0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today's Escape to the Country has a somewhat
0:00:04 > 0:00:06military feel about it, in more ways than one.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10The body of water behind me was once the training area for what became
0:00:10 > 0:00:13one of the most audacious airborne operations of the Second World War.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16It was based on a very simple principle,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19a child skimming a stone over the surface of the water.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21It's an incredible story,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24so stick around and I'll tell you more about it.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'In today's show,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02'I'll be helping some housebuyers who take a lot to be impressed.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:05This is the first "wow" I've heard, actually!
0:01:05 > 0:01:08'But when we go large, their responses get better and better.'
0:01:08 > 0:01:12It's big. Very big. LAUGHTER
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- That is a surprise.- First impressions, that seems good value.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Today we're in Derbyshire and this is Derwentwater
0:01:22 > 0:01:24and the mighty dam that contains it.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Back in 1943, this valley and the skies above me
0:01:28 > 0:01:31would have reverberated to the sound of RAF Lancaster bombers,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35training for what became known as the Dams Raid.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37It was daring, yet simple.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Drop a bomb from just 50 feet over the surface of the water,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45watch it skim up to the dam, sink and then explode.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Their target were a great dams
0:01:47 > 0:01:50that dominated Germany's industrial heartland, the Ruhr.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The raid itself was a fantastic success.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55It gave the country a much-needed morale boost
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and for all those involved,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00they became immortalised as The Dambusters.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Situated mainly within Derbyshire's borders
0:02:05 > 0:02:07but nudging over into neighbouring counties,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10the Peak District became Britain's first designated National Park
0:02:10 > 0:02:12back in 1951.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17The area comes with a two distinct geological landscapes.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21To the north, there are the wilder moorlands of the Dark Peak,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24which rear up, creating a rugged skyline, while in the south,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28you'll find the much gentler limestone slopes of the White Peak.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The wooded dales, pretty villages
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and network of walking trails across this part of the South Pennines
0:02:34 > 0:02:39are a huge draw for around 8.5 million visitors a year.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42One of the Peak District's most renowned locations
0:02:42 > 0:02:45is the spa town of Buxton, which has been on the map since Roman times.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48One of the great attractions for them
0:02:48 > 0:02:52was the supposed health benefits of the town's thermal springs.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55And the fine Regency and Victorian buildings in its centre
0:02:55 > 0:02:58are testament to the town's fortunes over the centuries,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01thanks to this natural resource.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04With villages and a landscape that inspired writers
0:03:04 > 0:03:06such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09it's no wonder the Peak District
0:03:09 > 0:03:12remains an appealing option for aspiring escapees.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Across Derbyshire, in general, your average detached
0:03:18 > 0:03:20will set you back £200,000.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26It's a lot of money, but £55,000 beneath the national average.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Step inside the National Park, a real hotspot,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and that figure can jump to £300,000.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35But when you're surrounded by gorgeous countryside such as this,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37can you really put a price on it?
0:03:38 > 0:03:41For just shy of £400,000,
0:03:41 > 0:03:46this two-bedroom detached stone cottage in Winster is worth a look.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Dating back to the 1650s,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50the living room holds on to its stone fireplace
0:03:50 > 0:03:52and exposed beams,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55which also run through the open plan kitchen/diner.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Outside provides a generous 1.5 acres of land
0:03:58 > 0:04:01with delightful countryside views.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Or what about this extensive four-bedroom
0:04:04 > 0:04:06stone property in Calton,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09on the market for £585,000?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12The pale oak wood of the roof beams and the wood burner
0:04:12 > 0:04:15add a warm, rustic feel to the sitting room.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18There is also plenty of space and light in the characterful kitchen.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Outside, the half-acre of grounds
0:04:20 > 0:04:23really offset the property's elevated position.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28For a budget stretching to £795,000,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30this former water mill in the Hope Valley
0:04:30 > 0:04:35has been refurbished to provide high-spec contemporary living areas.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37These include a show-stopping central island
0:04:37 > 0:04:39in the magnificent kitchen/diner
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and, of its four bedrooms,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45the spacious master has a rather luxurious en suite.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49As you can see, a glittering bag of properties on offer,
0:04:49 > 0:04:50if ever I saw one.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Let's get on and meet today's buyers
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and find out what all the fuss is about.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59David and Fiona have spent the last 15 months
0:04:59 > 0:05:01living in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04in this four-bedroom rental property with their two sons.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06The move here was just one of many over the years
0:05:06 > 0:05:09as David works for the Royal Navy, a career that has seen them
0:05:09 > 0:05:13regularly living in military housing.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16But with Fiona having recently completed a PhD,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18the couple feel that now is the perfect time
0:05:18 > 0:05:21to at last buy their own home in a rural setting.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23We want to move to the country
0:05:23 > 0:05:26essentially because we've enjoyed life here,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29we've also had a number of holidays in the Peak District.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Living in the Chilterns for a year-and-a-half has made us realise
0:05:32 > 0:05:37that we quite like the peace and quiet tranquillity.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40It's essentially trying to lead a reasonably active life,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- certainly outside of work. - Yes, yeah.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46It's about opportunities to be outside in the countryside,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48whether it's walking or bike riding,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52you're surrounded by greenery, really, isn't it?
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Despite being in rental accommodation for so long,
0:05:55 > 0:06:00they have a clear vision of what their own future home needs to give them.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04In our next property, ideally, we are looking for four bedrooms,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08but we would consider three.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10We want a detached property.
0:06:10 > 0:06:16We'd like to have a large kitchen/diner, a square lounge?
0:06:16 > 0:06:18A large, square lounge.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23We would prefer fewer rooms, but larger rooms,
0:06:23 > 0:06:24and as light as possible.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And it seems their love of bright, square rooms,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30has put them off traditional country houses.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33We're not very keen on thatched properties, are we?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Or properties that are made of wood.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41Although we like barns, we don't like wooden barns.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Probably don't like beams or olde worlde properties.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49We would go probably more for a modern, airy, roomy property.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52And outside space is important to David,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55who is after a half-acre garden,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57so he can have a kickabout with his sons.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00All this should be possible, as living in military quarters
0:07:00 > 0:07:03for over ten years has allowed them to save up a handsome amount
0:07:03 > 0:07:05for their move to the Peak District.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Our maximum budget is £700,000.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15The good news is that Fiona and David
0:07:15 > 0:07:17are in the very enviable position of being able to move
0:07:17 > 0:07:19pretty much anywhere they like in the country,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21but they have picked the Peak District,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24which for me, is a very good choice, indeed.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27But I'm somewhat concerned about their list of wants.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30The large kitchen/diner, that goes without saying,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33but they seem slightly obsessed with having square rooms,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35in particular, a square living room.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I'm just hoping they don't get bogged down in the detail
0:07:38 > 0:07:40and lose sight of the bigger picture.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Otherwise, quite frankly, I could have my work cut out.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47David and Fiona are keen for us to base their house search
0:07:47 > 0:07:50within the borders of the Peak District National Park,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54giving them access to traditional market towns, such as Bakewell.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56We've lined up three Derbyshire dwellings to show them,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58but I won't be revealing the price of each
0:07:58 > 0:08:00until they've had a guess first.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02The last property is our Mystery House
0:08:02 > 0:08:05which, if they are ready for something rather unique,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08is a magnificent proposition.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- Guys, it's lovely to see you up here in Derbyshire.- Thank you.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Over the last few years,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24you have moved goodness knows how many times, due to service life.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27That's right. We've spent quite a bit of time in Portsmouth
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and we are now at RAF Halton in the Chilterns,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32but we are looking now to move and settle down
0:08:32 > 0:08:34and lay down permanent roots.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- I bet you can't wait, Fiona? - I am quite excited, actually.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40We like this part of the world. We like the hills.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The Chilterns are beautiful, but we really like the wildness
0:08:43 > 0:08:46of this area when you get up to the moors and things.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49The good thing about being in this position is you are ready to move,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53so if we find you the perfect house today or tomorrow,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- you could be in within weeks. - Yes, we could.- Good to go.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Let's have a think about the budget.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01£700,000 is a nice sum to have,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04the best part of three-quarters of a million,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06if you think about it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Near enough.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Have you had a good look at anything up here so far?
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Not really.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16We have done some searches online
0:09:16 > 0:09:19and last summer we did view a property in the area, didn't we?
0:09:19 > 0:09:21But we weren't really serious at the time.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24So no, I wouldn't say we have looked at it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- This is the start of a good look, isn't it?- So, gloves are off?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Yes.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31We're terrified about this square living room.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33We've been searching Derbyshire high and low
0:09:33 > 0:09:35for a house with a square living room.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39But we have got, I think, three fantastic properties.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Your budget does go quite a long way up here,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44as I'm sure you will appreciate.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46The weather is with us.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48We've got some beautiful landscape to drive through.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Let's get going. - Excellent.- Follow me.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56For their £700,000 budget,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59David and Fiona would like a detached property
0:09:59 > 0:10:01which gives them large, square living rooms,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04even if it's at the expense of character.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07A generous family kitchen/diner,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09ideally four bedrooms
0:10:09 > 0:10:12and enough garden space for David to play football with the boys.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16They want it wrapped up in a rural setting in the Peak District.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23As we get our house search started,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25we're going all-out for location
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and heading close to the hillside village of Youlgrave.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Set in the heart of the National Park,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33it's home to around 500 residents
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and civic landmarks, including its marketplace and church,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39which, although it dates back to Norman times,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42was largely restored in the late 19th century.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45'Our first property is made from local stone
0:10:45 > 0:10:48'and comes in the form of a 17th century barn conversion.'
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- That looks big.- It's very big. You get everything that you can see.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56And it's peaceful. It's nice. Very interesting.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I'm interested, actually,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- to go inside and see what they've got.- Follow me.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05'This conversion is laid out in a U-shape around a central courtyard.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09'The bones of the old part are well-preserved, while inside
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'has been sympathetically designed with modern living in mind.'
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Let's start in here. Nice, cosy kitchen for you.- Yes, yeah.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I mean, it's not a massive kitchen/diner.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23The rest of the house does go on.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26There is an opportunity for a breakfast bar here.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It's hand-built, it's locally made. You've got a dishwasher in there.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Everything is integrated.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You know, it's very, very cosy.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37You've got an oil-fired range, there.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Your classic sort of country look.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Yes, no, it's very nice.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I just think it is possibly a little bit small,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46but I accept we've got quite a bit more to see.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Come and have a look at this.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Come on in.- Yep, much better.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Space.- That is lovely, yeah. - I really like this.- Terrific.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- You've got a lovely feature, there. - Yeah, that is a super feature.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04It hints at the local architecture, but actually, it's quite unusual.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It's very unusual. This is a lovely space.
0:12:06 > 0:12:12It feels light and airy and it's big enough, isn't it?
0:12:12 > 0:12:14'The stairs lead up to a mezzanine drawing room,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16'which makes impressive use of the roof space.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19'Flowing off the other end of the sitting room
0:12:19 > 0:12:22'is a further reception room with flagstone flooring.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28'This leads onto a beautiful timber-built conservatory, looking out over the courtyard.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30'Round the corner from here,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34'there's a useful office, which has stairs that lead up to a cosy snug.'
0:12:34 > 0:12:37This is a spot that the current owners
0:12:37 > 0:12:39used as a den for their children,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41who have now grown up and left home.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44They've now got a, sort of, little, impromptu dining area.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Right then, David.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49There is a corridor there, head that way.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55'The warren of bedrooms all file off this rear hallway
0:12:55 > 0:12:57'and altogether, give them four doubles,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01'enough to accommodate their two sons and visiting guests.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'There is also an attractive Victorian-style bathroom.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07'In contrast, next door is this modern high-spec shower room which,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10'in effect, gives them an en suite to the bedroom,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12'which would be theirs.'
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Come and have a look at this one. This is the current master.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20For you, size-wise at the moment, how is it?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23It's probably a little bit smaller than we're used to at the moment.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- But it's nice and airy.- Nice and airy, absolutely. I like the light.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30This door opens out into the courtyard.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32That is a very nice feature.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- And of course, you are only overlooked by you!- Yes, absolutely.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38I think it's a sufficient size, isn't it?
0:13:38 > 0:13:44- Let's pop outside and finish up and talk about the money.- OK.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- It will be interesting to see what you think of this one.- Yes.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50'This spacious property definitely gives them
0:13:50 > 0:13:54'a raft of living areas for them and their children to spread out in.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58'And it's in perfect decorative order, so no work needed.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00'Outside, there's an integrated double garage
0:14:00 > 0:14:04'and although the immediate garden doesn't give their sons
0:14:04 > 0:14:07'their football pitch, we do have a solution.'
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Effectively, what you see is what you get.- Right.- The courtyard.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14However, there is a very small little paddock.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17It is now much overgrown, but it has in its time been
0:14:17 > 0:14:21a very well-cared for vegetable plot, tennis court.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26You name it, they've used it. £70 a year is what it costs to rent it.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29It's ongoing, still let by this property.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's something you would pick up along the way.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35The nice thing about that is you're not having to buy it.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38You've got £700,000 or so to spend.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41David, what's this on the market for?
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Well, it's a gorgeous location and fairly substantial property.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47I think it's close to our upper end.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- I'd say 685.- £685,000, yeah.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Fiona?- Erm...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Yes, I was thinking a bit less, actually,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00because there is not a lot of land with it.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Erm, so I was maybe thinking 649.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- 649?- Yeah.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10This is on the market for £750,000.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13We haven't brought you here to tease you with something
0:15:13 > 0:15:15we think is out of range.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18You are cash buyers, effectively.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21They want to move and can move immediately.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25I think this is open to a very sensible period of negotiation,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27if you wanted it. Is it going to be for you?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I wonder? Go and have a look around.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38This gorgeous barn conversion is over-budget at £750,000
0:15:38 > 0:15:41but it highlights the premium paid for a large property
0:15:41 > 0:15:44in a desirable location.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47However, David and Fiona are cash buyers and could make an offer
0:15:47 > 0:15:50which reflects their strong position to move quickly.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54It provides them with a quirky mix of five reception areas,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57a high-spec, but rustic, kitchen/breakfast room
0:15:57 > 0:16:00and four double bedrooms.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02It's all wrapped up in a stunning rural setting
0:16:02 > 0:16:05within the National Park borders.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08We spent time in the village on holiday before, so we are familiar
0:16:08 > 0:16:12with the location and I don't think you can get a nicer location.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16It's really quiet, away from traffic and lovely and rural.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Overall, I like this barn conversion.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I think it's the main living area which is so large and light,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25that's the bit that sells it for me.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Other aspects, such as the kitchen, the study
0:16:27 > 0:16:31and some bedrooms, are perhaps a little bit dark and a bit small.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But the main living area is absolutely wonderful.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I really liked the old part of the property,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41which surprised me, because I usually go for modern buildings.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Ideally, I'd like a bigger kitchen
0:16:44 > 0:16:50and I would like more outdoor space, in terms of lawn.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Aha!- Hi, there.- How are we doing?
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Fine.- Yeah great, thanks.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Has this one grown a bit on you, David?- It has grown on me, yeah.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Initial reactions were slightly negative,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03but I can appreciate the setting and the space.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Good. I love it. I think it's a good one to start with,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- but we've got plenty more to see. Follow me.- Thank you.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23The Peak District's beautiful and protected landscape
0:17:23 > 0:17:26has drawn David and Fiona to spend many a happy holiday here,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29which is why they now want to make a permanent move to the area.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34Its towns and villages also have a preserved heritage of their own,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36a fine example being Bakewell,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40granted its Royal Market Charter in 1330.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Sat on the banks of the River Wye, its distinctive five-arch bridge
0:17:44 > 0:17:48dates back to the 13th century and is Grade 1 listed.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The town is also the birthplace of the traditional home-grown treat,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54the Bakewell pudding.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Earlier in the week, we arranged for David and Fiona to drop in
0:17:58 > 0:18:01on Gemma Pheasey, a local shop owner, to find out more.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- Hello!- Hi, Gemma. I'm Dave.- Hi.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- You want to know the difference between a Bakewell pudding and a Bakewell tart?- Please.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14This one is the Bakewell pudding, traditional Bakewell, the original.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Puff pastry base, a layer of strawberry jam, eggs, almond,
0:18:17 > 0:18:18sugar and butter in this one.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21And this is what we know as the Bakewell tart,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23which doesn't actually come from Bakewell.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Whereas the cherry-topped tart is now mass produced,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30the Bakewell pudding comes from far more humble beginnings.
0:18:30 > 0:18:37It's believed it was created in the 1860s by a lady called Mrs Greaves, in the kitchen of a local inn.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42The recipe features an egg mixture that was spread onto the jam, rather than mixed into the pastry.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Under Gemma's watchful eye,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47our pudding novices are about to see if they can match up
0:18:47 > 0:18:50to her high standards and make their own pudding.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54The first step is to work air bubbles out of the pastry base.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- How are we getting on?- What do you think?- I think you're perfect.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02You're both about there. You need to add it to your foil.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Then, strawberry jam is added.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Does that look all right? - That looks fine. Over the top.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09That's excellent.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13And lastly, a spoonful of the eggs, almonds, sugar and butter mixture.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Marvellous.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22So into the baking tray.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Then we'll get those baked off.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- 20 minutes, moderate oven. - 400 degrees, is it?
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- 400, yeah.- Wow!
0:19:29 > 0:19:33But as we all know, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37So there's only one way to find out if they've risen to the challenge.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Traditionally, you'd eat this warm, with cream or custard. I'm a custard girl, myself.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44To secure the identity of the Bakewell pudding,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48as originating from the area, Gemma is currently campaigning
0:19:48 > 0:19:51for it to be awarded the status of Protected Geographical Indication,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55meaning it couldn't be produced anywhere, but in the region.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Mm.- Mm.- The pastry is so light.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- I know. It tastes so good, doesn't it?- Mm.- Very sweet.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Judging by David and Fiona's reaction,
0:20:07 > 0:20:12it looks like they'll be providing a ringing endorsement once they move to Derbyshire.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Are you now Bakewell pudding fans or Bakewell tart fans?
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Bakewell pudding. - Bakewell pudding.- Excellent.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- I always love a conversion. - Mm. It's really nice.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28As our hunt continues, we're going to try and redress the issue of land
0:20:28 > 0:20:31by heading towards the village of Baslow.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Set in the Derwent Valley, Baslow's array of original stone buildings
0:20:35 > 0:20:39house some flourishing independent retailers and a choice of pubs.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Less than a ten-minute drive away, our second property
0:20:42 > 0:20:45not only gives them amazing panoramic views
0:20:45 > 0:20:47but space in abundance.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52OK, here we are. Property number two on a blustery peak.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- Yeah.- Yeah. It's very attractive.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- First impressions, it looks really nice. Yeah.- It does look attractive.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- That sort of thing does grab me and think, yeah, wow.- Ah.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07This is, this is the first "wow" I've heard, actually! Good.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09What you can see here is just a part of it.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- It's like an iceberg.- Really?
0:21:12 > 0:21:14We're going to go in via the back door
0:21:14 > 0:21:15and let us see what you make of it.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Come on.- OK.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23'The great thing about this robust house is that the modernised interior gives them the big rooms
0:21:23 > 0:21:25'and clean lines they were after.'
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Right. Come on in. Squeaky door.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34That's a nice size, isn't it?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37This is huge. Lovely flooring, as well. Super.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39You've also got a little sort of day area.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43They've got a couple of sofas in. And of course, you've got the range.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Oil-fired. That does everything. Central heating, hot water.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Granite tops. You know.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- They're beautiful, aren't they? - I really like this.- Yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54It's a very nice kitchen, yeah.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57'The enormous kitchen leads on to a separate dining room,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00'complete with a working fireplace.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03'But we'll take a look at the spacious main sitting room.'
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Now David, I'm thinking, being a football man,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09this would be a room that you'd really enjoy.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Yeah. Absolutely.- Look at the TV!
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Yes.- Surround sound already built in. - Ah.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- I think I could make myself at home. - Yeah. It's not bad, is it?
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- This is nice.- And the fire. - Multi-fuel burner there, as well.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27The conservatory we saw on the way in. This is it, here.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30And this sort of flows nicely through back to the kitchen.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34And it gives you the views that we had a glimpse of on the way in.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- It's lovely.- Really nice. - And it's nicely built.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40A mixture of wood, glass and you've got the nice texture
0:22:40 > 0:22:43of the exterior wall of the house, as well.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- It's very nice, isn't it? - I like this.- It's a good space.- OK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Looking good.- Looking good.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Are we scoring more points on this? - Definitely. I like it a lot more.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56'The property keeps on giving and there's another reception room
0:22:56 > 0:23:01'which could make a snug for the children or a study for Fiona.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03'There's also a handy cloakroom
0:23:03 > 0:23:05'tucked away off the main entrance hall.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08'The large rooms downstairs seemed to have measured up
0:23:08 > 0:23:11'to their exacting standards and the space on offer upstairs
0:23:11 > 0:23:15'shouldn't disappoint them either, as there are five bedrooms in total.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19'One is a large double and elegantly furnished,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'while another is dual aspect with a more modern decor.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'The third bedroom features a more country feel,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'while the smallest makes for a good-sized study.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'All the bedrooms have access to the large family bathroom,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'which has a quality finish and a stylish modern feel.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39'As we're about to see, the master takes things to a whole new level.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- So this is yours. Your room.- Crikey.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- That's good, yeah.- Nice size. Yeah.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Like this a lot. - Once again, three windows.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Good part of the house to have the bedroom, as well.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- You've also got an en suite, which is here.- OK.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- Now you've got to be happy in here. - Gosh! That's an en suite?!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- It's not even purple, is it? - It's not purple, no.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Wow! That could be a family bathroom, couldn't it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10In any other place, it would be, but here, it's just yours.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12That's amazing. It's lovely.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- It's lovely and light. - I like this a lot.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17So you'd be happy in your master bedroom?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Yeah. And the kitchen.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- And the living room?- Yeah. - And the conservatory?- Yes.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Yeah, very positive.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30It's big! Very big. LAUGHTER
0:24:31 > 0:24:35'And outside gets bigger, because the lawned part of the garden,
0:24:35 > 0:24:40'as I hinted earlier, is just the tip of the iceberg.'
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Now I kind of fibbed earlier when I said all you got was the garden.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Because you also get this. - Ah.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51All in, it's about 2.5 acres, this plot.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Plenty of room to kick a football around.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- You know what's coming next, don't you?- I do, yeah.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- What's going to happen now? - You're going to ask how much it's worth, Jules.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04- I am. Are you going to tell me? - I can't see this being less than £750,000.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- £750,000. Yes. - I'll go £740,000.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- You're right. You're both absolutely right to go over-budget.- Right.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16But the good news is that this has been reduced
0:25:16 > 0:25:18to just under your budget.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- Really?- This could be yours for £695,000.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- Gosh! Yeah, that is a surprise. - First impressions, that seems good value!
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- Yeah.- I would say so.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Go back inside and figure out what you are going to do
0:25:31 > 0:25:34with all this new space we've found you.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Ah, happy days!
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I do love it when a plan comes together.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Under budget at £695,000,
0:25:45 > 0:25:50our second property gives them acres of house and land.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Along with four possible reception rooms,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56the kitchen/diner is of a size and style that Fiona loved.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Amongst its five bedrooms,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01the master comes with a fabulous en suite and let's not forget,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04they get 2.5 acres of land -
0:26:04 > 0:26:07plenty of space for football practice!
0:26:07 > 0:26:08The kitchen was "wow", actually.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14It was even bigger than I could have imagined and beautifully done,
0:26:14 > 0:26:19lots of windows, lovely granite worktops, beautiful flooring.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Very impressive. Really liked that. I could see us eating there.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26The layout works. It seems to flow from room to room.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28There's a separate dining area.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31The main living room is great, it's got a surround sound system
0:26:31 > 0:26:34so you could play movies there and then going upstairs,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36there is plenty of space up there for everyone.
0:26:36 > 0:26:42This seems a lot of house for the money and from the sight we had, it seems very good value.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Now, would I be sticking my neck out
0:26:45 > 0:26:49if I said that this property had really touched a nerve with you two?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51It's very close to what we're looking for, isn't it?
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It's captured our imagination, yeah.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56In many ways, it's exactly what we are looking for.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- So have we done it? Do we need look any further? - No, we've got the Mystery House!
0:26:59 > 0:27:02We have got the Mystery House, yes! Come on, then.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15As the evening draws in over the countryside,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31After renting in military quarters for over ten years,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35David and Fiona want to up sticks from their temporary home in Buckinghamshire
0:27:35 > 0:27:39and put down permanent roots with their two sons in rural Derbyshire.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42The two properties we've seen so far
0:27:42 > 0:27:46have highlighted their preference for clean lines and square rooms.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49So it's a real gamble as to whether the quirks and character
0:27:49 > 0:27:52of our mystery house will pay off.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- And I like the beams. - Yey! Happy days. Right.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59'And I hop aboard some historic transport from days gone by.'
0:27:59 > 0:28:02BELL RINGS
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Our first day of house-hunting was definitely a game of two halves,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12two very different properties and two very different reactions.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14As David said when we left the second property,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16there is one more to come.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20It's Mystery House time. What, I wonder, will they make of this?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24If you didn't like the Mystery House,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27would you go back and have another look at property number two?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Yes, we would.- Definitely, yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33And I think we'd come back up again in the next couple of weeks
0:28:33 > 0:28:37and bring the boys up and look round the local area, because they we don't know that area.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42Let's hope that our Mystery House also encourages you to come and have another look at it.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46You never know, we might just throw a spanner in the works.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56We're travelling to the Peak District village of Parwich,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59a gorgeous location, with limestone cottages and a church
0:28:59 > 0:29:00set around the village green.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04And it's just a stone's throw from the glorious Derbyshire hills.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07David and Fiona said they wanted modern, spacious, square rooms
0:29:07 > 0:29:10with outside space, in a rural setting.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13But for our mystery house, we're turning things on their head
0:29:13 > 0:29:16as it's a traditional property
0:29:16 > 0:29:19with only a small front garden, set right in the middle of the village.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Nevertheless, I think this could make a grand impression.'
0:29:22 > 0:29:27- Come and see what we've got as our Mystery House.- Wow!
0:29:27 > 0:29:31That's beautiful. That's a beautiful looking property, isn't it?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- Absolutely gorgeous. - Isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36This is a real historic gem.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40It's all been done, there's nothing you need to do to it.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43The community centre is over there, that's just been finished.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45This community is very much alive and kicking
0:29:45 > 0:29:48and this property is in the middle of it.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- It's lovely.- A beautiful location. It looks nice.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54What we haven't got our acres. That's the garden.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59But we've got the village green and the rest of the Peak District on your doorstep.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02I can't wait to show you this one. Come on, have a look.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05'This 18th Century farmhouse is listed is Grade II listed
0:30:05 > 0:30:08'with plenty of character and traditional quirky features.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11'But David and Fiona have really taken to the exterior.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15'So let's see if we can keep up the momentum inside.'
0:30:15 > 0:30:16Come on in, Fiona.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- Grab the door, David.- Lovely.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Yeah?- Yeah, that's nice, actually. I do like that.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27The fridge is behind that purpose-built cupboard.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Everything in here has been hand-made. It's a nice, solid wood kitchen.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33You've got a wood burner in the corner
0:30:33 > 0:30:36and a little every day dining area there.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Our table would fit lovely there, our kitchen table.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- I think that's nice, actually. - Nice and simple, but very tasteful.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47'Great responses. So time to check out the utility room.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- This, I think, is quite exciting. - Yeah.- There aren't many like this.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- That's an amazing utility, actually. - Isn't it just?- Yeah.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- It's as big as the kitchen, almost! - It's great, isn't it?
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- That is another kitchen, basically, isn't it, really?- Yeah.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- And I like the beams!- Happy days!
0:31:05 > 0:31:11'Happy days indeed, and those beams continue back through the kitchen in the formal dining room.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16'But next, we'll take a look at the main reception room on the other side of the hallway.'
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Lovely hallway. We're going to go up those stairs in a moment.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22But this is, I don't know, serene, I think.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- That's nice.- Really nice. - Another lovely fireplace.- Yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30My fear was that, based on our first property,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33would this be a bit too historic?
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- No, I don't think so.- Not the way it's presented and how it looks.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It's been presented incredibly tastefully.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43'The regular Georgian proportions of the sitting room
0:31:43 > 0:31:45'have measured up to their expectations.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49'That sense of historic grandeur continues upstairs
0:31:49 > 0:31:53'in the four bedrooms which are spread out over two floors.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'First stop, the master.'
0:31:55 > 0:31:58OK. This is the main bedroom.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- OK.- Wow!
0:32:00 > 0:32:04You've got four to choose from, but this is currently the owner's bedroom.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08There's a door over there, which leads to an enormous walk-in wardrobe.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- Right.- Twenty-something feet of hanging space and all that.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16'And the ensuite comes with a splash of luxury.'
0:32:17 > 0:32:22- It's 'wow', isn't it?- That's big enough, isn't it?- It's very elegant.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- Yeah.- Yes, absolutely. Yeah, I really like that.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- This really works, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'Also on this floor is a good sized double bedroom,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34'which also has a beautifully furnished shower room.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38'On the next level, there's another palatial double room with a bathroom next door,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42'as well as a fantastic fourth room, which makes great use of the roof space.'
0:32:44 > 0:32:47So this is the very top. Now, what about this?
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- OK. Wow!- Yeah?- Yes.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- That's interesting, isn't it? - Lovely and spacious.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- So how's our mystery house doing? - Very well, actually. Very well.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- Thumbs up, so far. It's good. It really is.- Good.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'Our historic mystery house has worked its magic,
0:33:05 > 0:33:10'but the rub comes outside, as the garden doesn't serve up enough space for a football pitch.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14'However, along with the stone built garage across the road,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16'there's a two storey barn to throw into the mix,
0:33:16 > 0:33:19'which they could convert into a great play space for the children
0:33:19 > 0:33:23'or use as a separate dwelling with the right planning consent.'
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Our Mystery House appears to have hit the spot.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Yeah, really like this. - It's caused confusion, I think, now.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Good. That's a good thing. Choice is a great thing.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35So let's have a think about the money, then.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39It's our final price guess of our property search.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Fiona. £700,000 is what you've got to spend.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45I can't see it being within our budget,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49but I don't believe you'd go too far over.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Erm...
0:33:51 > 0:33:56- I'm going to guess 725.- 725.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- I'll go 730.- 730.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- You just got a PhD, didn't you? - I did, yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05And you're right.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- On the nail?- £725,000.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- How about that?- Excellent.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12It was worth studying, wasn't it?
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- "Offers in the region of...", obviously.- Right.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18But to be frank, even if you had to go that little bit over,
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I think this is a property you could spend the rest of your lives in
0:34:21 > 0:34:27quite happily and get your feet into a fantastic community, here.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- It's super, actually, isn't it?- Yeah. - This is a real-life star, I think,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- given where we are.- Yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35And you haven't seen all of it yet!
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Although our Mystery House is currently priced
0:34:41 > 0:34:44over their budget at £725,000,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47the vendor is open to lower offers
0:34:47 > 0:34:50and let's remember that our couple can move quickly.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53It gives them spacious reception rooms with lovely Georgian features,
0:34:53 > 0:34:58a kitchen/diner with an equally large utility room,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01four double bedrooms with a fantastic master en suite
0:35:01 > 0:35:05and while it may not have the football pitch garden they wanted,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07it does give them a separate barn, which has huge
0:35:07 > 0:35:11development potential, if they can get the right planning permission.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14The layout of the rooms is terrific, actually.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16The way the kitchen moves to the utility
0:35:16 > 0:35:19and then moves to the dining room, I think, is really practical
0:35:19 > 0:35:24and functional and I think all the rooms are a good size.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Dave and I don't usually go for older properties
0:35:26 > 0:35:30but looking at this one... The exterior is full of character
0:35:30 > 0:35:34and on the interior, it's full of character, but also pretty modern.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36And it's been modernised in keeping with the building,
0:35:36 > 0:35:38so it's really attractive.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Overall, the Mystery House has given us a lot to think about.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Yeah, I liked it a lot, I really did.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49These are some of the original deeds that relate to this house
0:35:49 > 0:35:51and this set are dated 1834.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56- Wow!- The owner left them out. I just found them. Aren't they fascinating?
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Excellent.- They could be yours one day, if you buy it!
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- That would be good. - Lots to think about, eh?
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Let's go and put these somewhere safe and get out of here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Situated high on the edge of the peaks,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20overlooking the Derwent Valley,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23this lofty location is perhaps not the first place
0:36:23 > 0:36:26you'd expect to see street trams in service.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30But this is the site of the National Tramway Museum in Crich,
0:36:30 > 0:36:35which holds over 70 trams, spanning 150 years,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38and is one of the largest collections anywhere in the world.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Earlier in the week, I paid it a visit
0:36:40 > 0:36:43to find out more about this wonderfully nostalgic
0:36:43 > 0:36:47mode of transport from the museum's curator, Glynn Wilton.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Give me a potted history, if you can, of the tram.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Sadly, for many of us today, we no longer see it on our streets
0:36:53 > 0:36:57but here you can tell the story from beginning to end.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01You can. The tram was a response to a big social problem.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05The Industrial Revolution had brought people from agriculture to inner-city
0:37:05 > 0:37:10but that caused massive overcrowding and disease, so they needed a form of transport
0:37:10 > 0:37:15so that they could build houses further afield and move people in.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- Is that where this horse-drawn version comes in?- That's right.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23Because, of course, in those days, horse-drawn transport was the only means. Horse power was it.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28In order to be able to pull more people with fewer horses,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33to make more money, you would lay steel rail on the floor, which meant it was more efficient,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36because the roads then weren't tarmacked, they were rough.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40'Britain's first permanent street tramway was opened
0:37:40 > 0:37:43'in Birkenhead in 1860
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'by an American aptly-named, George Train.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'The Edwardian era saw a boom in the building of electrified
0:37:49 > 0:37:52'tram routes in towns and cities throughout Britain,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56'so that by 1910, more than 300 tram networks had been created.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01'However, the two World Wars brought a halt to further growth
0:38:01 > 0:38:05'and by the 1950s, tram travel had been replaced by buses.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09'But the passion for restoring these beautiful vehicles is alive and well
0:38:09 > 0:38:12'among the 200 volunteers working behind the scenes here,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14'one of whom is Ian Ross.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Nice to see you. - Good morning. Hello.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- This is an absolute beauty, isn't it?- It is.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23How long has it taken you to restore this to what we can see now?
0:38:23 > 0:38:28We are working now in the seventh year of a five-year project.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Some of it, really, has been trying to source
0:38:31 > 0:38:33materials and suppliers,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36to produce the sort of finish that we want.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39What is it about trams that makes you want to give up your free time?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42I'm enjoying it and having the chance to work
0:38:42 > 0:38:44on something like this must be fantastic.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47I think it goes back a very long way with me.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51I grew up in London and when I was very young,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53the trams in London were still running.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57This is a London tram. We've got Hammersmith, Brentford, Twickenham, Hampton
0:38:57 > 0:38:59and Hampton Court advertised on the side.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01That's right.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04The trams I rode on, unfortunately, were not as elegant as this one.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08But the detail on this is absolutely beautiful, isn't it?
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- It seems a bit over-the-top for a bus, effectively.- Yes.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17This company, which started around about 1900,
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- ran their trams on the west side of London.- The posh end.- The posh end.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25And so they went for a very elegant tram, both on the outside
0:39:25 > 0:39:28and on the inside.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- I mean, it's like a royal train, isn't it?- Yes.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35'Back in 1914, tram operators across the London area
0:39:35 > 0:39:38'made up the largest tram network in Europe.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42'Since the 1990s, there has been a renewed interest in use of trams
0:39:42 > 0:39:44'as a way of solving traffic problems and pollution,
0:39:44 > 0:39:50'showing this historic means of transport still resonates in the modern age.'
0:39:50 > 0:39:52BELL RINGS
0:39:52 > 0:39:55But now, time to return to our house buyers
0:39:55 > 0:40:00and see if they are on board with any of our properties.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06As you've probably noticed, I love house hunting here in Derbyshire.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09This week we've had the chance to show Fiona and David, I think,
0:40:09 > 0:40:11three very strong properties.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15When we left the Mystery House, David himself said that he was a little bit confused.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18So have they managed to resolve the wrangle, I wonder?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Let's go and ask them.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- So, Derbyshire. Still on the cards? - Absolutely.- Yes.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Let's remind ourselves of the properties we showed you.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Property one, now you've had a chance to mull it over, what do you think of that one?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39The big living area was really nice.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Probably the nicest of the three properties.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45But as we transited through, it seemed to work less for us.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Too many small, little rooms.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52I think I'd agree with that. It didn't suit our purposes, really.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Our second property was a different proposition.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58You wanted views, you wanted height. We certainly had that.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00We were both taken with that, weren't we?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03What surprised us was how spacious it was.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05If anything, bigger than something we really wanted
0:41:05 > 0:41:07but left us feeling, yeah, we could live there.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- And that kitchen?- That was amazing, actually. That kitchen was enormous.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15It was really nicely finished. I liked that.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- When we left there, I thought, that's it.- So did we!
0:41:17 > 0:41:20We were very taken with it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22I think you said, quite rightly, David,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25that the Mystery House would have a lot to compete with.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- So how did the Mystery House do? - It competed.- It certainly did.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Yes, I mean, I think it would be our favourite, wouldn't it?
0:41:31 > 0:41:35I like that has a lot. Comparing the Mystery House to property two,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38it made us realise how much we would probably prefer
0:41:38 > 0:41:41to live in a village, so the location became more important
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and property three, or the Mystery House,
0:41:44 > 0:41:49the property itself was very nice, so the two combined together. I think that's what edged it for us.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53And on top of tremendous living accommodation,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56there's the potential with the barn, the future possibilities there.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00Well, yeah, the possibilities there are many and various.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03In terms of extending your living space, it offers a lot of scope.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05What happens next?
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I think we going to go back and have a second viewing
0:42:08 > 0:42:10of the mystery property and consider that seriously.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- That is definitely our preferred property out of the three.- Good.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Guys, you've been an absolute pleasure. Best of luck.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Let us know how you get on.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23I hope to see you in the Mystery House in the not-too-distant future.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Thank you. Thanks very much.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33You know, when we first met Fiona and David
0:42:33 > 0:42:36we learnt that this move had been some ten years in the making.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39A decade of dreaming about living here in Derbyshire.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Now with any luck, they are just that little bit closer
0:42:42 > 0:42:47to turning those hopes and aspirations into a reality.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50All in all, I think it's turned out rather well.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52I'll see you next time.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56Although David and Fiona really liked the mystery property,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59in the end, they decided the balance of a large house
0:42:59 > 0:43:01with a smaller garden wasn't quite right for them,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05so their house hunt in the Peak District continues.
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