could be huge,
0:45:50 > 0:45:55and what's more it isn't subject to any of the stringent buying restrictions that apply
0:45:55 > 0:45:57to some of the properties in the national park.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03And here, guys, is your mystery house.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06LAUGHTER Oh, looks very different!
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- Very different.- Yeah. - It looks very small.
0:46:09 > 0:46:17It isn't big. I'm going to agree straightaway with you, because this property has a total of four rooms.
0:46:17 > 0:46:22- A total?- A total. Two of which are the bedrooms.- Right, OK.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- But it is our mystery house. - Yeah, is it a hobbit's house?
0:46:26 > 0:46:30LAUGHTER Look, there's some water there as well.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32There is some water. There's actually quite a lot of water.
0:46:32 > 0:46:37- Yeah, I know, it's a river, isn't it? - It is. Let's go down to the edge. - OK.
0:46:39 > 0:46:44As the shuttle house was purpose-built to control the flow of water from the weir to the mill,
0:46:44 > 0:46:46flooding isn't an issue here,
0:46:46 > 0:46:49and settings don't come much more scenic than this.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53So how is this for a location?
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- Well, it's a bit of a surprise yet again. Loads of surprises today. - Yeah.- Gosh!
0:46:57 > 0:47:03- Let's take you inside cos this tour isn't going to take very long. - Right, OK.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- It's a small house, but perfectly formed.- Yeah.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10And there's a real investment opportunity here too.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12But I'll reveal more on that later.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16First, I want to see what Barry and Niall make of the existing house.
0:47:16 > 0:47:21- So this is it, this is the total area for downstairs.- Mmm.
0:47:21 > 0:47:26- What you see is what you get. - Right, OK, so it's open-plan, then?
0:47:26 > 0:47:28- Completely open-plan.- Right, OK.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33Yeah, I think I've changed my mind. I think it's like a Mrs Tiggy-Winkle cottage now,
0:47:33 > 0:47:38instead of a hobbit one. It's got nice views and it's not underground or anything,
0:47:38 > 0:47:44- so I think it does have a nice atmosphere in here.- And behind you, Barry, that's the kitchen.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Which again could be updated. Functional but not huge.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- No...- But the beauty of this property is it is so unique.
0:47:53 > 0:47:58You're not going to find another cottage like this anywhere around.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01I think they are a bit bemused by this cottage.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05On the face of it, it doesn't come close to meeting any of their criteria,
0:48:05 > 0:48:10but there is a method to our madness and all will be revealed soon.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13But, before that, there's upstairs to check out.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20- That's where the original front door used to be.- Gosh!- Oh, yeah.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24Go on through. The first of the three rooms upstairs.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29- Look at the stained glass there. - Lovely touch, that!
0:48:29 > 0:48:33It is a really lovely touch, that, cos it's made this room a lot more contemporary,
0:48:33 > 0:48:38- instead of very traditional, from what you would expect.- And we have two more rooms to look at.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40Great.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45So if you have any guests or family, this would be their room.
0:48:45 > 0:48:50It's nice and sort of cottagey and small and intimate, isn't it?
0:48:50 > 0:48:55- And again dual aspect.- You've actually got two bedrooms upstairs. So this would be for your guests.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- Let me show you where you would sleep.- OK.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Through here, guys.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08- Take a peek around the door. - Oh, wow, that's a surprise!
0:49:08 > 0:49:11Cos I saw the other little door, I thought there was another room.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15- Originally, it was three bedrooms. - Mmm.- But the owner's actually made it into two,
0:49:15 > 0:49:21- so you've got a nice spacious master bedroom.- It's not a bad size of master, really, is it?- Yeah.
0:49:21 > 0:49:26- It certainly doesn't seem as hobbity now.- Less hobbity and more Mrs Tiggy-Winkle?
0:49:26 > 0:49:28Yeah, I'm sure she would be pleased!
0:49:28 > 0:49:31- Let's see what Mrs Tiggy-Winkle would think about the outside, shall we?- All right.
