0:00:02 > 0:00:04This metal dome is actually a map,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06charting the positions of the stars and planets
0:00:06 > 0:00:07above my head.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09It's called a stellarsphere,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13and it's a memorial to one of England's greatest astronomers.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Find out who he was, and where I am, in just a moment.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37Once upon a time, two long-time Londoners
0:00:37 > 0:00:40had a dream of moving to the country.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43This feels to me like, you know, the sort of a house in the woods,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45the gingerbread fairytale sort of place.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- But without the...- But without out the witch!- Exactly.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48THEY LAUGH
0:00:48 > 0:00:52'And they may find their fairytale ending.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Completely tugging at my heartstrings, it really is, yeah.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- I can just imagine us in here. - I could, yeah.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Today, I'm in Derbyshire, in the village of Denby,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and this is the birthplace of John Flamsteed,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09England's first Astronomer Royal.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Flamsteed spent his entire life observing the night sky,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15and he was one of the first to make the observation
0:01:15 > 0:01:19of what he thought was a star, and called 34 Tauri,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21but he was wrong.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24It turned out to be the planet that we now know as Uranus.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Derbyshire is in the East Midlands of England,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31and borders counties including Staffordshire,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37A large section of the Peak District,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39the first national park in England,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41is found in the county.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Also, there are many footpaths in the area.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46But as well as being a popular destination for walkers,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49the high moorland plateaus and ridges of the national park
0:01:49 > 0:01:52are the source of many rivers.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54And it's these waterways that powered Britain's
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Here on the Derwent, pioneering inventor Sir Richard Arkwright
0:02:02 > 0:02:04built one of his greatest endeavours, the Masson Cotton Mill,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07setting the blueprints for future construction.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09It's now a working museum.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13On the banks of the River Wye, we find what was
0:02:13 > 0:02:16once the 11th century seat of William Peverel the Elder,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20alleged to be the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24The current Haddon Hall showcases the architecture of the
0:02:24 > 0:02:26medieval manor house,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30with alterations and additions from the 13th to the 17th centuries.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Elsewhere on the River Wye,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37water has been harnessed for recreation and relaxation.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41The Romans called Buxton "the waters of the goddess of the grove",
0:02:41 > 0:02:45and in the 18th century, the town became a spa centre,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48complete with elegant accommodation for an influx
0:02:48 > 0:02:49of wealthy tourists.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54So, for sublime scenery, a slice of social history,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56or a stop at a spa town,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59it's well worth diving into the depths of Derbyshire,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and making that country escape.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06With more than a third of the country lying inside the
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Peak District National Park,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10there's plenty of gorgeous locations in Derbyshire.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13And property prices are not too expensive.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18The average price for a detached house here is £216,000,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22which is a whopping £84,000 less than the national figure.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25However, to protect rural communities,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29there are some restrictions on properties inside the park.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32These occupancy restrictions means that people can't buy them
0:03:32 > 0:03:35unless they've been working or living in the park
0:03:35 > 0:03:37for more than three years.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40However there are plenty of other gorgeous properties to be had,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44so let's meet the couple who are doing the choosing today.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47After 26 years together, John, a deputy headteacher,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and Steven, who runs a hypnotherapy practice
0:03:50 > 0:03:53from their home in Leytonstone, East London,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55have the family of their dreams.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We never imagined...
0:03:58 > 0:04:00even ten years ago,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02that we'd be able to get married.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04So, to have the civil partnership
0:04:04 > 0:04:07come along was amazing.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11And then when the adoption laws changed to allow gay couples
0:04:11 > 0:04:14to adopt, again, we never envisaged that we'd be able to
0:04:14 > 0:04:18have the family that we'd always wanted, with children.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21I can't think of a better decision we've made
0:04:21 > 0:04:23than to adopt the two boys that we have.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25We've got a really lovely family now.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Becoming parents 18 months ago
0:04:30 > 0:04:32meant a big shift in priorities.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34And they feel that leaving London for a new life in the country
0:04:34 > 0:04:37is the best move for them and their two young sons.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41We've really searched ourselves
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and thought about how we were going to be...
0:04:44 > 0:04:46to be the best for them.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And I think this move
0:04:49 > 0:04:52is another part of that journey,
0:04:52 > 0:04:53of wanting them to have
0:04:53 > 0:04:56the kinds of childhoods that we had,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58where you were able to go out and run around.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01You know, go for long walks in the fields, in the countryside,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03and not have to worry.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06And the feeling that we don't have to do one thing after the next,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09run from one appointment to another appointment.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Along with the rural backdrop and room for their growing family,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16John's hoping for space to rekindle his musical side.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19I love writing music...
0:05:19 > 0:05:23and singing, performing.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I've worked on several operas, I've written a requiem mass,
0:05:26 > 0:05:27which was a long time ago.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And it's that kind of thing that I want to get back in touch with.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35My creative passions have taken very much a sideline.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37So, I've got a lot of unfinished projects,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41which I'm hoping will now get finished.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And then see where I'm going from there.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46When it comes to the location of the new home,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48they both know where they want to go.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52We decided on Derbyshire as being a good place
0:05:52 > 0:05:55for the boys to grow up in, and also for ourselves,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58because we've visited the county so many times,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00and we've never grown bored of it.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Derbyshire has always seemed to have a calling for us.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05You don't have to drive too far to get out into the
0:06:05 > 0:06:07sticks and the forests and woods.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Derbyshire's just a stunning place.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And lovely villages...
