0:00:02 > 0:00:04This magnificent fortress was one of the first to be built after
0:00:04 > 0:00:07the Norman Conquest, although it's 250 miles, at least,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10away from the site of the famous battle of 1066.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14So why was it built here, and where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Today's house-hunt is a journey of peaks and troughs.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- It has a wow factor.- Mmm.- Good.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41It's a little bit smaller for a master bedroom than we wanted,
0:00:41 > 0:00:42really.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But can we end our search on a high?
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Love the view. Can't get any better than that.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50To wake up every morning and see those views are great.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Today, I'm the glorious Peak District,
0:00:54 > 0:00:55and this is Peveril Castle,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59that was built by a Norman knight by the name of William Peverel,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03who was the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06It's situated here, overlooking the market town of Castleton, because
0:01:06 > 0:01:09it was used to protect the Peakland Forest that used to
0:01:09 > 0:01:13cover this area, and over which the king had royal rights.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16By Tudor times, it had fallen into disrepair,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19but a careful upkeep still maintains the sense of majesty,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and gives you great views down the Hope Valley.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27The Peak District is an upland area of England spanning
0:01:27 > 0:01:31parts of five counties, including Yorkshire and Cheshire,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33with the lion's share in Derbyshire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38The 555 square mile national park was the first of its kind
0:01:38 > 0:01:41established in the UK, in 1951.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46Today, the park attracts almost ten million visitors a year, drawn to
0:01:46 > 0:01:51the stunning countryside and 16,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Although the park takes in some of the Pennines,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59don't be fooled into thinking its name relates to mountains.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03The term peak is thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon tribal
0:02:03 > 0:02:05settlers, called the Pecsaetans.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Over the centuries, many generations have made their mark
0:02:09 > 0:02:11on the landscape.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Within the Derwent Valley, building of the neogothic Derwent dam
0:02:15 > 0:02:20began in 1902 to meet a growing requirement for water supplies.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23The picturesque reservoir was used during World War II
0:02:23 > 0:02:25by the dam buster pilots
0:02:25 > 0:02:28as a training location for their bombing raids on Germany.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32There are also historic towns such as Tideswell,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35where the great wealth built up from the medieval trade
0:02:35 > 0:02:39in wool and metals was used to erect the impressive church
0:02:39 > 0:02:41of St John the Baptist.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Little changed from its completion six centuries ago
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and known as the Cathedral of the Peak.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49So, whether it's awe-inspiring landscape,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53glorious feats of engineering or rich pickings of history,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56it's clear the Peak District has much to offer
0:02:56 > 0:02:59those seeking somewhere for a rural escape.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05When it comes to property shopping in the Peak District,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07don't be fooled by the average prices
0:03:07 > 0:03:09of the counties that it takes in.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12For instance, in Derbyshire, the average price for a detached house
0:03:12 > 0:03:16is £212,000, which is great value.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17But when you go inside
0:03:17 > 0:03:20the border of the national park
0:03:20 > 0:03:23then you're going to be paying at least 80% premium on top of that,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26which makes it the second most expensive national park
0:03:26 > 0:03:28after the New Forest.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Smart money might head to the fringes, to Glossop or Matlock
0:03:32 > 0:03:35but our buyers today definitely want in.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37So let's meet them and find out where.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Dee, a property manager, and Rob, a self-employed maintenance man
0:03:42 > 0:03:47from Staines in Middlesex met via a chance encounter in a DIY store
0:03:47 > 0:03:48four years ago.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55I put my basket down and Rob was in the same place looking for lights
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and he nearly tripped over my basket and it went from there, really.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02We ended up talking about property because I'm in property
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and he's in property and we ended up going for coffee.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07We're on a very similar wavelength
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and we laugh at the same things, we like doing similar things
0:04:10 > 0:04:13and we just got on so well and we still do.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15He used to call me Upney.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16One stop from Barking.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20Still do.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25With shared humour like that, it wasn't long before Rob moved in
0:04:25 > 0:04:28and found himself proposing.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29When you get to our age...
0:04:29 > 0:04:33We're not young people and we got on so well, we just thought,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37"Let's just run with it. Life's too short."
0:04:37 > 0:04:39But it was some news from Dee's daughter
0:04:39 > 0:04:43that hastened the couple's decision to make a move to the Peak District
0:04:43 > 0:04:45to be close at hand.
0:04:45 > 0:04:51Last year, my youngest grandson developed diabetes type 1
0:04:51 > 0:04:52and he was only two and a half
0:04:52 > 0:04:57and it was a life-changing situation for my daughter
0:04:57 > 0:04:59and she needs a little bit of help.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05I want to be a grandparent and help and enjoy that part as well.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Cos I'm actually quite good at being a grandparent, aren't I?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I think I've got a child mind, haven't I?
0:05:10 > 0:05:11Definitely.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Family concerns may be the key factor driving Dee and Rob's choice
0:05:15 > 0:05:19of rural location but they're also keen to leave behind
0:05:19 > 0:05:22the hustle and bustle of life in the M25 commuter belt.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Every day there's some form of aggression on the roads.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Because people are just so eager to get from A to B.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Whereas up north, it's the other way.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35It's like, "After you," at the junction. "No, after you,"
0:05:35 > 0:05:39and you can be there for ten minutes. It's lovely.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41It has got really, really busy.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43People hurling abuse at you on the roads,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46carving you up and we don't need that any more.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47We want semirural.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We want to be in a little community.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53You know, they'll be more time for my baking,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56more time for Rob's photography.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58We haven't got enough time for all this.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Everything's a bit of a rush at the moment.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04It's not just hobbies they hope to make time for.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Their trips to the Peak District are a reminder
0:06:06 > 0:06:08of the importance of community.
0:06:09 > 0:06:16Everyone's got a smiley, happy face and everyone is very, very pleasant.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18The people are so friendly.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21You just go walking down the streets and everyone chats to you.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26In the '50s, when we were children, that's what people were like
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and I think the attraction is that as well.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31That people actually do talk to you
0:06:31 > 0:06:37and it's not such a busy, hectic schedule that you have down here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Now with the house in Staines sold
0:06:40 > 0:06:43and the dream of relocation firmly in place,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46the pressure is on to find that new country home.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Just to be able to walk the hills, see the sunsets
0:06:51 > 0:06:53and be near our family.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I can't wait to go.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57We're very excited about it.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59We just so want to be up there.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Dee and Rob wish to focus their house search
0:07:05 > 0:07:07within the Peak District National Park
0:07:07 > 0:07:10and would like to be in easy reach of Bamford for Dee's daughter.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13But before we get house-hunting,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I'm meeting them in their desired region
0:07:16 > 0:07:19to find out more about the property they're hoping to find.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22I love the Peak District, so thank you for bringing me here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25This is quite a big move. It's the first time you've moved together?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Yes.- How does that feel for you?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Well, it's quite exciting because we've been thinking about it
0:07:31 > 0:07:37for a year but family is here and we just love the people here as well.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Rob, do you share the love?
0:07:39 > 0:07:40I love it down here.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- It's so beautiful and the people are so friendly.- It's a great spot.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Yes.- And in terms of the property that you want to buy,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48what's the spec of the house that you're looking for?
0:07:48 > 0:07:53Well, we would like to have three bedrooms minimum
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and an en suite as well as a bathroom
0:07:56 > 0:08:00because we really would like to have friends and family visit us.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Oh, gosh. With this on the doorstep, you'll have to battle them off.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Yes. I think so.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10And in terms of the main room, what's the important room for you?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12We do like a kitchen-breakfast room
0:08:12 > 0:08:17because that is the hub of our accommodation.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20That's where we do a lot of our socialising,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22so that would be a must.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25What about you, Rob? What are you looking for in the house?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Detached, tranquillity and views.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Views?- Hm.- There are plenty here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Quite a smallish garden would be fine.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35It doesn't have to be large at all.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Anything in terms of outhouses or anything like that?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Somewhere for storage for my tools and a small workshop would be great.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44It's not a huge priority cos I could probably put one in,
0:08:44 > 0:08:45as long as there's space.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Are you fussed about the period, inside or out?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Well, outside I think it would have to be appealing to us
0:08:51 > 0:08:53but it's got to be homely.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56The homeliness, cosiness is quite important to us.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Remind me again of your budget. How much money have we got to spend?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02About 500,000 maximum.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Well, it sounds like you've got a reasonable clear idea
0:09:05 > 0:09:06of what you're looking for.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Hopefully we've found houses that fit the bill.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- All we have to do is go look at them.- Thank you.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17For a maximum budget of £500,000, Dee and Rob want
0:09:17 > 0:09:20a detached property with at least three bedrooms,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22including an en suite for guests.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25They'd like a large kitchen-breakfast room,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28a small, low-maintenance garden and views.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Plus, Rob would ideally
0:09:30 > 0:09:32like a workshop.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and at each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price
0:09:38 > 0:09:39before I reveal it.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Our final offering will be the Mystery House,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45which could push them in a new stylistic direction.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48But first, we're heading to house number one.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54So, are you a bit nervous about the move? It's quite a big move.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- We're more excited, I think.- Do you know, we thought about it last year,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02where we were going to move to, and it suddenly struck us
0:10:02 > 0:10:04that you have to have family near you
0:10:04 > 0:10:06if you're going to move somewhere remote.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08And, Rob, does it feel like an adventure to you
0:10:08 > 0:10:10or something new or...?
0:10:10 > 0:10:12That's how we approach it, as an adventure.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13We'd move today if we could
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and I'd be quite happy sitting somewhere beautiful,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18looking at water with the sunset or sunrise
0:10:18 > 0:10:20and I'd then sit there all day.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24It's the peace and tranquillity that we really want.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30We are approaching retirement and we've had busy lives
0:10:30 > 0:10:34and it's something that when we come up here and we see it,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36we really crave it when we go home.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Our first property is located 11 miles from Dee's daughter
0:10:42 > 0:10:46in Bamford, on the fringes of the Peak District National Park
0:10:46 > 0:10:48in the village of Dove Holes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52There's evidence of the area been settled in Neolithic times
0:10:52 > 0:10:56with the remnants of a henge monument still visible.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59More recent places of worship include St Paul's Church,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01built in 1878.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05With a pub, cricket pavilion and its own train station
0:11:05 > 0:11:07connecting it to Manchester,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11the village is surrounded by countryside.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Located down a private lane and made from local Derbyshire stone,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16it's the first property.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Here we have it, house number one.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Wow.- It's rather stunning.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Beautiful. It looks quite quirky.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Obviously well looked after.- Hm.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- It looks loved.- Yeah. The garden is particularly beautiful, I think.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- So far, so good.- Good.- Yeah, so far, so good.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Quite stunned.- Hm.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Let's see if we can make you very stunned when we go inside.- Hm.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Follow me.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43Built around 1850, this was once a miner's cottage and attached barn.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Now a single dwelling, the front door leads through a hallway
0:11:49 > 0:11:52and into the largest of the reception rooms.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55This is the main sitting room.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Oh, very cosy.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Very, very snug.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- We like snug.- It has a wow factor. - Hm.- Good.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05You've got a multi-fuel log burner, which whacks out a lot of heat.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07We like log burners.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- I could see us sitting in here. - Yeah, snuggled up.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12And I love the deep windowsill.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14The window ledges are lovely, aren't they?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16I know that the kitchen is very important to you,
0:12:16 > 0:12:17- so let's go and look at that.- Hm-hm.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Retracing our steps takes us to a spacious
0:12:21 > 0:12:23and recently-refitted kitchen diner.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26Come in. What do you think of this?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- Very nice.- Ah, good.- Yeah.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Cooking, wine...- Yeah.- ..eating.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Yeah. No, I think it's ideal because if we were having people for dinner,
0:12:37 > 0:12:41you know, they could be sitting in there while I'm cooking.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44It's set out quite nicely actually
0:12:44 > 0:12:48and I like the eye-level ovens as well.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50It's a good working kitchen.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- And I like the big drawers. Big drawers are great.- Yeah.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55You've obviously worked with kitchens quite a lot
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- and this is quite a high-end, modern kitchen.- It looks very nice.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Is that the sort of thing you were looking for?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02It looks nice that I don't have to take one out.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06So far this pair of property professionals seem impressed
0:13:06 > 0:13:08with the finish and design here.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11The ground floor also offers a utility running off the kitchen,
0:13:11 > 0:13:13as well as a snug,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15study
0:13:15 > 0:13:17and WC.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19From the kitchen diner, the first of two staircases
0:13:19 > 0:13:23leads to a double bedroom, served by a Jack and Jill shower room.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27But we're taking the other staircase from the hallway,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31which goes to a family bathroom serving another decent-sized double.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37And one smaller bedroom plus, of course, the master.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Wow factor again.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It's cute. I like it.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's sort of quirky and it looks as if you have a little bit of a view
0:13:43 > 0:13:45as well from the skylights.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48And you've got a sort of step up into what could be used...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51thought of as your en suite but it's actually a Jack and Jill.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54So the idea is that when people come to stay,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- you lock this door off and you use the family bathroom...- OK.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00..and they have that as their en suite.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01That's very well thought out.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Yes. So far, so good.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Such high standards as well.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Everything's just been done so nicely.- Yes, it is.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I see little spots of rain, so maybe we should get outside
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- and see the garden before it gets too damp.- That would be great.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- Does it rain in the Peak District(?) - Never(!)
0:14:14 > 0:14:16DEE LAUGHS
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The property is surrounded by gardens to all four sides
0:14:19 > 0:14:22including a large cottage garden to the front
0:14:22 > 0:14:27as well as an area of tiered planting with a patio and pergola.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Then to the side is a lawn space enclosed by dry-stone walls,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33giving countryside views.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35So you get quite a nice elevation.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38It looks really nice landscape down over to Dove Holes there.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41This is really very nice. Very homely.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43What do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Maybe...
0:14:45 > 0:14:47485.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Rob?- I'd say probably 510.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Actually it's pretty much directly in between those two.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It's on at 495.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58OK. Certainly one to consider.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Go back inside and have a good old look round
0:15:00 > 0:15:02and see if it tugs at your heartstrings
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- and I'll collect you at the front and then we can continue on.- Great.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07OK.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Oh, that's a very good first house, isn't it?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12I mean, there's not too much to fault it on.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It's sort of perfect in almost every way.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18I'm not convinced that Dee is completely won over.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21But maybe she's holding her breath for the other houses. Let's see.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25Under budget,
0:15:25 > 0:15:26this impeccably-presented
0:15:26 > 0:15:27detached cottage
0:15:27 > 0:15:28has one more bedroom
0:15:28 > 0:15:30than Dee and Rob asked for,
0:15:30 > 0:15:31plus a Jack and Jill bathroom,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33giving flexible guest accommodation.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34There's a modern
0:15:34 > 0:15:36and spacious kitchen diner,
0:15:36 > 0:15:37and it's enclosed
0:15:37 > 0:15:39by well-kept gardens
0:15:39 > 0:15:41and surrounded by countryside.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43This is nice.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46This would make an ideal guest room
0:15:46 > 0:15:48and then they can have the en suite and their privacy.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50And their own staircase.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- I love the floor.- Love the floor. It's really nice.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56And it feels spacious but cosy.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Every room had been very well thought out
0:15:59 > 0:16:02and there was some very nice features.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It has the en suite, it has the bathroom,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07it has the log burner.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's very cosy and snug, which is what we want.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12The kitchen is beautiful.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15It has everything we're looking for.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I found it quite breathtaking. It's very beautiful.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19The gardens are stunning.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Inside, I don't think I'd change anything.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23I was quite shocked how nice it was.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26It was like we'd designed it ourselves.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I think I could see Dee and myself living here.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30It's well thought out, well designed.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31I could move straight in.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34This garden is a mass of colour.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I don't have any flowers left at all at this time of year.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- Hello, are you all done?- Hello.- Hi.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42I was admiring the garden one final time.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- It's beautifully kept.- It is beautiful, isn't it?- Full of colour.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47But we're going to have to get the wagons rolling
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- cos we've got another house to see. - Great.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50Follow me.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Keen photographer Rob is eager to capture the wealth of landscape
0:16:59 > 0:17:01in the Peak District with his camera.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03And some of the most well-known beauty spots
0:17:03 > 0:17:06are the reservoirs of the upper Derwent Valley.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Not only are the serene vistas here man-made
0:17:09 > 0:17:13but looking after them is not simply a case of leaving things
0:17:13 > 0:17:15up to Mother Nature.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Today, Dee and Rob are meeting Gordon Danks,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20one of the many volunteer park rangers,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23to find out about the work that goes into conserving and managing
0:17:23 > 0:17:26the area and how they might get involved.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29This is absolutely stunning.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32The view is spectacular.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33So what do you do as a ranger?
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The Peak District National Park has a duty to the landscape
0:17:37 > 0:17:41of the area, the local population and the visitor to the area.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44So the national park ranger is the interface
0:17:44 > 0:17:47between those three bodies, really.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49So we can be the eyes and ears of the national park.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51When we move to the Peak District,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- can I actually volunteer to come and help?- You certainly can.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56There are lots of opportunities for conservation volunteering
0:17:56 > 0:17:59and volunteering with the ranger service as well.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Becoming a volunteer ranger takes about 18 months
0:18:03 > 0:18:06with a training course and formal examination.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Becoming a conservation volunteer is a much simpler process
0:18:09 > 0:18:12and involves offering to help out with such tasks
0:18:12 > 0:18:17as footpath building, tree planting or clearing invasive species
0:18:17 > 0:18:18such as rhododendron.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22So why do you have to cut the rhododendrons?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Well, the rhododendrons are a Himalayan plant
0:18:24 > 0:18:27planted by the Victorians in people's gardens.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It's now escaped quite happily into the woods
0:18:29 > 0:18:33but it excludes virtually anything else that's growing here.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35You can see how thick it is underneath,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37so you get no regeneration of trees.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42The leaves of the rhododendron also carry a bug called phytophthora,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44which can kill larch trees.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Allowing it to get out of hand could have very serious consequences.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52We're trying to eradicate it from here
0:18:52 > 0:18:56and if those trees do get disease, they'll have to be clear felled.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Then there's the potential of run-off from that land
0:18:59 > 0:19:02into the reservoirs, discolouration of water
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and that could easily take the water supply out of action.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09In order to keep on top of the problem,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13five hectares of rhododendron have already been cleared
0:19:13 > 0:19:15but there's still a lot more to go.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18With each medium-sized plant producing around a million seeds
0:19:18 > 0:19:22a year, as well as being able to sprout from cut stems,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24the ongoing efforts of volunteers are vital.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Well, Rob, do you think this has interested you enough
0:19:29 > 0:19:31to do a bit of conservation work when you move up
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- to the Peak District?- Most definitely and I can't wait.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Well, carry on then. - THEY LAUGH
0:19:37 > 0:19:40With Dee and Rob keen to lend a hand with the important work here,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44we're turning our attention back to finding their new home in the area.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52In a bid to get Dee closer to her daughter,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55house two is just a four-mile drive west of Bamford.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Lying south along the Hope Valley in the village of Bradwell.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02A former lead mining village, Bradwell,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04or Bradder as it's known locally,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06is a collection of picturesque houses
0:20:06 > 0:20:10clustered about the hilly landscape of the Hope Valley.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The building of St Barnabas Church here in 1868
0:20:13 > 0:20:15was funded by Samuel Fox,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18a local-born man who invented the folding umbrella.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22There are several useful shops including a bakery,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24plus a selection of pubs.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26We're at the village outskirts where,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28adjacent to a public bridleway,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30house number two is located.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34This is it. This is our second offering.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Hm.- And it was, as you can see, built in 1992.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Yes. It looks a lot older than that.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Yeah.- Very in keeping, isn't it?
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- A nice big garage for you, built into the house.- Yes.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50I like it. I like the location and it looks really attractive.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Yes. I'm intrigued to see what it's got inside.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55It looks quite big.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58A good response to the traditional appearance
0:20:58 > 0:21:00of this modern-built cottage.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Inside, this individual home is less conventional
0:21:03 > 0:21:06with a hallway leading diagonally into the property,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08creating several uniquely-shaped
0:21:08 > 0:21:10reception spaces,
0:21:10 > 0:21:11starting with the lounge.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15It's a slightly strange layout in the house.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- As you can see, this is a sort of triangular room.- Hm.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Slightly eccentric.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21We like eccentric.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24It's interesting. It's quirky again. It's different.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I like the fire.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28It's a nice little cosy snug.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- And a big window.- A very big window.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33But you could actually take that and make it a door or an archway
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- because it actually goes into the conservatory next door.- OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Here, what do you think of this?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- This is different as well. - ALISTAIR LAUGHS
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- It's unexpected.- Yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- I love the high ceiling.- Hm-hm.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Very nice and spacious.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53It's very different and I do like the way the conservatory
0:21:53 > 0:21:55is part of the house rather than an attachment to it.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I'm not sure what I'd use this for.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00There's lots of options.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03There's lots of things going through my head. They're not negative.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Good. So just bear this space in mind when we look at the kitchen,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08which again is...interesting.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13So this is the other side of the fire
0:22:13 > 0:22:16with a little seating area and then through into the kitchen.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21We were really wanting a kitchen diner with one big room
0:22:21 > 0:22:24rather than little pockets of areas.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- I'm thinking the same way.- Right.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- It's very nicely done but it's quite dark.- Yeah.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32And to us, the kitchen is the heart of a property.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36It'd be great for a family home, all these little compartments
0:22:36 > 0:22:40but we would rather have an open space as a kitchen diner.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Well, we've almost completed the circle downstairs,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45so let's go upstairs and look at the four bedrooms.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48The ground floor also offers a utility and cloakroom
0:22:48 > 0:22:51but I sense Dee and Rob are puzzling over how to use
0:22:51 > 0:22:54some of these uniquely-shaped spaces.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Upstairs, the intriguing geometry continues
0:22:57 > 0:23:00with a central square landing set at right angles
0:23:00 > 0:23:02to the sleeping accommodation.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05To the rear of the upper floor, the first of the double rooms
0:23:05 > 0:23:09has lovely views to Bradwell Edge and Win Hill.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11While set at the front is another good-sized double,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15currently fitted with a high sleeper bed.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18There's also a smaller corner room used as a study
0:23:18 > 0:23:21that could be made into a single room as required,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23plus the family bathroom.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26And finally, bedroom four, the master en suite.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29This is the biggest, really.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33It's a little bit smaller for a master bedroom
0:23:33 > 0:23:35than we wanted, really.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I don't think it would quite work for us.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39It's got a big en suite that goes along.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- There's a big bathtub in there as well...- Hm-hm. That's good.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45..so it's not too small. Let's go out into the garden
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- cos the setting is very nice... - Right.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49..and I think the house is very beautiful from the outside.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50And let's talk about price.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55A somewhat lacklustre finish for the interior of this house
0:23:55 > 0:23:58but there's something that may surprise them outside.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Tiered gardens surround the property
0:24:00 > 0:24:05and provide not only a large covered wood store and a couple of sheds
0:24:05 > 0:24:09but a two-storey detached and semi-converted barn.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12It's essentially a workshop.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15A two-tier, stone-built workshop.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17The upstairs is a sort of teenage den at the moment
0:24:17 > 0:24:19but you could develop it if you wanted.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- It's quite large when you take into account it's got that as well.- Hm.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Yeah. A fair-sized plot, nothing too massive.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- The plot's fine.- Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- When you're a bit older it might be a bit of a challenge.- Maybe.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33What do you think the price tag on this one is?
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Gosh, it's tough. I'll take a random guess at 450.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Hm. I was thinking a little bit of the same until I saw the workshop
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and I think maybe I'd go for more - 475.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50OK. So this property is on the market for 495.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Oh.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53OK.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Price is perhaps reflected in the location.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57It's a very popular village.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Yes, it is a great family house, I have to say.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02And that's a great teenage den.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06But we don't have a teenager. We don't want a teenager.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Good. Well, explore it because there's lots
0:25:09 > 0:25:11to cast your eyes over and I'll see you at the front.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13OK.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Oh, it's such a shame cos from the outside
0:25:17 > 0:25:20and from here, the house is a total cracker.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23But inside the layout is not quite right for them.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24You can't win them all.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Again under budget, this recently-built,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30detached stone cottage
0:25:30 > 0:25:32has a kitchen-breakfast room
0:25:32 > 0:25:34and separate dining room
0:25:34 > 0:25:36with conservatory space.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37There are four bedrooms
0:25:37 > 0:25:39plus a detached and versatile annexe
0:25:39 > 0:25:41and a charming village community
0:25:41 > 0:25:43on their doorstep.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Oh! Oh, I could see you in here.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49A nice workshop.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I'd have no problem with this. It's fabulous.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55A good little annexe for someone you know, if they come and stay.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57It's like a little house on its own, isn't it?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00When we arrived at house number two, I was actually quite excited.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02It looked quite magnificent from outside.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It looked so nice because of the stonework. It looked quite regal.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07I found the layout a little bit strange.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I think for a young family it'll be much more appealing
0:26:10 > 0:26:13but for us coming up to retirement,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I think with the strange shapes and the furniture we have already,
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I think it would be a bit awkward.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21The quirkiness started off to be quite nice and interesting
0:26:21 > 0:26:26but in the end, the main problem for me was the kitchen-breakfast room.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28It was a little bit dark.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Every room there was something quite not right
0:26:32 > 0:26:36and the further we went, it wasn't the house for us.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39The house we want would want to be homely and cosy
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and I think this was more a quirky, teenage house.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47So, Rob, if you just pull the door behind you
0:26:47 > 0:26:49because we are done for the day. That's our two houses up.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53And get ready for the Mystery House tomorrow.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's been a good day but we'll look forward to tomorrow.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Yes, exciting.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Onwards and upwards.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Dee and Rob from Staines in Middlesex
0:27:10 > 0:27:14have £500,000 to make the move to be nearer Dee's daughter
0:27:14 > 0:27:18in the rural tranquillity of the Peak District.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20We've shown them two great properties,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21to mixed reactions,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23but we've still got the Mystery House,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26which could well prove to be the pinnacle of our search...
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- It's really nice.- Really? - Love it, hm.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- Is it tugging at the heartstrings? - Yes.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35..and I get inspired with some armchair ideology.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39It's poetry and furniture and sort of philosophy as well.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Day two of our property search and the Derbyshire sun
0:27:44 > 0:27:49is creeping out behind the mist and shining on Dee and Rob's house-hunt.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Now, yesterday we didn't quite hit the mark
0:27:50 > 0:27:53with the location of the first one or the layout of the second one
0:27:53 > 0:27:56so the Mystery House is in a good location
0:27:56 > 0:27:59but has a very different stylistic feel.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08The Mystery House lies around a 12-minute drive south-east
0:28:08 > 0:28:10of Bamford in the small village of Grindleford.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15The main gateway to the Peak District National Park by rail
0:28:15 > 0:28:16and part of the Hope Valley,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Grindleford stretches about a mile and a half along hillsides
0:28:20 > 0:28:23either side of the River Derwent.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Many of the village buildings date back from the time
0:28:25 > 0:28:29of the coming of the railways in the last decade of the 19th century,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33including several pubs and hotels that sprang up to cater
0:28:33 > 0:28:35to the fresh influx of visitors.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39The shop is a community cooperative stocking local produce
0:28:39 > 0:28:42and our Mystery House is located on a hilltop
0:28:42 > 0:28:44on the edges of the village.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Here we have our mystery offering.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Oh, very high up, isn't it?
0:28:50 > 0:28:55- Very high up but amazing views over Grindleford.- Yes.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58The rising sun will come up over that hill every morning.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00That's beautiful.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Love Grindleford. I love the view.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04You can't get any better than that.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07To wake up every morning and see those views are great.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09So the mystery is the house really
0:29:09 > 0:29:13because it is, as you can see, not Derbyshire stone.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- What do you think?- It's very attractive.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Those patio doors look very interesting.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18Ah, yes. Bi-folding doors.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23It certainly is a real countryside home, isn't it?
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It looks very interesting and I can't wait to go in and have a look.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27- Shall we look inside?- Yes, please.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Let's do it.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34This detached hilltop home started life as a two-bed 1930s bungalow
0:29:34 > 0:29:38but has been completely renovated and extended by the current owners.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42We're heading to those bi-folding doors
0:29:42 > 0:29:44and the large L-shaped living area
0:29:44 > 0:29:47remodelled from what was once a garage.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Take in the kitchen, living, dining, sitting space.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Oh, this is lovely.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59This is definitely the social dining bit we were looking for, wasn't it?
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- It is breathtaking again.- Hm, really nice.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05It's got the breakfast bar up there and room for a table here.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08And then also this really nice sitting space all sort of integrated
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- into the kitchen space.- Love it.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Really nice. I like the radiator on the wall as well.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It's all rather contemporary but cosy.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18It's in a nice countryside setting.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19I love the trees around it.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- You really feel as if you're in the middle of the country.- Yeah.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26I really like it. It's got a good feel about it.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29We can imagine friends and family here, very much so.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31I can imagine cooking here and opening a bottle of wine,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- no problem.- Hm.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36The giant's portion of the downstairs is this sitting,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38eating, cooking area.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41There is a very nice sitting room, so let's check that out.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45The contemporary styling continues into a homely snug.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Come in. This is much smaller than the other room but kind of cosy.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- I like cosy.- Yeah. There's your little snug.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55It's very suitable for us.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Cos you mentioned, I think, that you wanted a massive kind of kitchen
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- and then just a little room for watching the telly.- Yes.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- It's exactly what we want.- This is south-facing,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04so during the day you get a lot of lovely sun
0:31:04 > 0:31:07and these doors open out onto the garden.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- It's getting better and better. - It is, isn't it? It's a great house.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13I think the attention to detail's so good.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14I like that.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Let's check out upstairs cos it's got views and a whole lot more.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22So far, Dee and Rob are responding very encouragingly
0:31:22 > 0:31:25to the modern, high-end spec of our mystery property.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28There's also a generous-sized utility running off the kitchen
0:31:28 > 0:31:30alongside a cloakroom.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34This floor also offers two of the four double bedrooms,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37one of which is being used as an office,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and a sleek family bathroom with a claw-foot tub
0:31:40 > 0:31:42and separate shower cubicle.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46But the rest of the sleeping accommodation is on the upper floor.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Here there's a very large double, currently a nursery,
0:31:50 > 0:31:54and the master suite, which features its own very spacious dressing room
0:31:54 > 0:31:56and impressive shower room.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57This is the master here.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59This is lovely.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- It's like being on holiday.- It is.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I mean, we still have nice views up here as well.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08It's been very, very well cared for, hasn't it?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Yeah. Ready to move on?
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- It's really nice.- Really? - Love it, hm.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Is it tugging at the heartstrings? - Yes.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- Are you all right with it?- I'm very happy with it.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Well, the final part of the puzzle is the price,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21so let's go in the garden and talk about that.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26The hilltop aspect of this home continues to be maximised
0:32:26 > 0:32:31in the garden with a patio area off both the kitchen and snug.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33There's also a detached garage,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36whilst a large area of south-facing lawn
0:32:36 > 0:32:38takes advantage of the views and the sun.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43So it's not a huge plot but is it enough garden?
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Oh, it's more than enough, isn't it?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- We don't want too much gardening, do we?- No.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- What do you think the price of this one is?- Well, we are in Grindleford.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I would say above our budget.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- About 510.- Hm-hm.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59I'd go a little bit more above and say 535.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Well, you two are very good at guessing the prices.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03If you could pool your efforts cos once again
0:33:03 > 0:33:04it's right in between the two.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- It's on the market for 525...- Hm-hm.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09..which I know is over your initial budget.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12But we have spoken to the owners and they are open to negotiation
0:33:12 > 0:33:14and they could possibly come down
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- and you're in a very strong position, so...- Hm.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19It's food for thought.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21So why don't you head back in and have another look round?
0:33:21 > 0:33:23I know you're enjoying looking round, so you can continue
0:33:23 > 0:33:26your enjoyment and I'll collect you out the front
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- and then we can go and find somewhere to discuss.- Great.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30Thank you.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33I think we might have got them.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Granted this property is over budget
0:33:38 > 0:33:40but Dee and Rob would not need to
0:33:40 > 0:33:42make any further improvements
0:33:42 > 0:33:44to this stunning hilltop home.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46And with a buyer for their own property,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48they're in a good position to negotiate.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It fulfils their dream of a kitchen and living area,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54plus there's a snug and four bedrooms,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57including a luxurious master suite.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58With a sunny, manageable garden,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02there are also inspiring views across the Hope Valley.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Beautiful.- A shower and bath, really nice.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09A high standard.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Oh, this is nice.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15It's quite versatile because we could maybe have your desk in here
0:34:15 > 0:34:19and obviously there's a bedroom, so it could be quite flexible.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23The Mystery House was delightful and it is extremely pleasing to the eye.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27When we came inside and saw the standard, it was very pleasing.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30We were looking for a very solid house
0:34:30 > 0:34:34and one that we could bring up to spec.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Rob's quite capable of bringing a house up to spec
0:34:37 > 0:34:41but to actually move into somewhere already done to a standard
0:34:41 > 0:34:43that we really, really admired,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46it was stunning and very homely.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48The theme followed through the whole house,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50from the bathroom to the kitchen.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52I couldn't have designed it better myself.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The kitchen is perfect.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59There isn't anything I'd change about the kitchen.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00Could we live here? I think we could.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I think we'd be very happy.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04I think the views alone would make us extremely happy.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08The Mystery House definitely had the wow factor.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09This house is a real contender.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13They're going to be king and queen of the valley here.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14It's a fantastic view.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- It is a good view.- It's beautiful.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20ALISTAIR CHUCKLES So did we end on a high for you?
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- A big high.- Very much so.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Right, let's find a spot to gather our thoughts.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31The timeless beauty of the Peak District
0:35:31 > 0:35:34often belies the amount of industry that's taken place here -
0:35:34 > 0:35:37from milling to mining.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Large-scale production may have more or less disappeared
0:35:40 > 0:35:44but in an innovative pocket of the Derbyshire Peak District,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47manufacturing is returning to its regional roots
0:35:47 > 0:35:49and that's tree roots.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Because artist and designer Gavin Munro
0:35:52 > 0:35:56has had the rather unusual idea of growing furniture
0:35:56 > 0:35:58directly from trees.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- Good morning, Gavin. - Good morning, Alistair.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- How are you doing? - What a beautiful day.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06They told me I was going to come and see furniture growing in the wild.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Explain that to me.- Well, this is our furniture orchard.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Instead of growing trees for 60 years, at least,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15cutting them down and making them into smaller and smaller bits,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19we grow trees directly into the shapes of chairs and tables
0:36:19 > 0:36:21and lamps and useful objects.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24And then you've got something that's sort of unique, beautiful
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and will last maybe for hundreds of years.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31It may sound bizarre but tree shaping is nothing new.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33The ancient Greeks grew stools,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36whilst 1,000 years ago, the Chinese were planting trees on pits
0:36:36 > 0:36:40filled with rocks in order to create furniture from the roots.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Gavin is a relative newcomer to botanical craftsmanship
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and his first crop of chairs, lamps and other items
0:36:47 > 0:36:51is still in the ground but he's been working on the prototypes.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57This is actually four trees grown into one piece.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01You've got one tree here, another one coming along here
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- and we've grafted these into one solid piece.- Ah.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07There's no joints. Nothing here is going to come loose.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09This was the point where we realised,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11"Oh, we can in fact do this."
0:37:11 > 0:37:13And this is when we planted this.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15It's so beautiful. It's poetry, really.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18It's poetry and furniture and sort of philosophy as well...