0:49:33 > 0:49:38I think Barry and Niall could be warming up to this quirky cottage,
0:49:38 > 0:49:41but I'm not convinced it's their dream property just yet.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44The garden could sway them. There's one third of an acre
0:49:44 > 0:49:49including a Polytunnel and veggie patch for a slice of the good life.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54However, there's something else that comes with this property which could be the persuading factor.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58This property comes with planning permission.
0:49:58 > 0:50:04Now, normally when people ask to develop and extend a house, they're allowed to do it up to 30%.
0:50:04 > 0:50:12- This house has permission to extend it up to 100%, so it's going to be double its size.- Gosh.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14Let me show you some of the plans.
0:50:14 > 0:50:19So where we're sitting... This is obviously the cottage.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23This would all be additional living accommodation, because this would be extended.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27You've got room for the car at the top, and then, at the back of the house,
0:50:27 > 0:50:33they're actually going to build two double bedrooms, plus more space downstairs,
0:50:33 > 0:50:35more living accommodation.
0:50:35 > 0:50:40Now, if you wanted to do a project like this, it would cost you over £100,000.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44So how much do you think it's currently on the market for?
0:50:44 > 0:50:47350,000.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51- OK. Niall?- Well, I mean, it is a very unusual property,
0:50:51 > 0:50:56and I would have thought the fact it is quite small at this point in time,
0:50:56 > 0:51:01- I think if you got 400... would probably be tops for it.- OK.
0:51:01 > 0:51:06It's actually on the market for £649,000.
0:51:08 > 0:51:13- Well, again, I'm not really sure what to say to that!- I'm definitely sure what not to say!
0:51:13 > 0:51:16You were just under 300 out!
0:51:16 > 0:51:21I imagine it being the sort of property that some people who really want to live by a river
0:51:21 > 0:51:23would just really fall in love with.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25I think you've hit the nail on the head.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28I think you'll have somebody will look at this house
0:51:28 > 0:51:33and it will be their dream property. But why don't you go and take another wander?
0:51:33 > 0:51:36- Catch up with you in a minute.- OK. - See you soon.
0:51:38 > 0:51:44So I think the guys were really surprised, but it is a beautiful, unique house,
0:51:44 > 0:51:46so it does have a unique price tag.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54..plus the £100,000 estimated building costs,
0:51:54 > 0:51:58this will push Barry and Niall 50,000 over their top budget.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01That's the premium you pay for a national park setting,
0:52:01 > 0:52:05not to mention a house with such extensive planning permission.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08The new floor plan would include...
0:52:10 > 0:52:13..without encroaching too much
0:52:13 > 0:52:15on the ample plot of land.
0:52:15 > 0:52:20It would be a unique house, combining contemporary and historic architecture.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22And it's the non-impacting high quality of the design
0:52:22 > 0:52:26that has secured the successful planning permission to extend,
0:52:26 > 0:52:31but I get the feeling it's going to be a project too far for them.
0:52:31 > 0:52:36I don't think I could see myself living here because I feel it might be a little bit too restrictive.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39I mean, OK, there could be an extension to the property,
0:52:39 > 0:52:43but it's just somewhere I don't really feel I would be at home.
0:52:43 > 0:52:48I quite like to look at a river, but I'm not sure I like being so close to it,
0:52:48 > 0:52:50so just looking out of the window here,
0:52:50 > 0:52:55the level of the river seems to be not much lower than the level of the floors,
0:52:55 > 0:52:59and, I don't know... I find it a bit spooky,
0:52:59 > 0:53:02and I think every time it rained I'd be feel a little bit nervous.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07- Have you seen enough, guys?- Yeah. I think we've seen enough now.
0:53:07 > 0:53:11Let's take you somewhere quiet so you can have a good discussion, gather your thoughts,
0:53:11 > 0:53:15because it's nearly time to make a final decision. Shall we hit the road?
0:53:20 > 0:53:27This is a huge move for Barry and Niall who are buying their first home together,
0:53:27 > 0:53:30and, with a couple of properties in the running, they have a lot to discuss.