0:06:13 > 0:06:17and the hills and the Peak District, and all that.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It's one of those places, it's to feel...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22"Wow". You know, to feel...
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Feel comfortable, and to feel safe, and to feel,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28"This is where I really want to be."
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Steven and John are open to living anywhere in Derbyshire
0:06:34 > 0:06:37with good links to either the city of Derby or town of Chesterfield,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39for Steven's client base.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43But before I start showing them houses,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45we're meeting in their chosen county to talk about
0:06:45 > 0:06:47what they want from their move.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- Morning, guys.- Morning.- Hi.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Welcome to Derbyshire, although
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- you know Derbyshire quite well. - Mmm.- We do now, yeah.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55You moved together 20 years ago, to Leytonstone. Um...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58But this is a much bigger move, cos you've got the boys on board.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00How are you feeling about it? How are they feeling about it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We're excited, nervous, as you might expect.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06The boys are, um...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- A little nervous.- Mmm. - A bit anxious.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But they've made several moves in their lives already,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13and as one of them has said to me,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16"It's just another chapter in our lives, it's just another move."
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Tell me a bit about your spec.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Remind us what we're looking for today.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22For just the house, which is a five-bedroom house.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- So, five bedrooms, quite a big house.- Mmm.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- And you want a music room, is that right?- Yes.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Yeah, I need to have a space to be creative.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32What about the reception rooms? What do you need there?
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Well, I know John likes a big kitchen,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37cos our current one is very small, and he's quite a cook.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Well, I have got a lovely sort of vision of me cooking
0:07:40 > 0:07:44and the boys sitting there doing their homework, or being creative...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46We love a vision on this show.... THEY LAUGH
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- And then we dash it with reality(!) - No, I don't believe that, Alistair.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Um, and one of the things I'm after is a separate room for my practice,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- because I'm a therapist.- Yeah.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58So, that will have to be downstairs, as well.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And in terms of location and space outside,
0:08:01 > 0:08:02what are you looking for there?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We want a decent-sized garden, particularly for the boys to
0:08:05 > 0:08:08be able to play out and enjoy being in the countryside.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12In terms of the actual style of the house, what are you looking for?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Eh, we're after a house with character.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I suppose our fantasy is the cottage,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19with a lovely real fire in the living room.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22So, we haven't really been interested in new-builds
0:08:22 > 0:08:24unless they've got something quirky about them.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- If it feels right, if it's the right house, we can make it work.- Mmm.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Remind me of your budget. How much money have we got to play with?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35If we find a house with outbuildings, around 475.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38OK, so the outbuildings are for what...?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- For the possibility of converting to maybe holiday lets.- Oh, OK.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- OK, well, we can talk about that as we go along.- Sure.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46It's quite a lot that you're looking for.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- You know, it's a nice big budget, but...- Yeah, sure.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We have some great properties lined up. All quite different,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53so hopefully one of them will tug at your heartstrings.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55And there's no time like the present, so get your bits and bobs,
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- let's go.- Fantastic.- Thank you.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03With a total budget of up to £475,000
0:09:03 > 0:09:05for the right house, with outbuildings,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Steven and John would like a character property with
0:09:08 > 0:09:11a large kitchen, five bedrooms,
0:09:11 > 0:09:12a music room,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and somewhere for Steven's hypnotherapy practice.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They'd also like a large, child-friendly garden.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23We've got some incredible properties to show them,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25and at each, I'll be asking them to
0:09:25 > 0:09:27guess the price before I reveal it.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29The final tour will be our Mystery House,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32which may lead to a surprising conversion.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40The village of Brassington, in the Derbyshire Dales,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42is where our search is heading.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Nestled in the rocky limestone uplands of White Peak,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47and close to many footpaths,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50the quiet country lanes take in a pretty Norman church,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52village shop and primary school,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55alongside lovely old stone houses.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Once an important centre for lead mining,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01reminders of the industry remain.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04The house we've come to see is located in
0:10:04 > 0:10:05a small residential close.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10ALISTAIR SIGHS Listen guys...
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Mmm. No road.- Just quiet. Peace and quiet.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Good. Good, good, good.- This is the property we're interested in.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20We're just a village away from the beginning of the national park.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- Oh.- Right.- So, great location.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- It looks beautiful, I think. - It does, yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Really sort of country cottage-y. - Lovely. I love the brickwork.- Yeah.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- It feels nicely quiet down here, particularly.- Mmm.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- So, the boys could play out here, I think...- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35..and I'd be perfectly happy with that.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Well, you'll see there's more play options elsewhere.- OK.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Let's take a look inside.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Built in 1992, with a later extension,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48a central hall takes us to the first room of the home,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50which is currently unoccupied.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55It's an unusual property because there's nothing in it,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- so the owners have already moved out.- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- But it gives you a blank canvas. - Mmm.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00Obviously, this is sitting room,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04and it goes through into this lovely sunroom at the back.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- Not sure at the moment.- Yeah.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- I like the location, I very much like the location.- Yeah.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Not sure about the size of the house.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- I need to see the rest of the house.- Yeah.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17It's interesting, as well... Because it hasn't got the furniture in,
0:11:17 > 0:11:18- it takes a bit more imagination...- Mmm.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20..to imagine the cosiness of it.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- So, there's a little bit of that going on as well.- Mmm.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25So, you're feeling it's a bit small...?
0:11:25 > 0:11:29That's just first impressions, yeah. That might change as we go round.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Let's have a look in the kitchen.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Across the hall, the kitchen/breakfast room
0:11:33 > 0:11:35sits to the front of the house.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Kitchen, again, bare of any furniture and...
0:11:40 > 0:11:42What do you think?
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- It's a good size.- Yeah. - Yeah, very good size.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47You've got a sort of cryptic smile, polite smile, John...
0:11:47 > 0:11:48THEY LAUGH Does that mean you've given up
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- on this one?- No, I haven't given up on it at all, no.- Right.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55I'm just struggling to see how we're going to fit everything in.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Yeah.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It remains to be seen whether this house can coax John and Steven
0:12:00 > 0:12:03to make it work for them, although it seems they are open
0:12:03 > 0:12:06to doing some reconfiguration.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Completing the current layout of the ground floor,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12a utility and cloakroom sit behind the kitchen.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14And behind that, a dining room with views
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and doors out to the garden.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21To the front of the house, there's a double bedroom
0:12:21 > 0:12:23with built-in wardrobes,
0:12:23 > 0:12:24and a single room,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28which are both served by a family bathroom.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32There's a further bedroom to the rear of the house, with an en-suite.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Then, overlooking the garden, is the en-suite master.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39This would be your bedroom.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Got great views.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43Yes, it has.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45And you've got an en-suite here.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46It's a nice-sized room,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50but I don't see much in the way of storage, you know.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Once you get your...- Yeah, once you get your bed in.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Yeah, that's true. Oh, dear. Feel like it's ebbing away.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59JOHN LAUGHS Sand dropping through my fingertips.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It seems the accommodation in this detached Dales house
0:13:01 > 0:13:04has failed to convince our buyers,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08but perhaps the glorious garden setting will win them over.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09As well as a stream,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12there's a paddock of around a fifth of an acre.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14And with a footpath on their doorstep,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18the Derbyshire countryside is in easy reach.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Plus, the attached garage provides a versatile space
0:13:20 > 0:13:24that could be adapted for Steven's therapy practice.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30So, the garden, you can see here, is a great run-around for the boys.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32LAUGHING: Still not looking very impressed...
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- It's kind of everything that we weren't looking for.- Oh, really?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Yeah. The look of the house is great,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41it's just the actual size of the rooms, I think.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44I love the fact the stream is there, not that we asked for that,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- but it's a lovely extra.- Mmm. A good extra.- Um, you know,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48land-wise, garden-wise, it's here.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52I find it difficult to see the therapy room being here
0:13:52 > 0:13:56unless we invested in converting the garage.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58So, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Uh...375?- Mh-hm.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02I'll go for 400,000.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Your both a bit low, it's on a 418,000.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07OK.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09But go back inside and have another snoop around,
0:14:09 > 0:14:10and I'll see you out front
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and then we can see what else we can rustle up for you.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- OK.- Great. Thank you.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Coming in below budget,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20this detached Dales house comes with
0:14:20 > 0:14:22a kitchen/breakfast room,
0:14:22 > 0:14:23dedicated dining room
0:14:23 > 0:14:25and a large conservatory.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27There are four bedrooms,
0:14:27 > 0:14:28two with en-suite bathrooms,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and a good-sized garden
0:14:30 > 0:14:32surrounded by countryside.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34I think the house promised a lot
0:14:34 > 0:14:36from when we rolled up at the front door, and I thought,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38"Wow, this looks just what we're looking for."
0:14:38 > 0:14:40And the location was stunning.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43It feels like there's too many compromises for us,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45with this property.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48This is the quiet location that we want,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- but just a bigger property. - Yes. Yep.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54I don't know how many extensions or skylights
0:14:54 > 0:14:57or new solar panels
0:14:57 > 0:14:59is going to make this house work for them, so...
0:14:59 > 0:15:02I was just saying, I can't really tweak this property
0:15:02 > 0:15:03to make it sing to you, can I?
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- No, I'm afraid not, Alistair. - Let's draw a veil over it.- Yes.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- And go and get some rest and get ready for tomorrow.- Wonderful.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Derbyshire may be best known for its Dales,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23but at one time, wealthy tourists came to the county not to
0:15:23 > 0:15:25clamber on its craggy cliffs,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27but to enjoy the alleged benefits
0:15:27 > 0:15:30of its naturally heated waters.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33The town of Buxton, once popular with the Romans,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36enjoyed a renaissance as a spa resort
0:15:36 > 0:15:37from the 18th century onwards.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43And in 1903, an impressive opera house was built.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46John, an opera fan who's even written some himself,
0:15:46 > 0:15:50plans to explore his musical side after the move.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53So, during the week, we sent him and Steven to tour
0:15:53 > 0:15:55this theatrical treasure.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57They're starting in the dress circle meeting Jenny Mather,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01a keen amateur dramatist who has performed here herself.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Hi, nice to meet you.- You too.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Whoa. Blimey, what an amazing theatre.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09It is a stunning theatre, isn't it?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It was built in 1903, by Frank Matcham,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15who was the most prolific theatre architect
0:16:15 > 0:16:18in the country in the Victorian and Edwardian period.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19It's considered one
0:16:19 > 0:16:22of Frank Matcham's most perfect designs.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23What makes it so special?
0:16:23 > 0:16:27The proportions of the theatre are perfect, and of course,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29the decor is just to die for, isn't it?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Mmm.- It's simply stunning.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34And he mixed practicality with safety...
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Lavish interior decor.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Of course, Frank Matcham was master of sightline
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and master of acoustics, so wherever you sit in the theatre,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44you're guaranteed a fantastic view of the stage,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and you can always hear the performers.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51It's still a fantastic experience wherever you sit in the theatre.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54There may be great views from all angles,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56but the tiers tell tales
0:16:56 > 0:16:59from the strict social classes of yesteryear.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03The middle and upper classes sat closest to stage level,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05on the comfiest chairs,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08and kept apart from the working class up in the galleries,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10who were packed in on hard wooden benches.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14And you'll be pleased to know that there are proper seats
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- upstairs in the gallery now. - THEY LAUGH
0:17:17 > 0:17:19There's so much gold everywhere.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21And these amazing paintings on the ceiling.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25The different painted panels represent the various arts.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Oh, yeah.- So, we've got music, literature,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31dance, painting, poetry
0:17:31 > 0:17:32and comedy.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35The gold leaf was repainted in 2001,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- and I believe there's £85,000 worth of gold leaf up there.- Wow.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- And it's still as sparkling as what it was in 2001.- Wow.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48In 1927, like many theatres at the time, the opera house became
0:17:48 > 0:17:52a cinema before briefly closing during the 1970s.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Fortunately, it was restored and reopened and is now one of
0:17:57 > 0:18:01around 20 surviving theatres in the country designed by Frank Matcham.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06To demonstrate how productions are brought to life here,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09technical manager Guy Dunk is on hand in the lighting box.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Wow. Well, it seems like a lot of buttons to press and control.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16So, how many lights are you controlling from the box?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Typically, for our own lighting rig,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20we've got about 130 to 140 lamps.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23They're not all rigged at the same time, but, of course, we get
0:18:23 > 0:18:25productions in from all over the world,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28and they will bring additional lighting with them,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and so, you know, we can control...
0:18:32 > 0:18:34well, hundreds of lights.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38The ancient Greeks were the first to use lighting cues,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42with epic performances calling for "sunrise" or "sunset"
0:18:42 > 0:18:45at certain points of a production.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Several centuries later, the Savoy Theatre in London
0:18:48 > 0:18:51went fully electric, and others followed suit.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55So, just to go through the very basics. It's a touch screen, here.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Steve, if you want to press just there...- OK.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01We'll see...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04the house lights going down. Just gently fading out.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09And then, John, if you perhaps want to just push up that fader...
0:19:09 > 0:19:11And then we can see
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- the blue lights on the forestage. - Oh, yeah.- Wow.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17So, you're now officially lighting operators. Well done.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19THEY LAUGH
0:19:19 > 0:19:21So, now what we're going to do is
0:19:21 > 0:19:24head down to the stage and see what we can find there.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- OK.- Great.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30The opera house uses what's known as a fly system.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33This means hemp ropes and manpower are employed
0:19:33 > 0:19:35to raise the stage curtain,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38just as they were when the theatre first opened.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42OK, guys, are you ready? House curtain going up.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46The boards of this 902-seater theatre
0:19:46 > 0:19:49have been trod by acting legends such as
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Sir Alec Guinness
0:19:50 > 0:19:53and Dame Sybil Thorndike.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Wow.- Wow. Blimey.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Yeah, just stand and perform here.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- Ladies and gentlemen... - Yes, here we go.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Luckily, there are no signs of performance anxiety,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08as joining John and Steven on stage are community singers,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The Kaleidoscope Choir, for a rousing rendition
0:20:11 > 0:20:14of Handel's Hallelujah chorus.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18# Hallelujah
0:20:18 > 0:20:20# Hallelujah
0:20:20 > 0:20:26# Hallelujah, hallelujah Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:20:28 > 0:20:31# Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:20:31 > 0:20:36# Hallelujah, hallelujah... #
0:20:36 > 0:20:39No time for an encore, I'm afraid - we're after a property fit for
0:20:39 > 0:20:42a curtain call, when our Derbyshire house-hunt continues tomorrow.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50We're in Derbyshire, with a maximum budget of £475,000...
0:20:52 > 0:20:54..to find John and Steven, from East London,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57a country home for them and their two sons.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00They've already seen some lovely property, but there's
0:21:00 > 0:21:02some more to come, including the Mystery House,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05which could take our search to new heights.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Do you like what you see?- I do, yeah.- I do like what I see, yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It's lovely, it's welcoming, it's warming.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Got that lovely calm feeling.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17And I'm at the cutting edge of a local craft revival in Derby.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I think there's something to be said about the warmth that
0:21:20 > 0:21:23you get from wood. It's... Yeah, less sterile.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- It's lovely - you're kind of beaming as you say that.- I know!
0:21:30 > 0:21:33We didn't quite hit the mark yesterday, but today's
0:21:33 > 0:21:36another day, here in the beautiful peaks, and we're hoping that
0:21:36 > 0:21:40we can get closer to meet John and Steve's expectations,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43even though they are quite high for their budget. But it's all for a
0:21:43 > 0:21:47good cause - getting the boys a new home up here in the north -
0:21:47 > 0:21:51so I'm hoping that one of today's properties is going to hit the mark.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I'm really hoping one of them does.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59We're travelling to the small hamlet of Shipley Gate,
0:21:59 > 0:22:00on the border with Nottinghamshire.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05The town of Eastwood is under a mile and a half away and provides
0:22:05 > 0:22:08a good range of shops and services. The writer D H Lawrence
0:22:08 > 0:22:12was born in this former coal town, and as the son of a
0:22:12 > 0:22:17barely literate miner, his exposure to colliery life was formative.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21A short drive away, our next house is located by a canal
0:22:21 > 0:22:25built to transport the region's coal. Accessed via a gated drive,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29the surroundings may be picturesque, but it holds its own
0:22:29 > 0:22:31rather gruesome link to the mining industry.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37OK, now, I love this property, but I have no idea whether
0:22:37 > 0:22:40you're going to love it or hate it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- This used to be the slaughterhouse.- Hmm.- Yes.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48I was toying whether to tell you that or not. It's the slaughterhouse
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- where they used to slaughter the pit ponies.- My goodness, wow.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56This is a project, so it's whether you're going to be willing to
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- do the work and make it happen. - Sure.- OK.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- I'm up for a project, yeah. Are you?- I think so, yeah, yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- What are your first thoughts, coming down the drive?- I love it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Yeah?- This kind of feels to me like the house in the woods,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14you know, the gingerbread fairytale sort of place.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- But without the nasty... - But without the witch!- Exactly!
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Yeah, no, this looks fantastic. - It does, yeah.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Really excited about seeing inside. - Let's see what you think.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28With a stable block dating from the 18th century,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32the main building was constructed in the 1920s
0:23:32 > 0:23:37and converted into a home in the 1980s. Its intriguing layout
0:23:37 > 0:23:40begins with an entrance hall, which leads into the country kitchen.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Come into the warmth, and into the kitchen.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50I love it, actually. The fact it's kind of like a farmhouse kitchen.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- It just kind of gives that nice feel to it, doesn't it?- It does, yeah.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Working kitchen.- Yeah. - Full of character.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- I love the beams as well.- Yeah.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- I love it. It feels like a home... - Mm.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- ..which is what we're after, isn't it, really?- Mm, absolutely, yeah.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06But I think it's a love it or hate it sort of thing, you know,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- if you like the vibe of the place, you can do something with it.- Yeah.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Directly off the kitchen is a reception room,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15packed with period appeal.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18This is the heart of the home, really. This is the sort of
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- central sitting room. - Lovely and quirky.- It is quirky.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- Which is exactly what we're after, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27This house has a lot of character.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Great big roaring coal fire.- Yes.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Completely tugging at my heartstrings. It really is, yeah.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- I could just imagine us in here. - I could, yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37- Absolutely.- Definitely.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- It's a very cosy house.- It is.- And you could do so much with it.- Mm.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I think particularly, what appeals to me, is the boys loving
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- exploring and hiding...- Yeah. - ..and running around, and having
0:24:47 > 0:24:50a lot of fun living here, I think, particularly...
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- I think it would appeal to the boys, wouldn't it?- Yeah, I think so.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Upstairs is a little bit tight, I'm just warning you,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58so let's have a look there.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I'm glad the somewhat grizzly origins of this
0:25:01 > 0:25:04former slaughterhouse have not distracted John and Steven from
0:25:04 > 0:25:08its undeniable charms. Off this reception is a dining room with a
0:25:08 > 0:25:11spiral staircase up to the upper floor,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13as well as doors out to a sunroom.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Next to this is a second kitchen space, and beside
0:25:17 > 0:25:21the entrance hall is a utility, plus a flight of stairs down to
0:25:21 > 0:25:26the first of four bedrooms, that includes an en-suite cloakroom.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29But we're taking the main stairs from the sitting room up to
0:25:29 > 0:25:31the remaining three bedrooms.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34I'll give you a sort of... Your bearings up here.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38You can explore a bit more later. This is the master behind you.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So you've got lots of storage under the eaves.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- But no en-suite, you'd have to use this bathroom here.- Mm-hm.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48And then, on this side, you've got a chain of two interlocking rooms,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51and another bathroom, and then the spiral staircase.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54You'd all be one family, snug under the eaves!
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Yeah, I think it is quite snug, isn't it?- It is.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Not a big problem, I don't think.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- We could work with that, while we get the place sorted out.- Mm.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- You can imagine playing hide and seek up here, or sardines.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09There are even more hidden corners to explore, as outbuildings
0:26:09 > 0:26:14include a garage and a disused cottage, ripe for renovation.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17But first, we're investigating the former stable block,
0:26:17 > 0:26:22which is currently divided into six zones and dates from the 1700s.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Oh, this sort of space makes a developer drool a little bit,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30but maybe it puts you off, does it?
0:26:30 > 0:26:31No, not in the slightest.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I think there's so much that we could do with this.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- There's so many opportunities, I think...- Yeah. Absolutely.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41..for therapy rooms, and play room for the boys, or a music room...
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Just, yeah, there's a lot of potential here.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47And it feels really solid as well, so, you know, structure's there.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- There is a lot of potential. - Yeah, certainly.- Yeah.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- Well, I'm hoping that the garden might just seal the deal.- Right, OK.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58The three-quarter acre grounds had been planted with
0:26:58 > 0:27:01over 300 trees by the current owners,
0:27:01 > 0:27:07who also rent one and a half acres of land for around £350 a year.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It's the perfect territory for budding adventurers,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14offering them its very own stretch of uncharted waters.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- Look, you've got a river!- Oh! - This is the Erewash River.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- Beautiful. - This is proper countryside.- Yeah.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- You've outdone yourself, I think, today.- Yeah.- Amazing. Beautiful.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25The sound of the water's amazing.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- Beautiful garden. I love it.- Yeah. - I love the naturalness of it, too.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Yeah, it's wild.- Yeah.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- So, I'm getting a good vibe.- Yes.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Now comes the tricky bit - guessing the price.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36I'm going to be cheeky.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40I think with the amount of work that needs to be done, I think that
0:27:40 > 0:27:46has to be reflected in the price, so for me, I'm going to go 385.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52I'm going to be even more cheeky, I think, then, and go for 375,
0:27:52 > 0:27:53I think.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57OK, you're both being very cheeky, cos this is...
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- It's a big lot of property. This is on the market for 450.- OK.- OK.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- You could negotiate down, but probably not that far down.- No.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Cos you're right, there is a lot of work, and you're going to
0:28:07 > 0:28:10have to budget about whether you can actually afford to do it.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12So, take a look at the outhouses, the cottage,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and have a sniff around inside to see if that's going to work for you.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- Right.- And I'll see you out the front.- Great. Thank you.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Well, they ARE cheeky, aren't they? That's a very low price.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25But, you know, they're right, it's going to take a lot of work,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27but what an opportunity.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30I think it could be such a great place for the boys to grow up
0:28:30 > 0:28:32and for them to have a life together.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39With a guide price £25,000 below their top budget,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43this converted slaughterhouse comes with a country kitchen,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46characterful sitting room and four bedrooms.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49There's lots of potential in the various outbuildings, plus it's in
0:28:49 > 0:28:53a canalside country location, with its own stretch of river.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57I'm enamoured with this property.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01I like the canal, I like the river at the bottom of the garden.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03The garden just seems to go on and on and on.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05It's an amazing property.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It has so many things that we haven't asked for,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12but would have been on our higher sort of fantasy wish list, I guess.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I think this could definitely be our home, and for the boys particularly.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I could just see them having so much fun in the garden.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I really see their smiling faces in my imagination,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24just having a wonderful childhood, which is really
0:29:24 > 0:29:27a big part of the reason why we want to move to Derbyshire.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35I think this has got potential.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Yeah, I like the idea of it being converted to a holiday let, I think.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Yeah. - Having seen the rooms next door,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43I think we could possibly use part of that.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Good, I like this planning what you're going to do with the space.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48It's a very good sign.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50I'm afraid I'm going to have to drag you away,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52cos we've got other houses to see, other things to do.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- OK.- So, follow me.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Amongst the moors and peaks, the mines and mills of Derbyshire
0:30:06 > 0:30:10played a pivotal role in Britain's Industrial Revolution,
0:30:10 > 0:30:15and the area around the Derwent River was particularly productive.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19This former cotton mill now houses the workshop of Ben Edmonds,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22who's bringing back a local skill - knife-making.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25And it's fantastic what you're doing, because obviously Sheffield,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28the Peak District, famous for knives, scissors, and steel.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Yep, yep.- And now here you are, kind of reviving.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34Yeah. We just make one-off kitchen knives.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37What was the fascination of steel and wood and blades?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39I'm from the Midlands,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42and I wanted to make a knife that I thought was true to me.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I wanted to pick the right steel, the right design,
0:30:45 > 0:30:50and produce something quite simple, but best for the job.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53So, the handle - this is wood?
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Aesthetically, I think it's great, and I think there's something
0:30:56 > 0:30:59to be said about the warmth that you get from wood. It's...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Yeah, less sterile.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- It's lovely - you're kind of beaming as you say that.- I know!
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Ben first started crafting knives at his kitchen table,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09using techniques he learned from the internet.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13Four and a half years on, he runs a three-man enterprise.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Each knife begins as flat metal,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18which is worked through a series of four belts,
0:31:18 > 0:31:22starting with the ceramic belt that grinds a V-shaped blade edge.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26For those of us who don't have £1,000 for new knives...
0:31:26 > 0:31:30I mean, I've got knives that are probably horrendously blunt.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Is there a way of keeping knives that we already have sharp?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36The main thing is to keep them sharp.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Once a knife has dulled, it's tricky to get the edge back.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Have you got time to give me a little workshop on that?
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Yeah, let's do it.- Good.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50The travelling knife sharpener, who once visited towns
0:31:50 > 0:31:54and villages every year, was a common sight in Victorian Britain.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Now left to our own devices, without those sharp skills,
0:31:57 > 0:32:02blunt knives are an all-too-common problem.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- So, I recognise these, but I have no idea what to do with them.- Right.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08So, these are two very different things,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11although they look relatively similar.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- That's a hone, and that's a steel.- OK.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18So, a hone doesn't have an abrasive edge - that's completely smooth -
0:32:18 > 0:32:22whereas a steel has got a slight abrasion.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26'With a dulled knife, we need to start with the steel.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:29So, from the heel, we put the knife flat,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32and we give it about 15 degrees.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35And all we're going to do is drag the knife down, making sure that
0:32:35 > 0:32:38you go from heel to tip all the way, and then we go to the other side.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Same angle.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- So, give that a go.- OK.- Right there.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Set that angle, and pull it all the way down.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- That's it. Maybe a bit more pressure.- Bit more?- Yeah, bit more.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57'Then it's onto the hone, for a few light strokes.'
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- You're probably talking three or four times on each side.- OK.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- And all that does...- Caressing the blade.- Yeah, caressing the blade.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07And all that does is realigns the edge.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11'And, finally, we use a wet stone to give a really sharp finish.'
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- So, start here...- Starting flat.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Yeah, and work all the way to the tip.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- And pushing up?- Yeah.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Nice.
0:33:22 > 0:33:23Let's have a look.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- Looking good?- I think we are. And we'll try the paper again.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30And we'll see what happens.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- Oh, wow!- Perfect.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- There we go.- Amazing. - Nice and sharp.- Yeah.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40If you love your knife, then, yeah, it should last...
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Yeah, it should last a lifetime. That's the idea with them, anyway.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44If you look after them properly,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47you should be able to have one knife for life.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54In terms of the Mystery House,
0:33:54 > 0:33:56do you have any concept what we might be showing you there?
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- Ho-ho!- Something possibly converted?
0:34:00 > 0:34:05Converted barn, or a...windmill or something, I don't know.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08A windmill would be a very quirky property indeed.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Like a lighthouse...- Converted mill chimney, or something!
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- A mill chimney.- Yes.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- Just doesn't stack up, really. - Oh!- Oh, God.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Our Mystery House is found in Flash, a village in the
0:34:21 > 0:34:26Peak District National Park, just across the Staffordshire border.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28A range of services are found three miles away in the
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Derbyshire spa town of Buxton,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33whose architectural delights include the 18th-century
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Devonshire Dome, which originally provided stabling and quarters
0:34:37 > 0:34:40for the servants of the nearby Crescent Hotel.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Back in Flash, there are stunning views of the Peak District,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47as well as a shop and pubs.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Its claim to be the highest village in Britain has been disputed,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54but there's no doubt that it did once feature
0:34:54 > 0:34:56the country's highest Methodist chapel,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58which has been converted into a home
0:34:58 > 0:35:00and is the property we've come to see.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- And this is the Mystery House.- Wow.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07You were correct about the conversion - not a windmill,
0:35:07 > 0:35:12- but a Methodist chapel.- Wow. - OK, what do you think?
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Looks very interesting from the outside, doesn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- Completely renovated and done up inside two years ago.- OK.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- It's a Mystery House, remember, so it's a bit of a curve ball.- Sure.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27- All right.- There's one very obvious feature that you might not like.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Oh!- But I think there's a lot to admire.- OK, sure.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- You ready for a go?- Yeah, can't wait to see it.- Definitely.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34Let's go inside.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Wesleyan Methodism was well-established in Flash when
0:35:37 > 0:35:40a chapel was built here in the 18th century
0:35:40 > 0:35:42to serve a 61-strong congregation.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Rebuilt in 1821, it's now a Grade II listed home.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Spread over three levels, we're starting in the multi-purpose
0:35:51 > 0:35:54living space that has been created on the ground floor.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Come right into the heart of this big beast of a house.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- As you can see, it's pretty much all open-plan.- Mm.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- Interesting.- Yeah. - Do you like what you see?
0:36:05 > 0:36:06- I do, yeah. - I do like what I see, yeah.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09It's lovely, it's welcoming, it's warming, it feels cosy,
0:36:09 > 0:36:10even though it's a big space.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Cos you've got a big log burner sort of solid fuel heater here.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17That actually heats all the water. You've also got another one here,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- if you get chilly in the winter. - Oh, OK.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22And, as you can see, this is what would have been the worship space.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Yeah.- I've got a thing about converted churches, anyway,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29just that lovely, calm, feeling.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- Nice feel let's look in the kitchen. - Mm.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35The sitting room is sandwiched between an area used as
0:36:35 > 0:36:38a study cum music room, and a dining space.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39Then, at the back,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42we find a separate country kitchen breakfast room.
0:36:42 > 0:36:43Everything flows very nicely,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and then you've got a kitchen with amazing views.
0:36:47 > 0:36:53It's amazing. Just unexpected, in such a modern kitchen.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I just get a really good feeling about the place.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57The style fits lovely with the house, doesn't it?
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Yes, it does, yeah.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Well, the space and the serenity of this former chapel
0:37:02 > 0:37:04may yet convert John and Steven.
0:37:04 > 0:37:10On the lower ground floor is a cosy snug, a store room, utility,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14and a wet room, serving two of the home's four bedrooms -
0:37:14 > 0:37:18a very large double, and a smaller double.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22And, taking the stairs, we reach a galleried upper floor.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24So, again, let me just give you a little bit of geography.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27On that side, you've got a very nice...
0:37:27 > 0:37:29probably would be your master.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31And then a beautiful bathroom,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34a family bathroom with one of those sort of slipper baths.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36And then you've got this lovely...
0:37:36 > 0:37:37basically a sitting room for a landing.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Another bedroom here, and then a great big kind of...
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- Well, it's a dressing room here.- Mm.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45As it stands, it doesn't work.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47I mean, I still love it - that's the thing about it,
0:37:47 > 0:37:48there's a lovely feel to it.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Practically, I don't think it would work...
0:37:50 > 0:37:53You know, I'm thinking about your therapy room,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57where we would have that, but I do love the house.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59I really love the house.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- I guess I could always retire early, or something.- Yeah.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Well, in a way,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08the question marks may be resolved when we look at the outside space.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10- OK.- OK, all right, OK. - Come with me.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Despite the impressive spec and location,
0:38:15 > 0:38:17John and Steven remain to be convinced that this house
0:38:17 > 0:38:21has everything they need for family life, and outside,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24it's time to reveal why this is a bit of a gamble,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27because restrictions here in the national park mean that
0:38:27 > 0:38:31this sizeable home is limited to a rather modest patio plot.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36So, this might be the shortest garden tour we've ever done,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- because this IS your garden. - Right.- OK.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44- The idea, of course, is that THIS is your garden.- Mm-hm.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49But, it being the Peak District, you cannot turn arable land into garden.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Right.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Not much to say, really, about this.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Well, you know, clearly for us, the garden was an important part,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59because of the boys, and we want them to be safe.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- That's a big missing piece, I think, for us.- Mm.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- It is beautiful, there's no doubt about that.- Mm.- We love it, I think.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Yeah, we do.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08There's just the missing pieces, I think.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10And what do you think it's on the market for?
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- Yes.- I think it's... It's got to be over budget.- Do you think so?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18I would even go so far as to say maybe 520.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Ooh. I do think it's above what we were prepared to pay.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25I think I'll say 475.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- This is actually on the market for £445,000.- Really?- Oh, OK.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- Wow!- I'm sorry about the garden, but, you know, we couldn't resist
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- showing it to you, because it's a classic Mystery House.- Mm.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39And it has, you know, lots that recommends it.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44This converted Methodist chapel offers open-plan living
0:39:44 > 0:39:48on the ground floor, and a separate kitchen and breakfast room.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52There are a total of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and it's in
0:39:52 > 0:39:56the heart of a village within the Peak District National Park.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59From the moment we pulled up and saw the house from the outside,
0:39:59 > 0:40:03the Mystery House, I just thought, was beautiful.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Had a brilliant use of space.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07This house would have been a contender
0:40:07 > 0:40:10had it had a garden, and I think we would have gone for it.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Ordinarily, I think it would be lovely to move in
0:40:13 > 0:40:16and consider putting a bid in for it,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19but it just doesn't fit our new family requirements,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22so, unfortunately, we're going to have to let it go.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Ah, beautiful views, but I feel a rotter for showing you
0:40:27 > 0:40:30this property and not giving you a garden, but what can I do?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- Oh, sorry.- That's OK.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33But, we're done here,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35but there is a pub - probably the highest pub in Britain -
0:40:35 > 0:40:38over there, so why don't you get yourself settled in there,
0:40:38 > 0:40:39and I'll come and join you in a minute?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- Sure.- OK.- Thanks, Alistair.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Oh, Mystery Houses can be so heartbreaking.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47They can either go wildly right, or wildly wrong.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51I mean, the garden was always going to be a hard thing to swallow, and
0:40:51 > 0:40:54it didn't quite work out, but let's go and find out what they think
0:40:54 > 0:40:57about the whole experience of being on Escape To The Country.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Hey, nice to see you've really settled in to the neighbourhood!
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Yes!- Drinks ready and everything. - Mm.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Have you been mulling over the properties?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15We certainly have, and I think there's no doubt in our view
0:41:15 > 0:41:18that the house that's the favourite is the one by the canal.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Yes, I'm glad, because it's a great property.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23So, what are the brass tacks? What happens next?
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Look at the finances, and...
0:41:24 > 0:41:26- Yeah, and look at the plans for the place...- Yeah.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30..to get a rough idea of what we want to get done pretty quickly,
0:41:30 > 0:41:31and how much that'll cost.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- And I see that being absolutely possible.- And what about the boys?
0:41:35 > 0:41:37What's the plan? Do you bring them up and...?
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Yes, we'll have to bring them up and let them see the property.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42They are an important part of the decision-making process.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44They'll love the stream, they'll love the canal,
0:41:44 > 0:41:45they'll adore the garden.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- Yeah.- So much room for them to just run around.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49- And a great house for them to hide in.- Yeah.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Exactly, so many cubbyholes.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53- It's going to hold their interest, I know.- Yeah.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Well, I'm delighted that we've found you something,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58cos it was quite a tall order. We seem to have found you something.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Yeah, absolutely.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And I really hope that you and the boys take that house and settle in.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- Yeah.- Thank you. - Keep us in the loop.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Yeah, thanks very much for your help.- Been a fantastic few days.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- Really has been amazing.- And it's always nice to be in Derbyshire.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10Yeah.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Can I let you in to a secret?
0:42:20 > 0:42:21I thought, for a while,
0:42:21 > 0:42:22we had bitten off more than we could chew,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26because Steve and John really wanted a lot for their budget,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29but it was such a good story, with the boys, and the new family,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and moving from the East End to all of this,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35that we did take on the challenge, and I am so relieved that
0:42:35 > 0:42:38we seem to have hit a bulls-eye with that house by the canal.
0:42:38 > 0:42:39It's going to be a lot of work,
0:42:39 > 0:42:44but it's the sort of work that will really bring that family together.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45If they need a peak experience,
0:42:45 > 0:42:50then this is the landscape that will give it to them.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52So, on that happy note,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56join us next time for more rural adventures on Escape To The Country.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01If you would like to Escape To The Country
0:43:01 > 0:43:04in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or England
0:43:04 > 0:43:06and need our help, you can apply online.