0:37:18 > 0:37:20but I wouldn't sit on it.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Well, no, this is the prototype.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24We're only making a limited amount each year
0:37:24 > 0:37:26while we're developing the process.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28But while we've been going along,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31we realised that it's basically a kind of manufacturing technique,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35except we use air and sunshine and photosynthesis as our engine.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39It took five years to grow this prototype chair
0:37:39 > 0:37:43but Gavin learnt a lot from it and now his first full crop of chairs,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46grown from willow around plastic moulds,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49is just a year or two from being harvested.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53It's quite surreal. It's like going through a chair vineyard.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Well, that's basically what it is, really, yeah.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56These are the first edition.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59And how do you actually make it bend? So, here for example.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Yeah. So this here, as it's growing, this will move around
0:38:03 > 0:38:05and looking for its spot of light
0:38:05 > 0:38:08and then as it grows, it hardens slightly.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10So the idea is that as it grows,
0:38:10 > 0:38:15we shape these tips into chairs and tables and all sorts.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20There are currently just under 500 creations springing forth here,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23each with around ten shoots requiring shaping
0:38:23 > 0:38:28and another 100 unwanted shoots that have to be removed.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32It means years of hard graft for his core team of three.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34At a certain point we bring the branches together
0:38:34 > 0:38:37and we graft them so they grow into one solid piece.
0:38:37 > 0:38:42To start with, we use screws and then we slowly bring the screw out
0:38:42 > 0:38:44as it grows and becomes strong.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48We'll harvest this when these branches here
0:38:48 > 0:38:51are as thick as this at the bottom.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Then you've got one solid structure.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Willow was selected for first editions,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00as it grows quickly and grafts easily
0:39:00 > 0:39:03but Gavin is now branching out into other hedgerow species,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06including hazel, crab apple and oak.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09But his furniture won't be finished with the felling.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It takes six months to a year and a half to season
0:39:12 > 0:39:16before Gavin can get his hands on it in the workshop.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- Ah, this is the nerve centre where it all happens.- That's right.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23This is the bit that's, you know, my treat, really.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Sort of carving away the outside
0:39:25 > 0:39:29to reveal the gorgeous wood and the grain on the inside.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30This is the bit I've been waiting for.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32We've based the furniture
0:39:32 > 0:39:35on the way the farmers trim the tops of their hedges around here.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37The inspiration is all around us.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40So this is the back of the chair, right?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42This is a little prototype sample of the tops of the chairs
0:39:42 > 0:39:46and this is one of the nice details where you can actually see
0:39:46 > 0:39:49how old your chair is, you can count the rings at the top.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51And what sort of tools are you using?
0:39:51 > 0:39:52Are you using a particular technique?
0:39:52 > 0:39:55As we've been going along, we've realised that actually,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58in many ways, some of the old tools are quicker, easier
0:39:58 > 0:40:01and create a more beautiful finish.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05There's something... There's a real pleasure tucking into these...
0:40:07 > 0:40:10..and revealing the wood inside.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14And with a sort of series of ever-smaller blades,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16we can get a nicer, smoother finish
0:40:16 > 0:40:18than you can never do with sandpaper.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19Hm.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Well, they say good things come to those who wait
0:40:21 > 0:40:24and Gavin will be finishing his first batch of chairs
0:40:24 > 0:40:27around the summer of 2017.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29I'm charmed to see such a pioneering enterprise
0:40:29 > 0:40:33and one that is literally growing out of its surroundings.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Dee and Rob are not very forthcoming about what they think
0:40:39 > 0:40:42about the houses but I think we may have snagged them
0:40:42 > 0:40:45with the mystery one, so let's go and find out what they're thinking.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Hello, guys.- Hello.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56We've got to the end of our week in the Peak District.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Is there a clear contender? I'm guessing that one might be.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- I think so.- Yes.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Are you going to tell me?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- Or are you going to keep it a secret?- It's going to be secret.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10No, it was the last one.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Love the house. I think it's absolutely perfect.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16You seemed to respond a lot to the modernity of the Mystery House.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21Yes, I must admit we were thinking more of a solid stone property
0:41:21 > 0:41:25when we first started the search but the Mystery House,
0:41:25 > 0:41:29once we got inside it, it did change our minds.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31It was a nice surprise.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33And what will be the next step for you?
0:41:33 > 0:41:39Well, the next step is that we exchange and complete
0:41:39 > 0:41:41on our property.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45We move into rented accommodation for a little while...
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- Up here?- ..up in Bamford.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And then we pursue the Mystery House
0:41:51 > 0:41:55because it did have everything we wanted in there.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57It's a very strong contender.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Ah. So, what kind of timescale would that be?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- Weeks.- Ah, great. So, it's exciting?
0:42:03 > 0:42:04It's very exciting.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05And scary.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08Well, it's been a pleasure.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10It's always a pleasure coming to Derbyshire
0:42:10 > 0:42:12and I hope that you do move here super soon
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and that obviously we hope that you move into the Mystery House
0:42:14 > 0:42:16but all the best.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Thank you and thank you for having us.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24A lovely week here in the Peak District
0:42:24 > 0:42:27and we came very, very close with the Mystery House there.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30And as you can see, here you have to go up a hill to get the views,
0:42:30 > 0:42:34so I'm hoping that Dee and Rob find their hill-stomping feet
0:42:34 > 0:42:37and take on that property cos it's a winner.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41And I hope that you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Dee and Rob have now completed the sale of their home in Staines
0:42:47 > 0:42:49and plan to revisit the Mystery House
0:42:49 > 0:42:51once they have finished moving into their rented home
0:42:51 > 0:42:53in the Peak District.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online at...