0:53:31 > 0:53:36They've set the date, they've found the venue, they've even decided on the cake,
0:53:36 > 0:53:38but have we found them the perfect home?
0:53:38 > 0:53:41Well, there's only one way to find out. Let's go and ask them.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47Well, Barry and Niall, it's been a great few days here in the Peak District,
0:53:47 > 0:53:50and also being able to help you find your very first home together.
0:53:50 > 0:53:56Now, we started off with that first property just outside Whaley Bridge, near the reservoir.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00- Tell me what you thought about that. - I thought the house looked really great from the outside.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02It was quite an imposing property.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06Again the rooms inside were really good proportions,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09and it had the sort of amount of room we were actually looking for.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12I guess we were just a bit disappointed when we heard the price.
0:54:12 > 0:54:17Because really there was quite a lot of work would need to be done to bring it up to date.
0:54:17 > 0:54:22We saw a converted barn. Now, it was a rather windy day, but it didn't put us off.
0:54:22 > 0:54:28I think it was just a little bit too restricted downstairs.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32There was obviously a main living room and then just the very large dining kitchen,
0:54:32 > 0:54:34which, you know, considering the size of the property,
0:54:34 > 0:54:37I would have thought we might have had a third room downstairs.
0:54:37 > 0:54:43Now, you love Victorian properties and we took you to see a Georgian-style Victorian property.
0:54:43 > 0:54:44Tell me what you thought about that house.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48Well, I just thought it was a spectacular place.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50I mean, from the outside, it was a bit deceiving,
0:54:50 > 0:54:54but, the minute you walked in, the rooms were just breathtaking.
0:54:54 > 0:55:01The kitchen was beautifully done, the two reception rooms, both to die for, lovely.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05And knowing Niall's taste, particularly in furniture and decor,
0:55:05 > 0:55:07- I can see us just really feeling at home there.- Yeah.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11And finally our last property was the mystery house.
0:55:11 > 0:55:16And the reason we wanted to show it to you was not only was it in the most marvellous location,
0:55:16 > 0:55:17but what is difficult to get...
0:55:17 > 0:55:20if you have a property within the national park here in the Peak District,
0:55:20 > 0:55:23is planning permission.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25But what did you think about it?
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Well, I think, although it had the planning permission,
0:55:27 > 0:55:32I don't really fancy the hassle of going through all the building work,
0:55:32 > 0:55:38and obviously paying for it as well on top of the already really quite substantial price of the property.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42Can I be presumptuous and ask, will you put an offer on that Georgian-style home?
0:55:42 > 0:55:44Well, if it was up to me, I certainly would like to,
0:55:44 > 0:55:47because I think it was just the perfect place for us,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50it had all the accommodation and it had the most fantastic views.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54- I couldn't have asked for anything more. It was just perfect. - What about you, Barry?
0:55:54 > 0:55:57Yeah, I agree with Niall. I particularly loved that property,
0:55:57 > 0:56:01and, yes, I'd be very tempted to put in an offer on that one.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03All the very best with the ceremony next year.
0:56:03 > 0:56:10I want to see photographs and, even more importantly, I want to see you happy in your first home.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12We couldn't have asked for anything better,
0:56:12 > 0:56:15- so we'd hope you'd come to the housewarming. - I'd love to. Thanks, guys.
0:56:18 > 0:56:23Well, it's been a great week helping Barry and Niall find their first home together.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26And by the sound of it, we might have achieved it,
0:56:26 > 0:56:32so we wish them all the very best with their move to the country. See you next time.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35I hope the housewarming invite is in the post,
0:56:35 > 0:56:39as I'm delighted to report Barry and Niall have had their offer accepted
0:56:39 > 0:56:43on the Georgian terrace near Combs. If you want to escape to the country
0:56:43 > 0:56:46in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:56:46 > 0:56:49and need our help, please, apply online at...
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0:57:00 > 0:57:04E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk