0:00:02 > 0:00:04This charming village behind me may be full of life today,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06but a poignant story
0:00:06 > 0:00:09of self-sacrifice is written into its history.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Find out exactly what happened and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34On today's show, I help a couple
0:00:34 > 0:00:36looking for a rural escape somewhere with
0:00:36 > 0:00:38a strong village community.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41But it seems that size is going to be a struggle.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Interesting, to say the least.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Yeah.- Looks a bit small on the front.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49But it's fortunate some houses in our line-up do measure up.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Oh, this is big.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52- This is big.- This is much...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I thought it would be low roofs.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Wow, that's fantastic.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Today, I'm in Derbyshire, and this is the village of Eyam,
0:01:01 > 0:01:06where in 1665, a cloth-bound package infected with the bubonic plague
0:01:06 > 0:01:08arrived from London.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Once the disease had started to claim the lives of the villagers,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15the entire community made an extraordinary decision,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19to quarantine themselves to stop the disease from spreading.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Around 260 people lost their lives as a result,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26affecting over 70 families.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Today, Eyam still remembers the courage of its ancestors
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and the industries that contributed to the revival
0:01:33 > 0:01:35of this beautiful village.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Derbyshire is located at the heart
0:01:39 > 0:01:43of Britain and shares its borders with seven other counties,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46with Nottinghamshire to the east and Staffordshire to the west.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51A county of striking and varied landscapes,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53its windswept moors give way to
0:01:53 > 0:01:55exposed limestone dales, where miles
0:01:55 > 0:01:58of dry-stone walls snake through lush fields and wooded valleys.
0:02:00 > 0:02:01And the crowning glory is
0:02:01 > 0:02:04undoubtedly the Peak District National Park,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06which lies predominantly in Derbyshire.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Ancient towns like Ashbourne provide gateways to the region,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13attracting house-hunters and visitors alike,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16who come to admire its many Georgian buildings,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19historic almshouses and the main attraction,
0:02:19 > 0:02:24the 14th-century St Oswald's Parish Church, featuring a 212-foot spire.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29The region is also peppered with picturesque villages, like Thorpe,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33home to a stout Norman church dating back to the 12th century,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and pretty residential properties made from stone.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37When it comes to industry,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40look no further than the World Heritage Site
0:02:40 > 0:02:42of the Derwent Valley Mills.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Home to Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mill,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48a cotton factory which became famous in 1769, when Arkwright
0:02:48 > 0:02:53successfully harnessed the power of the river to run it.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Today, his legacy lives on,
0:02:55 > 0:02:56as the mill houses one of the
0:02:56 > 0:02:58finest collections of working textile machines
0:02:58 > 0:03:01in the UK, now open to the public.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07So, with industrial history, architecture, and wonderful scenery,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11it's no wonder Derbyshire remains popular with those looking for their
0:03:11 > 0:03:12ideal rural home.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Derbyshire can be great value for money
0:03:18 > 0:03:21with the average detached house price coming in at an impressive
0:03:21 > 0:03:2426% below the national figure.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Having said that,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27proximity to the Peak District can
0:03:27 > 0:03:30inflate prices in historic market towns
0:03:30 > 0:03:34such as Bakewell and Ashbourne, with their very attractive housing stock.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38However, further from the National Park,
0:03:38 > 0:03:39Wirksworth is a fine example of a town
0:03:39 > 0:03:42where you'll get that little bit more for your money.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Mindful of this, let's meet today's
0:03:46 > 0:03:49buyers and find out what has attracted to them to this county.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Research scientist David and his wife Sarah,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56an occupational therapist, currently live in Dartford in Kent.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Their first encounter was some three
0:03:59 > 0:04:01decades ago in the Cumbrian countryside.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04We first met in the Lake District
0:04:04 > 0:04:09in a church up there I had been going to for several years.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11I went along to this church one Sunday morning
0:04:11 > 0:04:12and we were introduced.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14We didn't fall in love at first sight
0:04:14 > 0:04:16but gradually over the years we did.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20We've been together for 29 years.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21A long time but,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23a great time.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Together they have three children
0:04:25 > 0:04:27who are now grown up and the youngest is
0:04:27 > 0:04:29about to leave for university.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32After years of moving around for David's work,
0:04:32 > 0:04:33they've decided the time is right
0:04:33 > 0:04:36for both of them to take early retirement,
0:04:36 > 0:04:37leave their busy local area
0:04:37 > 0:04:41and head back to somewhere more peaceful again.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44It's a lot sort of busier and
0:04:44 > 0:04:46sort of faster, life down here.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Probably time for looking for a change
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and something a little bit quieter.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Well, we're thinking of moving to Derbyshire
0:04:52 > 0:04:54which is sort of central to the country.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55And it's a beautiful area.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59And then it will have the Peak District on the sort of doorstep,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02which is a place we haven't really explored before.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- No.- We like the outdoors and we want to go and explore it.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Alongside a busy job, David is also a churchwarden.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13They both attend regularly,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16so a local church and a new community will be
0:05:16 > 0:05:19important considerations for their next move.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21As will a space for their hobbies.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Sarah would like more time to enjoy
0:05:23 > 0:05:26cooking and knitting, whilst David would like somewhere
0:05:26 > 0:05:29to continue his hobby of model-making.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I've got marquetry,
0:05:31 > 0:05:35sort of making pictures out of wood veneers,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and also model-making with wood as well.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Moving will mean leaving their four-bedroom chalet bungalow,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45where they've lived for 16 years.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49But whilst it has served them well, the plot no longer suits Sarah.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51We've a lovely garden, about one third of an acre
0:05:51 > 0:05:53on different levels,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55which is becoming more difficult for me
0:05:55 > 0:05:57because I have arthritis in one of my hips,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00and David's having to do all the gardening really now.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Working as well as doing all the garden is quite a lot for him to do.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Saying goodbye to the family home
0:06:08 > 0:06:10will be an emotional upheaval but
0:06:10 > 0:06:12the benefits of more free time and a
0:06:12 > 0:06:15brand-new location will far outweigh this.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I think I'm excited that we will be doing something together.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21We haven't done that for a very long time.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22- Yeah.- I'm excited about that.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Now is the time for ourselves to enjoy
0:06:25 > 0:06:28and having that time together to do whatever we want.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36For David and Sarah's move to Derbyshire,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37they're hoping to find a country home
0:06:37 > 0:06:40somewhere between the towns of Derby and Bakewell.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43So we are concentrating the search in this area.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47And I'm meeting up with them in the county to find out more about their
0:06:47 > 0:06:48property wish list.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Well, Sarah and David, welcome to Derbyshire.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- BOTH:- Thank you.- With three grown-up
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- children that have left home... - They have.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58..this is the next chapter, isn't it?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It's just about the two of you, for most of the time.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02The house really that we're in at the moment
0:07:02 > 0:07:04is too big now that it's just the two of us.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So talk us through what you'd like for your next property.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Well, I think we'd like a detached house.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Ideally at least three bedrooms so
0:07:12 > 0:07:15when the family come, they can come and stay.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Flat garden so that Sarah can do more gardening
0:07:18 > 0:07:21and not be bothered too much about her hip.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23We do know, don't we, that Derbyshire is very hilly.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26It is, but as long as the house itself is on the flat.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- I think that's the important thing. - OK.- We'd love a social kitchen.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32For the moment we've got a kitchen and other people have to sit in a
0:07:32 > 0:07:35different room. Can't really talk to them while you're cooking.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37So we'd love a social kitchen when the family are home.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39We do own a caravan and it would be
0:07:39 > 0:07:42lovely to have room on the property to keep it.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Or perhaps be able to store it but nearer.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47So you're both pretty flexible when
0:07:47 > 0:07:49it comes to location, but I'm guessing
0:07:49 > 0:07:52you want to be close to a community, the edge of a village.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Church is very important to us so to be able to be a member of a local
0:07:56 > 0:07:57church involved in the community is...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- That would be great...- It would be great for us.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01It does sound wonderful.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Let's remind ourselves of how much you've got to spend with this
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- move to Derbyshire. - Right, we've got £380,000.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Well, we do have some splendid properties to show you.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13You don't know the county very well so I think it's going to be an
0:08:13 > 0:08:16interesting few days but an exciting one.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Good budget. Let's see how we get on. Let's go.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24With a budget of £380,000,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28David and Sarah are looking for a detached home with three bedrooms.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30They'd like a large kitchen diner as
0:08:30 > 0:08:33the hub of the house and an even accessible garden.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37A place to park their caravan close by will be important to them,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39as will a strong village community
0:08:39 > 0:08:42and a local church.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46We found three fantastic properties for them to look at and at each one,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I'll be asking them to guess the price at the end of the tour.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Our final stop to the Mystery House
0:08:51 > 0:08:55will certainly give them a new outlook to consider.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So taking this lovely early retirement,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04it does give you so many options, doesn't it?
0:09:04 > 0:09:05It does, yeah.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07One of the things I want to do is to
0:09:07 > 0:09:09sort of look at doing something voluntary.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Cos it's important for our faith to do things for other people.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16To be able to give back something is important for us.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17I think this will be a very
0:09:17 > 0:09:20different way of life, perhaps slower.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23But doing more things together.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31We're starting off our tour within their search area in a small village
0:09:31 > 0:09:32called Fritchley.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Set within lush and endless scenery,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Crich is the nearest town to
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Fritchley, lying just a short three-minute drive away.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42A former market town,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Crich has all the amenities you could ask for,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48a thriving community and no less than three churches.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52A further Congregational Church can be found back in the centre of
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Fritchley, which also hosts other
0:09:54 > 0:09:57community events that Sarah and David might enjoy.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00And just a short walk away from it,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02we come to the first house in our selection.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Well, this is it, our first property.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07I'm going to get you to turn round.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Wow.- It's this wonderful old cottage.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Interesting. It is old.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Yeah.- And it's got an archway, I love archways.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17So first impressions?
0:10:17 > 0:10:18- Interesting.- Yeah?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21To say the least. Yeah, not quite sure really.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Bit hard to say. Looks a bit small on the front.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27It does look a bit small but...
0:10:28 > 0:10:29I'm really intrigued.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31It does have a certain charm, doesn't it?
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- Definitely.- Let's step inside, see what you make of it.- OK.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Originally starting life as two cottages and now knocked into one,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42this property dates back some 400 years.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45It is semidetached and may appear to compact
0:10:45 > 0:10:48from the front but there is a new extension to the rear
0:10:48 > 0:10:51which really has added to the space inside.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53We're starting off with the kitchen.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55So, step inside.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Oh, lovely kitchen.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's beautiful. Lovely table,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I can see the family round that, can't you?
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Yeah.- And the range. - It is a country kitchen, isn't it?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- It is.- Yeah, it is.- Lots of wood, lots of character, lots of charm.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11A reasonable size as well.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Yeah. Now this is the oldest part of the house.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17You can see just by the thickness of those walls.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I was going to say how thick the walls are.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Yeah.- There's a bit more room over there as well.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- That's the extension.- Right.- So you've got a big utility room.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- OK.- With underfloor heating.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28- OK.- Very nice.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31And then beyond that you've actually
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- got a downstairs cloakroom with a shower.- Oh, useful.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Initial reactions outside were...
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Might be on the small side.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39What do we think as we step in?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42This is bigger than I expected it was going to be.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Good. Well I'm hoping you're going
0:11:43 > 0:11:46to be equally impressed with what's next door.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Let's have a look.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52So this is your sitting room.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54What a lovely floor.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56All reclaimed from a local pub.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It was going to be thrown out so the owners found it, brought it in here.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- What fun.- I know - it's beautiful, isn't it?
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Very cosy.- Nice big fire.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Yeah.- Wood burner.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Yeah, it's cosy, it's small.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Is the character a little bit off-putting, this charm that it has?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I'd love to holiday here.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15Not sure all the time.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17So if this side is old,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21let me show you what's next door because that might change your mind.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Just through here.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26This side, this is far more contemporary.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Wow. Look at this. Beautiful.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29Nice and light, very light.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33And that would be more room for the family to spill out into relaxing.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Summer or winter.- Exactly.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Beautiful.- To the side of us you've got the garage.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40There's no room there for the caravan.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45However, the owners keep their caravan at a local farm.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- Oh, OK.- In actual fact there are two caravan parks, one three miles away,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52one five miles away if you wanted to look at something more permanent.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53- That would be amazing.- That's useful.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Good options.- That would be a lot better than what we've got now.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- I take it that we are loving this room?- Definitely. Lovely. Beautiful.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Let's head upstairs and see what you make of that.- OK.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09It's a great start to the first property, and the modern extension
0:13:09 > 0:13:12has really helped boost the space downstairs.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16I just hope the four bedrooms upstairs will also appeal.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Two are neutrally decorated,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20large enough for doubles and another
0:13:20 > 0:13:23smaller bedroom is set up as a study.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25There is also the family bathroom
0:13:25 > 0:13:27and last to see is the final bedroom.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33So, let me show you the master bedroom.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Right.- OK.- Nice and bright.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Slightly small but lovely.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40I love the window. It's lovely to
0:13:40 > 0:13:42see that depth of the wall looking out.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Yes.- And then it's all countryside.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49We really are in the heart of it here, aren't we?
0:13:49 > 0:13:51So overall, not a bad reaction to upstairs.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- Definitely.- And I think it's time to head outside, see what's there.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- OK, great.- That would be lovely.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Once out in the garden, it will be
0:13:59 > 0:14:03time for them to guess the price and I just hope they can see
0:14:03 > 0:14:06the value in this charming cottage.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07They may be feeling the squeeze
0:14:07 > 0:14:11upstairs but the outlook of the garden could make up for it.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16See, this is why you want to move, isn't it?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Those country views. - Beautiful views.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19- Amazing.- Lovely.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22So we do have a flat garden here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- Yes.- Although, Sarah, there are some quite steep steps to get up here but
0:14:25 > 0:14:27I'm thinking that would be worth
0:14:27 > 0:14:29landscaping and you could just soften it.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Yes, you could. This is lovely and flat.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34And if the lawnmower was in the shed, that would be fine.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I can put my feet up.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41So, I wonder what's going through your mind now.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44And how good you are going to be at guessing the price.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I'm no good at these things, so I'll go first.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51I think it's on the market for 360,000.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- OK.- Pounds.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Not knowing the area really, 370,000.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59OK, you're both under the asking price.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04It's actually on the market for £379,950.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- Oh, right. OK.- So I can give you £50 change from your top budget.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You've done well. Lovely first property.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14All right. Well have another look around on your own this time and
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I'll catch up with you when you ready.
0:15:16 > 0:15:17Lovely. Thanks very much.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Thank you.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24On the market for just under £380,000,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26the space in this semidetached
0:15:26 > 0:15:29character cottage is really deceptive.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32For it comes with four bedrooms, a modern extension,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35a lovely country kitchen- breakfast room for Sarah
0:15:35 > 0:15:38as well as options for David's modelling.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And whilst it doesn't have a huge garden,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44there is a thriving church community right on the doorstep.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Initial thoughts for this house,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50bigger than it looked from the outside.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52And for just the two of us,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54there's plenty of space around.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56A little bit concerned probably
0:15:56 > 0:15:59about the sort of parking space at the front.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00Quite small.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02And the garden, probably a little
0:16:02 > 0:16:05bit on the smaller side than we were expecting.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08What really works for me is the kitchen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09A lovely farm kitchen and I can
0:16:09 > 0:16:12imagine the family sitting around chatting
0:16:12 > 0:16:15whilst teas, coffees, meals are being prepared.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Really lovely, lovely warm...
0:16:17 > 0:16:19That's what we were looking for.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Well, that's our first house tour done.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- Lovely.- Charming cottage.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28- Beautiful.- Good start, I think?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Very good start.- Yeah. Very good.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Thank you.- Right, let's keep going. - Right.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Derbyshire's deep clay enriched soil
0:16:40 > 0:16:42holds the history of its industrial past
0:16:42 > 0:16:44in pottery making.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46200 years ago and in its prime,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50there were 69 different potteries at work in the area,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53only a few of which are still in business.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56And it's to one of the most well-known, Denby Pottery,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58that David and Sarah have come today.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01To understand more about the heritage of the county,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04they're meeting company historian Linda Salt.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09How was the Denby Potteries established and how long ago?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12In 1806, as you can imagine the
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Industrial Revolution was well underway,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17people needed roads to take the
0:17:17 > 0:17:20goods to market and the road builders were busy.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23They got as far as Denby and they discovered this magnificent,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25enormous seam of clay.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28The local potter, William Bourne,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30was called to have a look at the seam of clay.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33He recognised its attributes straightaway.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37In 1809, he put his youngest son, Joseph,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41on the site of the clay bed to get underway with the pottery.
0:17:41 > 0:17:42What were they making?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Stoneware. Bottles and jars -
0:17:44 > 0:17:48to basically hold liquid commodities of the day.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Glass was around but it was very expensive.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55So everything basically contained in a fluid came in a ceramic bottle.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57If we look just behind us,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00the bottles also included hot water bottles.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Oh.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05And there were the more functional-looking ones.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07But they were some interesting shapes.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Oh, wow.- And it was intended for gentlemen.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- For in the bed to keep it warm. - Yes.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16The brand is traditionally known for its brown salt glaze,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19an effect achieved by throwing salt into the kilns.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21When the salt vapours combine with the clay,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24it creates a shiny brown coating.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26After the Second World War,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28the company moved on to tableware
0:18:28 > 0:18:30and whilst the glazing methods moved on,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34some of the original processes are still done today.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37In the factory, Sarah and David are meeting head of manufacturing,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Dean Barlow, and dipper Joe Pearson.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Hello, guys.- Hello there. - Joe's dipping a teapot.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45So basically you've got to cover
0:18:45 > 0:18:49your thumb over the spout, otherwise the glaze flows into
0:18:49 > 0:18:51the inside and you've got the wrong glaze inside.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Yeah.- And then you've got to dip it,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56get the top of the handle to the top of the spout without going inside.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57And you've got to do it fairly
0:18:57 > 0:18:59quickly, otherwise the glaze becomes too thick
0:18:59 > 0:19:01and it will run off the pot when it's fired.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- OK.- If you want to have a go so...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05These biscuit-fired teapots are
0:19:05 > 0:19:08still porous and, when dipped, soak up the water
0:19:08 > 0:19:12from the solution leaving just the glaze on the surface of the pot.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Then they're dried before a final firing.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- Very good.- So you've missed the top of the handle slightly.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23With 25 pairs of hands involved in the process,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26over 150,000 pieces are made each week.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Using skilled craftsmanship, they are still
0:19:29 > 0:19:32made from the original seam of Derbyshire clay discovered
0:19:32 > 0:19:34all those years ago.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Once the pots are fired, finishing touches
0:19:37 > 0:19:39are applied before a final check is made.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Every single piece is hand inspected.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46So they look around the outside of the piece,
0:19:46 > 0:19:51they check for any visible flaws and then every piece is tapped to make
0:19:51 > 0:19:53sure that it's not got any internal cracks.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Right.- And you get a dull thud rather than that nice ring.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Oh. OK.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00From the potted history to the
0:20:00 > 0:20:02complex skills involved in making them,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05the legacy of these ceramic pieces lives on.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08But for now, we're turning our
0:20:08 > 0:20:14attention back to the business of house-hunting.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18For our next property, we are staying right in the
0:20:18 > 0:20:21centre of their search area, this time in the village of Middleton.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25This pretty farming hamlet grew up alongside the nearby market town of
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Wirksworth, where there was a
0:20:27 > 0:20:31prosperous lead mining industry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Today, its period limestone buildings
0:20:33 > 0:20:37and picturesque alleyways play host to many cafes and shops.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39In the centre sits the grand
0:20:39 > 0:20:42St Mary's Church, which dates back to the seventh century
0:20:42 > 0:20:46and is associated with the Methodist church back in Middleton.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Again just a short stroll away from the church lies our next house.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Let me introduce our second property.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- That's nice.- Bigger.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- Nice front garden.- Really nice.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Lovely front garden.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Pond.- Yes.- We've learned something on that first property,
0:21:03 > 0:21:04never judge it by the front door.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- By the outside, yeah.- Yes.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07It's nice, I like it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Makes it look bigger because you've got space in front.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- Yeah.- Which I like.- Right, I think we should
0:21:12 > 0:21:14start having a look around our second property, don't you?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Definitely.- Yeah, sure.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Approached by a flagstone pathway,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21this symmetrical cottage was built
0:21:21 > 0:21:24in the 1760s with an added 100-year-old
0:21:24 > 0:21:28extension at the back that perfectly blends the old and new together.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31We are starting off in the original sitting-room.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Let's start off with...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Well, I'm going to say the first reception room.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41OK, lovely open fire.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Yeah. Lovely big window.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45Look at that stone sill.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- That's amazing.- Fun.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Yeah.- Lovely.- Got character, which is nice...
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- And the deep...- Little recesses.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Lovely having a bookcase in...
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Set in the wall. I have lots of books, don't I?
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Yeah. Too many.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03So you've got this reception room and then you've got another one
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- the other side of the hallway. - Yes, OK.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Leaving behind two of the three
0:22:10 > 0:22:13receptions in the oldest part of the house, a small doorway brings you to
0:22:13 > 0:22:15the more modern extension at the back
0:22:15 > 0:22:17and straight into the kitchen diner.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- Wow, what lovely kitchen. - This is nice, nice and open.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23- Yeah.- Lots of room.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Now somebody wanted a large kitchen, I seem to remember.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- I do, yes.- Yes. - And?- And a massive range.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I love it. It's a little bit more quirky
0:22:33 > 0:22:36and different than I expected and lovely.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37I really like it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Yeah, lot bigger than I expected. I didn't expect a kitchen this size.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44See, I think you want quite a large house in actual, fact.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45I think we probably do, don't we?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I think for when the family come, we're all together.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50And even for church events, meals and meetings and things.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Yeah, inviting people round.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53So you've all this space here,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56remember you've got three reception rooms.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59The third one is just behind us next door and that leads also into a
0:22:59 > 0:23:01utility room and downstairs cloakroom.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Wow.- OK.- That's a lot downstairs, isn't it?
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- That's good, yeah.- See, you do want a big house, don't you?
0:23:06 > 0:23:07- You do.- Looks like it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Probably bigger than we thought. - I think so.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- I think so. Well, let's see what you make of upstairs, shall we?- OK.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Reconfigured to maximise space,
0:23:16 > 0:23:21this downstairs extension has made a real impact and the four upstairs
0:23:21 > 0:23:23bedrooms benefit as well.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26One is a bright blue double with a washbasin.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29A smaller double is presented with a single bed.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33And another double is set up as a study.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Then, next to the family bathroom,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37we come to the largest of the bedrooms.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- Oh, this is big. - This is big.- This is much larger...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45I thought it would be low roofs and small rooms up here.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Wow, that's fantastic.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49So, master bedroom, wonderful.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Yeah.- Lovely, fantastic.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- We've always...- And wardrobes, look - fitted wardrobes.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56That's even bigger than it even looks.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Yep. It's huge as it is.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Let's take a look at the garden because it is unusual.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04And we're going to have to talk about that price as well.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05- Yeah.- Let's see how we get on.- OK.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10As well as a patch at the front,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13the garden also spreads out to the side of the property
0:24:13 > 0:24:16where pockets of lawn and flowerbeds sit alongside a number
0:24:16 > 0:24:19of sheds as well as a large veggie plot.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23So you've got that wonderful front garden.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25This is yours.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Now, the beloved caravan could live here.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32However, there are areas around here that actually currently rent out
0:24:32 > 0:24:35spaces for caravans and extra cars.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Lovely.- Now what about you, Dave?
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I sense a little bit of reticence.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I think although there's three reception rooms downstairs,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45they're a bit on the small side, each of them.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48If we have visitors and friends coming around
0:24:48 > 0:24:50to stay and things, it...
0:24:50 > 0:24:51Sort of end up in different rooms.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54What do we think it's on the market for?
0:24:54 > 0:24:55You go first this time.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59I think it's probably over budget and I'm going to say 395.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02OK. I was going to go for £400,000.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Oh, you're very close, aren't you?
0:25:05 > 0:25:08I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised,
0:25:08 > 0:25:14because the asking price is £364,950.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19- Really?!- £15,000 under budget.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I can't enlarge those reception rooms
0:25:21 > 0:25:23but I'm going to send you back.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25I want you to have another look at them now.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- OK, yep.- Tell him the kitchen outweighs those reception rooms.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- Go on.- I will.- Everyone lives in the kitchen.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36On the market just shy of £365,000,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40this detached home gives our buyers four bedrooms,
0:25:40 > 0:25:41one an impressive master.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45Whilst the receptions aren't vast, there are three of them,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47topped off with a great kitchen diner.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51The property also boasts a level cottage garden and there are
0:25:51 > 0:25:54opportunities to keep the caravan close by.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58My impression of this house when we got inside,
0:25:58 > 0:25:59the layout is bigger than you'd
0:25:59 > 0:26:03expect and the bedrooms upstairs and the heights of the rooms...
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I was just amazed. I love the kitchen.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09That probably does feel like the hub - the middle of the building.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11A nice big kitchen with plenty
0:26:11 > 0:26:15of room for the social aspect of it as well.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Nice big main bedroom, which I like.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23The outside works well. Perhaps the downside being, for me anyway,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27although there are three reception rooms, they are on the small side.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32This really is a splendid garden - just looking at it.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35It is, with the sunshine and everything.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Even bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40I wonder if you've convinced him.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42You're going to have to sleep on this one, Dave.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- I think so, yeah.- Positive vibes for those reception rooms.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Guess what? That's it.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Oh, OK.- But I do have one more house to show you tomorrow.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Looking forward to it.- Good. - Yes.- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07It's the start of our second day with David and Sarah,
0:27:07 > 0:27:08from the town of Dartford in Kent,
0:27:08 > 0:27:13who have a budget of £380,000 to spend on a rural idyll,
0:27:13 > 0:27:16near a village with a church and strong community.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Still to come... At the mystery house,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22a different taste in styles become apparent.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24A little bit olde-worlde for me.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- You're learning things about him, aren't you?- I love it!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29And I get a real taste for the county.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32Can't go wrong with that.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Well, it's been a fair start to our house search
0:27:37 > 0:27:39but there is still room for improvement.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Clearly Dave and Sarah want to live in the heart of a
0:27:43 > 0:27:46community with a good church nearby.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50I wonder how they're going to feel if we slightly remove them from that
0:27:50 > 0:27:54but show them a delightful Mystery House with views to match.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Our Mystery House is the most
0:27:59 > 0:28:01northerly location, in Lower Lumsdale.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03On the fringes of the Peak District,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07it's just a five-minute drive away of the county town of Matlock.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09A former spa town,
0:28:09 > 0:28:10its vibrant centre is now full of
0:28:10 > 0:28:14all the amenities and luxuries you might need,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16plus a number of churches.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Nearby in the village of Tansley,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20two further churches can be found -
0:28:20 > 0:28:23both beautifully built from locally quarried stone.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Here there's also an active village hall
0:28:25 > 0:28:27with a number of community events
0:28:27 > 0:28:29that might suit our couple.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31And it's just a short drive away
0:28:31 > 0:28:33from the action in a truly rural
0:28:33 > 0:28:35setting where we find the mystery package.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40So a new day, our final property.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43It's got to be the Mystery House, hasn't it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- Here she is.- Beautiful.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Lovely.- Any idea what this used to be?
0:28:49 > 0:28:50Some sort of farm building?
0:28:50 > 0:28:54It's actually a stable block to the big mill house.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It begs the question, why have we picked this?
0:28:57 > 0:28:58It's the location.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02This location is probably a bit further out than the other two.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06You do have a village quite close by but we are a little bit more remote.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08The way we came in - that's your entrance
0:29:08 > 0:29:09and you also have an alternative
0:29:09 > 0:29:11private entrance at the side.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I think we should start the tour of the house first.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15Yes, what a good idea.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Come on.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Whilst our Mystery House is semi-detached
0:29:19 > 0:29:22and takes us out of a central village location,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25this character conversion, dating back to the 1800s,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27has an ideal layout.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30It was sympathetically extended in the 1990s
0:29:30 > 0:29:32to provide well-proportioned rooms
0:29:32 > 0:29:34without losing any of its original charm.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Right, as you walk through, you've got a small hallway.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Right.- It leads straight into
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- our sitting room. - Beautiful fire.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- It's really nice.- This is where they would have been stabled.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48You'd have had three horses along,
0:29:48 > 0:29:51they'd have been tethered up against that wall.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Right.- That's why the ceilings are so high.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Again, the original beams have been painted white.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- I like that.- A lot of character in it.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01This is your sitting room and then
0:30:01 > 0:30:04they've added this wonderful sunroom/conservatory.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06A strong start, hasn't it?
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- Very much so.- Let's see what you make of the kitchen next door.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10OK.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18That's beautifully done, isn't it?
0:30:18 > 0:30:21A place to sit, social kitchen.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Beautiful. Lovely and light, lot of windows.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27We're used to lot of windows in our kitchen at home, aren't we?
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Beautiful view overlooking the garden.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31You don't have a separate dining room.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It's all rather integrated here.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Dave, does it work for you or would you change anything?
0:30:37 > 0:30:40The layout's good.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I'm not so sure about the finish to the kitchen units.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45It looks a little bit olde-worlde for me.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50More cottagey, not quite the sort of thing for me, anyway.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52You're learning things about him, aren't you?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- I love it!- Perhaps you'll be changing
0:30:54 > 0:30:56this kitchen to suit your needs.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Possibly.- We'll see, we'll see.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59It hasn't worked its magic on you.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Let's see if the rest of the property does.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06With differing tastes becoming ever more apparent,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10I hope the three upstairs rooms give them a meeting of minds.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13The first is a beamed country style bedroom.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15The second, a comfortable single.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18There is a heritage suite in the family bathroom
0:31:18 > 0:31:20and then we come to the last room.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- Pretty!- You've got this wonderful master bedroom.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28This is the main bedroom but you've also got this little dressing area -
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- this vanity area.- Beautiful.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Nice and light and lots of light coming in.- Beautifully done.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36And they've kept the wooden beams.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38You've also got an en suite.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Yeah!- This is a beautiful room.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- It's got character and...- You like what you see so far up here?
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Lovely.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Well, let's head outside.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51Dave, if you wouldn't mind leading the way for me.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52Thank you.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56With both parties warming to the mystery property,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59I feel encouraged to show them the garden.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01With just a few shallow steps,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04it takes full advantage of its rural position,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07benefiting from beautiful far-reaching views.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14And here you can really appreciate the stable cottage.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- Yeah.- They've laid it out beautifully.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Roses, different places to sit.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22It's full of character.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25You've got your summerhouse.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28We're trying to be mindful of your hip.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Would this be OK for you?
0:32:29 > 0:32:31It would. I could do little bits at a time.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34What else have I got to mention?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- The caravan.- The beloved caravan.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42The good news is, there's a farm about a mile away and two campsites.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Oh, OK.- Two miles away.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Plenty of options.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- OK.- Let's see what you make of the price.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55I'll let you know it's only just gone on, by a week.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- OK.- I'm thinking it's over budget because of its location.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04I think it's £410,000.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06I'm thinking probably a bit less than that.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08£399,050.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11The asking price for this property is...
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I'm being mean. £320,000.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- Really?- Wow! That's a lot less than the others.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20I'm really surprised.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22For the final time,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26I'm going to send you two off to have a look together on your own.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- Please do. I'll catch up with you later.- Thank you.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Now, it's not often you can show someone such a splendid property in
0:33:38 > 0:33:43a prime location £60,000 under their budget.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I'm going to leave them on their own and see if Sarah can convince Dave
0:33:47 > 0:33:49that this could be their future home.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Considerably under budget,
0:33:53 > 0:33:58the Mystery House has just come on the market for £320,000.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02A former stable block, it has a large and light kitchen/diner.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05There are three bedrooms and a sunroom.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Whilst it may be more rural and a short drive from the local village,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12it does come with spectacular, uninterrupted views.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15I have to say, I think I've slightly
0:34:15 > 0:34:18fallen in love with the Mystery House probably over
0:34:18 > 0:34:20the other two houses that we've seen.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25This living room is so warm and welcoming and lovely and bright.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27The kitchen is very much to my taste.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31It's country, comfortable and I'd love to be in that kitchen.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34What I really like is the master bedroom.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37It's a good size and lots of light in it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38Also the views from the
0:34:38 > 0:34:41windows upstairs across the valley are amazing.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44It would be great to wake up to those every morning.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Hello. Happy?
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Yes, very happy. A beautiful house.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Considering you didn't know this county very well,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55we've certainly done some miles, haven't we?
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- We have.- Three properties, varying degrees of enthusiasm for them.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03I think you two need some time on your own and then we'll have a chat.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Come on.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15With miles of meadows of lush green grass,
0:35:15 > 0:35:16livestock flourished in Derbyshire
0:35:16 > 0:35:18and from their plentiful supply of milk,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21its cheese industry thrived.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Many villages like Hartington have a long tradition in cheesemaking.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The original factory, dating back to 1875,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31became renowned when George V
0:35:31 > 0:35:35granted it a royal warrant to supply blue Stilton to court.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36But due to closures,
0:35:36 > 0:35:40cheese production was set to cease in the village until five dedicated
0:35:40 > 0:35:44locals clubbed together and took up the cause.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46They converted rural barns into a
0:35:46 > 0:35:49creamery and kept Hartington Stilton firmly on the map.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I've come to meet one of the founders,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Alan Salt, to find out about the present-day production.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59I'm looking forward to hearing about
0:35:59 > 0:36:01your new business tucked away behind this farm.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- Let's go through. - Thank you.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08What's going on in here?
0:36:08 > 0:36:10This is curd.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12How do we get curd?
0:36:12 > 0:36:15This was milk... This time yesterday this would be liquid milk and we've
0:36:15 > 0:36:17converted it into curd.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20We're preserving the milk, we've got to get the solids out of the milk.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21This is the fat and protein and
0:36:21 > 0:36:23that's what we're going to make the cheese with.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26This liquid here - is this what you're trying to drain away?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29That's mostly water. We don't need all that.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31What we actually producing here?
0:36:31 > 0:36:33We're making blue Stilton cheese.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Stilton is a protected product and
0:36:35 > 0:36:38we can only make it in Nottinghamshire,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Leicestershire and Derbyshire.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Derbyshire, and this area of Hartington,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44is renowned for its cheese production.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47There's a long history of cheesemaking in Derbyshire and we
0:36:47 > 0:36:50are unfortunately the last one, but we're keeping it going.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54You say you're the last one, but it did stop at one point, didn't it?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Yes, the oldest cheese factory in the country was three miles away.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01That closed down in 2009, leaving no cheesemaking in Derbyshire.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05It's incredible to think, though, if Derbyshire is one of the few
0:37:05 > 0:37:08counties not only in this country but the whole world, that can
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- produce something as fine as Stilton and they stop producing it.- Yep.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14You've turned it around and proved there is a huge market.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16We've turned it around and there is
0:37:16 > 0:37:19a niche for artisan cheese made on a small scale.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23The process continues by breaking up the curd to release the
0:37:23 > 0:37:25excess whey from the milk.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Next, salt and a mould culture is added.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31It's finely milled and packed into that cylindrical moulds and left to
0:37:31 > 0:37:34settle for three days before the next process can begin.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Now I'm going to show you one of the other stages in the cheesemaking
0:37:39 > 0:37:41process, putting the crust on the cheese.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43This is the binding process.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46That's the cheese and I'm going to take this plastic mould off
0:37:46 > 0:37:47that makes the cheese shape.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51You called it a blue Stilton.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I can't see any blue at the moment.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56The mould seeds are in there to make it go blue later
0:37:56 > 0:37:59but we don't want it to go blue now - it is too soon.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01I'm going to seal up the cheese.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- Yes.- Get a bit of a cheese and put it on...
0:38:05 > 0:38:07and put it back on the next bit.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Just fill the holes in.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13In a way, it's like sealing the sides.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14- Do you want to have a go? - I'd love to.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Thank you. This is the crust that we recognise.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20That will dry out and form the crust that everyone recognises is on a
0:38:20 > 0:38:22piece of Stilton. That's pretty good
0:38:22 > 0:38:25for your first time you've ever done it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- This all has to be done by hand. - All done by hand, yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Whilst I'm getting the hang of the binding process,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34it will take weeks of storage before it's ready for eating.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36So to get a taste,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40I'm parting company with Alan and heading to the centre of Hartington.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42At The Old Cheese Shop, I'm meeting
0:38:42 > 0:38:45another of the Creamery's owners, Claire Milner.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- Hi, Claire.- Pleased to meet you.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- Welcome to The Cheese Shop. - When you say, "cheese shop",
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I wasn't expecting so many different varieties of cheese!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58You can see my eyes have just lit up, haven't they?
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Do you want to try some now?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I would love to, but will mine taste like this?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It should do in about eight weeks' time, yes.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12That is delicious!
0:39:12 > 0:39:13It's not overpowering.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It's got a subtle taste, doesn't it?
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Who needs crackers?
0:39:16 > 0:39:17Get straight to the cheese.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19That flavour is incredible.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21It's quite sweet, isn't it?
0:39:21 > 0:39:23It doesn't leave the bitter taste in your mouth afterwards.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you. It's been a pleasure.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30You can't go wrong with that.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Although these crumbs mark the end of my tour,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37they signify a remarkable revival led by a passionate local group,
0:39:37 > 0:39:41championing delicious Derbyshire cheese for generations to come.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Well, I'm feeling pretty confident that we've shown David and Sarah
0:39:46 > 0:39:49the merits of living in glorious Derbyshire,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52but have we found them their perfect property?
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Let's find out.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Sarah and Dave. Derbyshire, do you still want to live here?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06You've definitely sold Derbyshire to me.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Yes, I think it's a really nice countryside and really nice area.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- It's won you over.- It has.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I wonder if our houses do the same because...
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Very interesting before we the talk about the houses,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22watching the relationship as we go through.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26It would be fair to say, Sarah, that you've loved some of the properties,
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- haven't you?- Yes, I have.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Certainly the second house, the Georgian building,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33had lots of room and the bedroom
0:40:33 > 0:40:36there and the garden was just really for us.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41The Mystery House had all those lovely elements of warmth and
0:40:41 > 0:40:44comfort and I felt very at home there,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47really in the kitchen and the living room.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51I thought that you two would be quite united looking around.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55The same ideas and demands of a property but in actually fact,
0:40:55 > 0:40:57your views are quite different.
0:40:57 > 0:40:58Has it surprised you?
0:40:58 > 0:41:01It has, yes, it surprised me.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07Perhaps seeing the different things that we like, it has surprised me.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Like all things, we accept there is going to be compromises.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17It's just deciding what is best for this stage in our lives.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21We need to think a bit further about what we want from a home
0:41:21 > 0:41:22and what we're looking for.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Have any of our three properties that we've shown you
0:41:25 > 0:41:26got close at all?
0:41:26 > 0:41:31Probably the third house is probably the one that's closest.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- Is it?- Whether it's close enough is the next question.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40It's got lovely views but it's the little things we need to think about
0:41:40 > 0:41:43and make sure it's right.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46There were churches nearby that looked hopeful -
0:41:46 > 0:41:48in the village and the town nearby.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51What is the next logical step for you both?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53I think the area of Derbyshire...
0:41:53 > 0:41:56For me, it's confirmed this is the right place to be looking.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- That's super.- Yes, we've agreed on that.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02It's getting that match.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Derbyshire is a truly beautiful county, isn't it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:06I'm going to be honest,
0:42:06 > 0:42:10I'm slightly frustrated because I thought we might have done it!
0:42:10 > 0:42:13I'm sorry, we haven't quite joined up some dots,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- but it is a process, isn't it?- It is.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18We've got you that little bit closer.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20We wish you all the best.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22It's been such a wonderful few days.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Thank you very much. We've really, really enjoyed it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Yes, we have. It's been great.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Although we didn't find David and Sarah their perfect property,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38it hasn't been a wasted exercise.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43We've cemented their desire to move to this gorgeous county and,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46with a little bit more research into the local communities,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I'm sure they'll be making Derbyshire their new home.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52We wish them all the very best.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53See you soon.
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0:42:56 > 0:42:58in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Wales or England and need our help, please apply on-line
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