0:00:02 > 0:00:0480 years ago, this brooding plateau behind me
0:00:04 > 0:00:05was the scene of a huge protest
0:00:05 > 0:00:10which led to the birth of the Right to Roam movement in Britain.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47On today's show, I'll be helping a couple buy their first house together in the countryside.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50At the start, we have grimaces over taste issues.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It's rendered, and I have a distrust
0:00:52 > 0:00:56or a concern about what rendering hides.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58'But later on, their faces are a picture.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Look at you. "Ching!" It's like it belongs to you already!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Today, we're in the Peak District and behind me is Kinder Scout,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12which is the highest point in the moorland
0:01:12 > 0:01:19and also this was where in 1932, 400 people gathered for a mass trespass.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24They were angry at the local landowners who would not let them walk on their land.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Five of them ended up in jail,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30but their action did lead to the formation of the Right to Roam movement
0:01:30 > 0:01:32and eventually to the creation of the national parks,
0:01:32 > 0:01:38the first of which was this one, the Peak District, formed in 1951.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44I'll be looking at conservation projects on this beautiful hillside later in the show.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47But take a look at some of the other great things in this area.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Three-quarters of the Peak District National Park
0:01:50 > 0:01:52falls within the county of Derbyshire,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56which itself forms part of the East Midlands region.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Spanning an area of 555 square miles,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02it's visited by 10 million people a year
0:02:02 > 0:02:06who come to experience the Peak District's dramatic landscape
0:02:06 > 0:02:09which varies from remote grit-stone moorland
0:02:09 > 0:02:10to undulating pastures
0:02:10 > 0:02:14ring-fenced by a patchwork of dry stone walls.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20The countryside here is complemented by an array of historic market towns
0:02:20 > 0:02:24such as Ashbourne, whose affluence during the Georgian era
0:02:24 > 0:02:25is still visible to this day
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and counts over 200 listed buildings to its name.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The 18th-century architectural jewel in the crown, though,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36has to be Chatsworth House.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Built in the Palladian style,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41it remains the historic home to the Dukes of Devonshire
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and is one of England's finest stately residences.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Let's talk prices.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52If you're looking at Derbyshire which is the largest of the counties in the Peak District,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54then the news is pretty good.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56The average price for a detached house here
0:02:56 > 0:02:58is £197,000,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01That's £58,000 less than the national figure.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But looking at the Peak District as a whole,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06a very beautiful part of the country,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08then it's a bit more pricey.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14Realistically, a detached house here is going to be upward and above £400,000,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16particularly around areas like Bakewell.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Although if you drop further south to Ashbourne and Matlock,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21that premium does drop away.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25So a great variety of prices and also of property styles.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28This three-bedroomed cottage in Bakewell
0:03:28 > 0:03:31could be yours for £295,000.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Dating back to the 19th century,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36it has been sympathetically modernised throughout
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and a conservatory added.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41This robust four-bedroomed stone house in Buxton
0:03:41 > 0:03:45is priced at £365,000.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Its cosy living room benefits from the rustic warmth of a woodburner
0:03:49 > 0:03:54and it has a modern light oak bespoke kitchen.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57With all that variety, you can see why it's a popular place to live.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02But let's meet the couple who are hoping to make the Peak District their home.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Graphic designer Gary, and Hannah, a pharmacist,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09live in the town of Stockport, six miles from Manchester city centre.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13It was an internet dating site that brought them together.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17I approached him because I wouldn't have fit his criteria on age.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20He's my toy boy - only just!
0:04:20 > 0:04:22I'd decided to join for a trial period
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and it was the best £35 I ever spent!
0:04:25 > 0:04:28I think he's a bargain at the price.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31I decided to keep him after his warranty ran out, as well.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- That's good.- Onto a good thing.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37They've now been together eight years
0:04:37 > 0:04:39yet have always lived apart.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41However, with the cats in tow,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45they're now ready to commit to buying their first home together.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48We're definitely convinced that we're compatible.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- That's nice.- So we thought it might be as good a time as any
0:04:53 > 0:04:55to make a new start, as it were.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00It didn't take them long to decide on the area they want to call home.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04We chose the Peak District cos we spend a lot of time, really,
0:05:04 > 0:05:10when the weather's nice, over there walking and eating and visiting friends who live there.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11It's a very pretty part of the world
0:05:11 > 0:05:15and we'd like to move to somewhere more peaceful.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- Definitely.- Semi-rural. Somewhere we can see ourselves relaxing
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and spending our dotage together.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23And it'll be nice for the cats, too.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27There's one historic Derbyshire home that holds a special place in their hearts.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Chatsworth House.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- In fact...- That's where we spent our first day together.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35We did. Our first proper full day together at Chatsworth.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37That's where we took that picture.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- So it's got a special significance for us.- Yeah.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Despite their romantic associations with the area,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47they're also pragmatic about location.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52We do have to keep an eye on the commuting side of things for our respective jobs.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56We don't want to go too far away from places like Manchester,
0:05:56 > 0:06:01so ideally we're looking at that nearest edge of the Peak District.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03When it comes to the ideal property,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Hannah has a very fixed vision of the creative scope it needs to give her.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I find it difficult in my head
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to look at a property that's finished
0:06:13 > 0:06:17and it doesn't have the option for me to stamp myself on it
0:06:17 > 0:06:19and make it perhaps more than it is.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24So it would be really nice to have a place that had that kind of potential
0:06:24 > 0:06:27for improvement or expansion.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31As for Gary, he's excited by the chance to do some serious star gazing.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I've spent most of my life, I reckon,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38every now and then just being caught by the night sky.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I'll be walking along at night and look up
0:06:40 > 0:06:44and then be mesmerised by the amount of stars that you could see.
0:06:44 > 0:06:51I remember once I had a lovely holiday with Hannah in a place where there were no street lights
0:06:51 > 0:06:55and it was so dark that I could see so much detail at night.
0:06:55 > 0:07:01I started to think I'd love to be able to walk out of a place where we're living
0:07:01 > 0:07:04and be able to see this all the time.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08However, their wish list goes further than just wanting a house for them.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11It would be brilliant if there was an outbuilding or garage
0:07:11 > 0:07:16or, I don't know, some kind of...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19set-up where we could possibly do something up
0:07:19 > 0:07:21and then it would be suitable to rent to walkers.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25In the long term, that might be a nice retirement idea.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- Yeah.- To fund our retirement.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Our property search takes into account
0:07:38 > 0:07:40their desire to be in the Peak District.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42But that they also need good road access
0:07:42 > 0:07:44into Manchester for Hannah's work.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46We're all meeting up in the area
0:07:46 > 0:07:49to get a further insight into what it is they're after.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51This is a lovely spot.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Very nice. Welcome to the Peak District.- Thank you.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58In terms of the property, cos we know a lot about the two of you,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01what's the spec for the property you're looking for?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03We're looking for something with a lot of character.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Detached, hopefully.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Two to three bedrooms.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11So if it has two, maybe there's scope for three bedrooms.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13And hopefully the same for reception rooms.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16So two to three reception rooms?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Yes.- What are you looking for there?
0:08:18 > 0:08:23Room for him to work from home. So a room you can use as a study.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And a dining room, hopefully, cos we like to entertain.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27And then a sitting room.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31There was talk about a holiday let. Is that serious?
0:08:31 > 0:08:36Probably quite serious because we're either thinking that my job is,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39being freelance, it's sometimes busy, sometimes not.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44So it's nice to have something you can add on, just in case there's quiet times of the year.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48And you are choosing to live in quite an expensive area
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- cos you want to be commutable into Manchester.- Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54And the Peak District is very desirable.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Presumably you don't want to live in some of the less desirable bits.- No.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- True!- So what is your budget for this grand move?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- Probably about 500.- OK.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Very maximum.- We've found some beautiful properties
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and they are waiting for your visit.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- So come with me.- Lovely.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15With a top-end budget of £500,000,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Gary and Hannah would like a character home.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Although they need good road links to Manchester,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32they're also keen to enjoy a rural lifestyle
0:09:32 > 0:09:36so having the Peak District on their doorstep is vital.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I'll be showing them three properties that meet that brief
0:09:40 > 0:09:41but I'll keep them guessing about the price
0:09:41 > 0:09:43until the end of each tour.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Lastly, there's our mystery house,
0:09:45 > 0:09:50which, if they're willing to go the distance, delivers a tempting proposition.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57We're starting our property journey in the small village of Biggin
0:09:57 > 0:09:59in the south of the Peak District.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02This quiet farming village is served by a local pub
0:10:02 > 0:10:05and has a church built back in the Victorian era.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's popular walking terrain
0:10:07 > 0:10:11as it lies close to a local route known as the Tissington Trail.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Surrounded by countryside,
0:10:12 > 0:10:17our first property started life as two 19th-century workers' cottages.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Here it is. House number one.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24What are your first impressions?
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Not many!- It's rendered,
0:10:28 > 0:10:33and I have a distrust or a concern about what rendering hides.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Yep.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43- Apart from that, I can see under the rendering, and I like the lintels around the windows.- Yes.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- So this is a footpath past the front of the house.- Mm-hmm.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- But you do have privacy at the back.- OK.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52And in true country style, we're going to go in the back.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55OK. OK, fair enough.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- This way.- Thank you.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00'Although that was a stony first reaction from Hannah,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03'as we move to the rear of the property to explore inside,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06'the authentic bones of the house are revealed,
0:11:06 > 0:11:07'which should reassure them.'
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Come on in.- Thank you.- If you close the door behind you, Gary.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Keep in the warm cos it's a chilly day out there.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Certainly is.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20And this is the kitchen. What are your thoughts about this space?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's probably quite workable, really.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Yeah, it's OK.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28So we came in through the little back porch
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and then there's the double garage we saw from the outside,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36which is an office and they've turned it into a big boot room
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- with tumble drier, washing machine and all that stuff.- Mm-hmm.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Useful for the cats. - Yes, definitely.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45What about the inside? What do you feel about the inside?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Gary?
0:11:47 > 0:11:51I'm thinking how nice and cosy it is, actually.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53The cosiness continues through here.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58This is the older part of the property.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02This is the early 19th-century part.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- This is the separating wall put in between the two cottages.- Uh-huh.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- It's really thick, isn't it?- So you've got two reception rooms
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- mirroring each other.- Uh-huh.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Both with fireplaces.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15This one is a gas effect, and this one is a real one.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Mm-hmm.- Right.- OK.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I think this would lend itself to a dining room, cos it's off the kitchen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25And that a sitting room which it's laid out as. So, yeah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27What about you, Gary? What are your thoughts?
0:12:27 > 0:12:32I like the flow through from the back of the house,
0:12:32 > 0:12:33through the kitchen and into here.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37I'll give you a chance to explore downstairs later on.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Let's have a peek upstairs. Lead the way, Gary.- Thank you.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43It's this way.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46'Upstairs provides the three bedrooms they asked for,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48'which include a spacious double room
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'and a light single, along with a bright family bathroom.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55'But let's see what they make of where they would sleep.'
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- This is the biggest of the three bedrooms that you wanted.- OK.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- We did indeed.- This is the biggest. - OK.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It's got these great big deep windows
0:13:04 > 0:13:08and the window seats, in common with both the bedrooms on this side.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Very pretty. A nice feature.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13And with a nice view, too, by the look of it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- You can lie in bed and look over the dry stone walls.- Very good.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21So that's everything inside. Let's have a peek outside.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26'Although they've been very quiet during our tour,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30'I'm hoping we'll get some positive noises when we see the outside space.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32'Along with two acres of paddock
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'giving them stunning rural views,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37'the immediate gardens are pleasantly landscaped
0:13:37 > 0:13:39'and have a useful potting shed
0:13:39 > 0:13:42'and a summer house for relaxing in. What's more,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'it gives them the development potential they're after.'
0:13:45 > 0:13:49You have this very substantial stone-built building
0:13:49 > 0:13:52which they've converted into a three-stall stables.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- OK.- You could do all sorts of things.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01If you were serious about wanting to open a B&B or a holiday let,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- that would be...- That would lend itself nicely.- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I like that they're separate from the house
0:14:07 > 0:14:12and probably wouldn't encroach too much on the privacy of this little bit.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13So that would work quite well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16OK. So we know what's involved.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17How much do you think it costs?
0:14:17 > 0:14:21I would probably think towards the top of the budget
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- so I'd say about 475.- OK.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26While we were walking around, I was going with 450 initially,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30but now you mention the paddock and the space around it,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I'd go nearer 475, too, yeah.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- So both top of your budget. - Probably.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Well, this is on the market for, brace yourselves,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44499,950.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- OK.- So this is the top of your top budget.- OK.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- So that wouldn't really leave anything for converting it.- No.- No.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Armed with that fact, have a stroll round.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I'd like you to look at the extension,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00which we didn't look at, and also look in the stables.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- They're pretty substantial. - Yeah.- OK.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Fair enough.- You're suddenly looking very serious and business-like!
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- So you head in and I will see you out the front.- OK.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Thank you.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Our first house falls within their £500,000 price bracket.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19But it's a stark reminder
0:15:19 > 0:15:22that finding outbuildings in a sought-after area
0:15:22 > 0:15:24is going to put pressure on their budget.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28However, this character cottage does give them two reception rooms
0:15:28 > 0:15:30and three bedrooms, as they requested,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33as well as that outbuilding which is ripe for conversion,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35subject to planning consent.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Besides an attractive garden, they also get two acres of land
0:15:39 > 0:15:41all wrapped up in a desirable location
0:15:41 > 0:15:44in the heart of the Peak District.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Wow! So...two decent-sized units
0:15:48 > 0:15:52if we were going to... But it would take quite a bit of money.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- We'd have to...- Quite a lot of converting to do
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- to make it work as a let.- Yes.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59When I walked up to the front of the house,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I thought it was quite austere-looking
0:16:02 > 0:16:05but when I walked to the back,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I thought that was a much more pleasing aspect.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Some of the rooms are a bit small.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Smaller than I'm used to.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Realistically.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I do think it's nice and it has a nice feel about it.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I'm just not sure it's for me.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24My first impression was quite favourable.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Despite the mist, I was thinking the location looks attractive.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I could just about make out the hills rolling around.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33It just looks like a nice place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Guys? Ah, there you are.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- All done?- Yep. Thank you.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41So this house is wrapped.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43We're going to head on to house number two.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- OK.- Follow me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02For our second property, we're staying in the Peak District
0:17:02 > 0:17:04however we're just edging into Staffordshire
0:17:04 > 0:17:07as we make our way to the small village of Sheen.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09En route to the property,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12I'm taking our buyers to the larger community of Hartington
0:17:12 > 0:17:16which would be their closest pit-stop for everyday conveniences.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19This renowned Peak District village is one our buyers particularly love
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and it's easy to see why
0:17:22 > 0:17:27with its charming village green, a duck pond, pub and a cheese shop
0:17:27 > 0:17:31where we're stopping off for a chat with co-owner Clare Milner.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35You're running the cheese shop. It's got a history of cheese, this village.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Yes. Cheese has been made here since 1862.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43This was the original creamery, and just down the back is a huge cheese factory.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46What would you say are the best things about living here?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49The community atmosphere. Everyone's lovely. Everyone knows everybody.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52They look out for each other. There's plenty to do.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Good pubs, which is very important.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Are they friendly to people coming in from the outside?
0:17:56 > 0:18:00No problem mixing at all, especially if you get down the local pub, you'll be fine!
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- Thank you. Good luck with your cheese.- Thank you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- Next time we come by...- You'll be able to try some.- Very good.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12- Thank you very much.- No problem. - Bye, ladies.- Thank you! Bye!- Bye!
0:18:12 > 0:18:16A couple of miles down the road in Sheen, we find our second property,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19a former coach house dating back to the 1800s.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It comes with a detached garage and a long sweeping driveway.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- So, quite a grand approach, you'll have to agree.- Yes, indeed.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- To our second property.- OK.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34What are your first impressions of this one?
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- Better.- Better.- Yeah.- Better. - Phew.- More interesting.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Yes.- I like the original part of it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- This is a listed building.- Really?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- So it's...- Grade II listed.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48But there are outline plans?
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- There are plans to extend for a second garage.- OK.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56It doesn't disappoint at all. It's an interesting looking building.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58If you took the garage away, or did something,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01I think it's got potential. I can see beyond that. But that looks nice.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Let's get inside.- Good. That's what we're going to do.- Good!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Come on.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10'Let's embrace Hannah's gusto and press on inside.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13'It's worth considering whether instead of a second garage,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'they could seek planning permission for a self-contained holiday let
0:19:16 > 0:19:19'to sit alongside the main house.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Come straight into this room.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Right. OK.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27You wanted a bit more space.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29There's definitely a lot more space, isn't there?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Yes, that's nice.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Looking at the beams and some of the features already.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41It's quite a lot to take in in one room, really.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- Very nice.- Very nice.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Let's check out the other reception rooms across the hall.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49So this is obviously one room.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53It goes straight through into here. I'll pull you into here.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Yes, this works really quite nice as well.- It does.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01They're all good size, very similar to what I have at home.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Yep.- Good. Well, you wanted to transfer.- Indeed.- There you go.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- Nice.- What's lovely is the sliding doors that slide back into the wall.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- A log burner there. That's a real fire.- That's nice, yeah.- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Through here into the kitchen.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22It's a different shape from the one before.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Yes.- It works.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Yeah.- Yep.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29There's a utility room through here and an old butler sink.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Downstairs has the three reception rooms you asked for.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Nice and spacious.- Absolutely.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- And upstairs has four bedrooms.- OK.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44One of the big features is this amazing stone staircase.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45It's wonderful.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50'And you can't ask for a grander way to approach your sleeping quarters than this.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54'The four bedrooms upstairs consist of a bright, spacious double,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57'with another set up as a day room.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00'There's also a good sized single with built-in storage.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02'And a well-presented bathroom.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05'But we're taking a look at where they could be sleeping.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:08This is the one they're using as the master bedroom.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Uh-huh.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Yes, good size.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18It doesn't have an en suite, but on both sides of this room
0:21:18 > 0:21:19- it's void.- OK.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23So you could put in built-in wardrobes there
0:21:23 > 0:21:25or, there's a water source over there
0:21:25 > 0:21:27so you could put an en suite in.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Yes.- So, plenty of space.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Yep.- More spacious.- Yes, indeed.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Let's look outside.- OK.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38'This property does give generously on the insides
0:21:38 > 0:21:40'and from the rear, it certainly has presence.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43'And although there are no separate outbuildings,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46'there's no denying it's an attractive setting.'
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It's a much more contained garden.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52It has the terracing
0:21:52 > 0:21:56and the wall and the interesting architectural features that are more apparent from the back.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Yep.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- And then the step down with this beautiful view.- Uh-huh.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Let's talk money. How much is it on the market for?
0:22:05 > 0:22:07About 480? 485?
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I'd imagine it would still be a good price.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13So about 470, maybe?
0:22:13 > 0:22:15So...
0:22:15 > 0:22:18this house is on the market for exactly the same price as the last one.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- 499,950.- OK.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26So, yes. I'm afraid the painful truth is it's right top, top of your budget.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28So, with that knowledge,
0:22:28 > 0:22:33have another look around and see whether this is a potential property for you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Nipping in under their £500,000 budget again,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42this house offers a spacious character home near to a village they love.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50One bedroom could be Gary's study.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52There's no outbuildings,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54but they could look at planning permission to turn the garage
0:22:54 > 0:22:57into a small annexe to serve as a holiday let.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07When I walked up, I thought the house was unusual, quite interesting.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I like the original part of it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I didn't like the garage.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16When I walked in, I noticed the parquet flooring. I thought that was really nice.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19My eye was drawn to the staircase at the far end.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I thought that was wow.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The size of the rooms are good.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27We'd have enough room to spread ourselves out
0:23:27 > 0:23:30and the cats would have enough space for themselves.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32So I think it would work quite well.
0:23:32 > 0:23:39In terms of the price, I think it's a bit top-heavy at 499,950.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44And it doesn't really offer us the potential for the outbuilding that we could do up.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Cos it's at the top end of our budget,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51it doesn't really suggest that we can actually do any work to it.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57So it would not be something we could make into a let after all.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04Back out into the slightly damp Peak District air.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06But that's it. Done for today.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- Now we can go and rest and relax ready for tomorrow.- Cracking.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21As the sun sets over the Peak District skyline,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25it marks the end of a thought-provoking first day's property search.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Sometimes I feel like the prophet of doom on this show,
0:24:33 > 0:24:38telling bright young house buyers that they can't afford to buy their dream home.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41So I can really understand Hannah and Gary's pain each time
0:24:41 > 0:24:45I told them that this property is right at the top of your budget.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48But in a way, the Peak District is a very expensive property,
0:24:48 > 0:24:52particularly if you want outbuildings and lots of space inside.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57So for the mystery house, we're going a little further afield
0:24:57 > 0:24:59but we're giving them more money to play with.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Our mystery house lies in the Staffordshire village of Calton,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11It's the furthest of our houses from Manchester,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13so we're stretching Hannah's travel time to work.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16But it might be worth it, as we'll see later.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Amenities in Calton include a traditional country pub,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22a local shop for everyday necessities,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and a post office.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26On the edge of the village is our mystery property,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29a barn conversion that dates back to the 17th century
0:25:29 > 0:25:33which will give them that income potential in the future.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35You can start looking now.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36Here it is.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40OK.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Yeah.- Nice.- I'm liking that.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46One of the reasons we brought you here is because of this building.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Because that's one of the things that makes this property special.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54It's a substantial stone outbuilding.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58It's already... It's a garage and it's got a roof and electricity.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01But we're still inside the Peak National Park.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05So there is planning issues about putting up new structures.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- But not original.- Yes.- OK.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13Well, I'm certainly finding it probably my favourite of the three so far.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Just by the fact that I'm liking the look of the buildings.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21I can't wait to see inside, of course, as well.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- Shall we go inside?- Yep.- Lovely.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'Gary is clearly impressed but Hannah continues to keep me guessing
0:26:27 > 0:26:29'about her thoughts.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33'However, I think when she sees inside, she'll open up a bit.'
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Come in. You get an idea of the place straight from the hall.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Wow, yes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Magnificent flagstones through into the kitchen.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think this is a magnificent kitchen.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Ah. Wow. Indeed.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50That was a wow from you and a wow from you!
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Yes. Fabulous.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55They've sourced really lovely architectural finds.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57These massive beams over the lintels,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59which might have been reclaimed actually.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01And then these terracotta tiles
0:27:01 > 0:27:05which have been spun upside down to make them look older.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10And all these are reclaimed wood bespoke units.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13A range that does your heating, which is oil-fired.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15And then a smaller dining area.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18OK.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Very nice.- It is, isn't it? - Really nice feel to it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- It's really impressive. - Great first impressions, yes.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- Very much.- OK. Well, it's pretty simple.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Over here is the sitting room.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39- Very nice.- I like it. Look at the fire.- Yep. Cosy.- Yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41I'm starting to read your face now.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44This is now your... Is it nice enough?
0:27:44 > 0:27:48I would get one of those lovely oak conservatories. There's loads of space.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Then we'd have another reception room.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Cos I think we need another reception room.- There's room for it.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57It is nice, and we could do it, but I would still like another one.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- Good.- Yep.- Very good.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03That was one of our... This is a compromise.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06But another compromise which not everyone's keen on
0:28:06 > 0:28:09is the downstairs bathroom. However, quite a bathroom.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- Right.- Gary, look, it's got one of those!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21'That intake of breath from Hannah is a clear signal to me
0:28:21 > 0:28:26'that the period features of this property are impressing and exciting them.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29'Upstairs, as requested, there are three bedrooms.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31'They're all in the eaves and are light and airy
0:28:31 > 0:28:33'due to well-positioned skylights.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36'One is currently being used as a study,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39'but we'll head to the room that could be claimed as theirs.'
0:28:39 > 0:28:42This is currently being used as the master.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- Very nice.- Ah!- Got a similar bed surround.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- So, yeah. Very nice.- Yeah.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52I like.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Lots of smiles, lots of "I likes".
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Are we happy with the inside cos it is a smaller property?
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Uh-huh.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00'Well, the mood is still very upbeat.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03'And the potential of that substantial stone outbuilding
0:29:03 > 0:29:05'is well worth serious consideration
0:29:05 > 0:29:07'as it could be converted for use as a holiday let
0:29:07 > 0:29:09'with the proper permission.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13'So let's head to the back garden and reveal how much it's all worth.'
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Look - they've got goats!
0:29:18 > 0:29:19Hello!
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- Cute.- They're cute.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26The land is big. It goes all the way back to that oak tree at the bottom.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30So it's big and wide and long so space for some goats. Hello!
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Or some chickens.- Uh-huh.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- What do you think of the land? - The landscape around is gorgeous.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39A lovely hill overlooking the house itself.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41So how much do you think all of this costs?
0:29:41 > 0:29:45I'd say about 450.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50- 450.- I'm hoping it's a lot lower than it was for the other houses.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53So, I don't know. 470, maybe.
0:29:53 > 0:29:54470.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Well, this property is on the market for...
0:29:58 > 0:30:00£425,000.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- Same as mine.- Yes.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05OK. So plenty of scope.
0:30:05 > 0:30:11Plenty of scope. It gives you 25 grand, or 75 grand, depending on how you look at it,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14to do the holiday let and maybe put the conservatory on.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15- Mm-hmm.- Right. Yeah.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Doable. It is, isn't it?- Yep.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21All of a sudden, that's good news!
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Very good news, yes.- After yesterday's high-enders, yes.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Cool.- Go back inside and have a look around.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31You've already done a lot of knocking down and rebuilding, which I like!
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- And then we'll meet out the front. - OK.- OK.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36On your way.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Yes!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Happy, smiley faces. That's what we love on this show.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47That and goats! Hello!
0:30:47 > 0:30:51On the market well under budget at £425,000,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54our mystery property takes our buyers out of their comfort zone
0:30:54 > 0:30:55in terms of location,
0:30:55 > 0:30:59but offers them a great home and a development opportunity
0:30:59 > 0:31:01for the future.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13The outbuilding could be converted into a self-contained holiday let.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16My favourite room is definitely the kitchen.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21It's the biggest, it's got a real farmhouse feeling about it.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26There's lots of wood, lots of reclaimed. Lots of exposed stone.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28From the point of view of the outbuilding,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31a reasonable accommodation for a let.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35It might seem fairly small initially,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38but after a bit, you feel as though there's an awful lot to explore.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42It feels bigger. And with the holiday let on top,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45it really has got an awful lot of potential.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47This is actually a lovely terrace.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50There's a very nice terrace here as well.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51The patio's quite private.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- Or your guests could have that. - They could.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Look at you. "Ching!" It's like it belongs to you already.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00I'll have to tear you away.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- Pull the door behind you and let's get off.- OK.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Kinder Scout is a windswept plateau covered in moorland,
0:32:21 > 0:32:25most of which stands at around 600 metres above sea level.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28It is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Peak District,
0:32:28 > 0:32:30home to a variety of wildlife
0:32:30 > 0:32:35and it was here in 1932 that the mass trespass protest took place.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39However, now it's also one of the most damaged areas of moorland in the UK
0:32:39 > 0:32:42and its future is in jeopardy
0:32:42 > 0:32:44as a result of overgrazing, air pollution
0:32:44 > 0:32:48and the corrosive effects of thousands of walkers.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52I've come to meet area ranger Shane Bates of the National Trust
0:32:52 > 0:32:56who is leading a £2.5 million conservation project
0:32:56 > 0:32:59in the hope of saving the moor.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01So this is part of the solution, I'm guessing.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07It is, yeah. It's sandstone which we use cos it's a local stone.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11And we use it to make dams in the peat gullies on top of the moor.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Right. Presumably that goes up there by the chopper which I can hear,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19because it's too far or too remote to get to.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21The distances involved are quite large
0:33:21 > 0:33:26and also, using a land-based vehicle would cause more damage.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- So it defeats the point.- Absolutely.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30So I'm quite excited to get up there,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32particularly excited about being in the chopper!
0:33:33 > 0:33:36'Shane is taking me to see an area of damaged peat bog
0:33:36 > 0:33:38'that is in the process of being restored.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42'But on the way, I'm getting an overview of the extent of the damage.'
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- You can see here the boggy peat. - The black stuff, yeah.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- So that's good.- That's not too bad there, yeah.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53And is this where it's starting to be eroded?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Yeah, you can see some of the gulley forms now.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00- Ah.- On this side.- The gullies are where it's starting to wash away?
0:34:00 > 0:34:01Yeah.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03'The project started last year
0:34:03 > 0:34:05'and is set to run until 2016.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08'The local sandstone is used to dam the gullies,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11're-landscaping them to catch the peat
0:34:11 > 0:34:13'thereby preventing further peat loss.'
0:34:13 > 0:34:16It's very robust, the peat, isn't it?
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Bear in mind we've spread chopped heather on all this.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- Oh.- And it's been seeded with grasses as well.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25You can see that it's already starting to hold.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28You can see it's starting to hold the water back
0:34:28 > 0:34:32and the water in the gulley systems keeps the peat wetter as well,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34which makes it more stable.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Just over the period of this project,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39we've seen huge advances in the amount of vegetation.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44And I've been coming up on Kinder for the best part of 50 years.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50And the differences now are just incredible compared to what it was like when I was a kid.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55'The high carbon content of peat makes it vital in the combat of climate change
0:34:55 > 0:34:57'and it's also a habitat for a wealth of wildlife.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01'So this preservation project is definitely an essential one.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06'But now it's time to address another important issue
0:35:06 > 0:35:08'as we find out if our buyers have made a decision
0:35:08 > 0:35:11'on the three properties we've shown them.'
0:35:15 > 0:35:19So, here we are, at the end of our Peak District odyssey.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Three houses that we saw
0:35:22 > 0:35:24and spinning back the clock to yesterday morning,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26seems like a long time ago,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29the very first house we showed you, what are your thoughts about that?
0:35:29 > 0:35:31It was a good impression initially.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35When we first turned up, it seemed to be out in the wilds,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37very nice-looking area.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40So it started well.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42I'm not sure Hannah agrees entirely.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45It didn't seem that you were totally convinced from the beginning.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49A little bit disheartened in that, yes, we have the house,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52yes, we have the outbuildings, but cos it was top end of the budget,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55we couldn't afford to have done anything with them.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58What about the second house? This was the other way round, really.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Lots of space inside, not so much potential outside.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07The accommodation was fine in that we had the three reception rooms that we'd asked for.
0:36:07 > 0:36:13Kitchen was a bit dated, although you had the space in that instance as well,
0:36:13 > 0:36:18there was nothing external that had the potential for being done up for let.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20And the mystery house?
0:36:20 > 0:36:21This one seemed to be a winner.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It seems to be in a very good location.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28You could see the potential straightaway with the building at the front, the garage.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33So yes, it was more of a build-up than a let down, this time.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35What about you, Hannah?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Just a nice feel for the place.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40You could see the eye was drawn straight into the kitchen.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42That was really quite nice.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45So it seems there's been a familiar struggle between your aspirations,
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- what you want of a house and the budgetary constraints of where you're looking.- Mm-hmm.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Have certain things come into focus?
0:36:52 > 0:36:56Are you clear about what you could compromise on and what you won't compromise on?
0:36:56 > 0:37:01I think the proximity of the first two properties to the village of Hartington
0:37:01 > 0:37:04probably would have been reflected in the price.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Perhaps we'd be prepared to move that boundary slightly
0:37:08 > 0:37:10and look at alternative routes
0:37:10 > 0:37:15and see how we could access the main routes in and out of there.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20And actually perhaps rethink on that basis to end up with what we wanted.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- So...- What happens next?
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Are you going to revisit the mystery house?
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Would you put in an offer when you sell your property?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29We'll definitely ask for another viewing. So, yeah!
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- Sounds like a very strong response. - Yep.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34It's been wonderful showing you around the Peak District.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37I do hope - it would be lovely if you bought the mystery house -
0:37:37 > 0:37:40but wherever you live, I hope it's a joy.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Yes, very worthwhile and we've had a great time.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- Yeah.- Looking and having some food for thought.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- So, brilliant. Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57I thought we were going to come a-cropper midway through this show
0:37:57 > 0:38:00because Gary and Hannah, Hannah particularly,
0:38:00 > 0:38:04had very strong energetic responses to those first two high in the budget properties.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06And they weren't always positive!
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But the mystery house, there the energy came to our side.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Hannah was planning to bring in builders and build a conservatory
0:38:13 > 0:38:16which is generally a sign of positive intent.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19So I hope they go ahead and buy the mystery house
0:38:19 > 0:38:23and I hope that you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26If you'd like to escape to the country
0:38:26 > 0:38:29in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31please apply online...