Peak District Escape to the Country

I think it's fair to say

the legend of Robin Hood is known the world over.

But how many of his Merry Men could you name?

The reason I ask is that apparently one of them is buried right here in

the grounds of this very church.

I will tell you who he was and where I am in just a moment.

Today, I'm with a couple who are dreaming of a new life together,

if they can get past the weather and a few character features.

What did we think as we first walked in?

I'm not very keen on dark beams.

But a few hidden gems might brighten the outlook.

Through here, in your dining room, you have a cupboard.

But it's not just any old cupboard.

Today, I'm in the Peak District at the church of

St Michael's And All Angels

in the village of Hathersage.

And this, according to the headstone,

is the grave of Little John.

Who, it seems, wasn't quite so little after all.

Now, the story goes that the grave was opened in 1780

and the thigh bone found

inside measured 30 inches long -

which made the person to whom it belonged to over seven feet tall.

Whether it was Little John or not, from way up here,

whoever it was would have had the most terrific views

of what was later to become Britain's very first National Park.

The Peak District National Park sits in the centre of England,

mostly falling within four counties,

with the majority lying in Derbyshire.

It was the very first area

to be designated as a National Park in 1951,

and every year millions of people escape here to enjoy its spectacular

panoramas, challenging hikes

which stretch across 1,800 miles of footpaths,

and timeless stone villages.

Bakewell is often called the heart of the Peak District.

A prosperous country town, it's the biggest settlement in the park.

Visitors are drawn by elegant stone architecture,

specialist markets and the town's signature dish,

the Bakewell pudding, created here in 1820.

With sun-dappled vistas and unrivalled outdoor activities,

the Peak District is a place that boasts magnificent natural beauty

that can be appreciated year-round in all its glory.

It may not surprise you to learn

that houses in National Parks come at a premium.

And the Peak District is no exception.

A detached property here will set you back around £365,000.

Now, that's about £32,000 above the national figure,

and over £100,000 more than a similar Derbyshire property outside

of the park boundaries.

What's more, in a bid to protect local communities,

some Peak properties have occupancy restrictions and can only be bought

by those that have lived or worked

in the Park for more than three years.

But there are still plenty of terrific properties to be had,

so let's meet today's couple who are hoping to buy one.

Builder Trevor and supply teacher Eunice

began their romance six years ago,

when he was living in Coventry

and she was just north of Stoke-on-Trent.

I met Trevor on the internet, and we were e-mailing,

and then we decided to meet in a pub.

We didn't think there would be anything come of it because

of the distance between us and,

hey, six years later, we have moved in together.

We have both been sort of single for quite a while.

Eunice just clicked. And we've got a little bit of chemistry, haven't we?

After years of juggling a long-distance relationship,

Trevor moved in with Eunice two months ago,

but now they both feel they want to build a home together.

This is Eunice's house, my house was mine,

it's never quite the same, so...

We're both at a different stage in our life, aren't we?

It's the next phase.

I've lived in this house for well over 30 years,

and it's time now to start

a new life, exciting life,

exciting to move to a new area and a new house.

While Trevor will be semi-retired,

Eunice plans to continue working part-time.

When we move, I would like to carry on supply teaching,

perhaps one day, two days a week.

I will probably want to still do a little bit of,

perhaps, property development,

just to keep something on the go,

because I don't want to sit around and do nothing.

When it comes to finding their home,

they've decided to search in the Peak District.

Probably because I met Eunice, I have discovered this area.

I have been to the Peak District before.

I just love the area.

I love the scenery and the hills,

which you don't get in the sort of flat Midlands.

Space to develop their hobbies

is another reason for the move to the Peaks.

I've got a little old classic car which I like to play around with

and take to pieces,

and I'm looking forward to going up in the Peak District and using it a

bit more around here.

Above all, Trevor and Eunice are looking forward to building a life

together in their new property.

And also buying a place, we'll put our own stamp on it,

and then sharing our hobbies together and entertaining,

once we've got it right.

So really, that's...it's quite an exciting time for us, isn't it?

Yeah, yeah.

Trevor's Warwickshire house sale is funding their move,

but Eunice is considering renting out her Staffordshire home,

so ideally they are looking to buy

in the southwest portion of the Peak District.

I am meeting them to discover more about their requirements.

Well, Trevor and Eunice, welcome to the Peak District...

-Thank you.

-..and this exciting new move for the two of you.

So, why have you decided,

this first home together,

you are going to settle in this part of the country?

Well, from my point of view, I absolutely love walking.

So the Peak District with its hills and valleys and countryside,

the stone walls, the sheep really appeals to me.

So, it would be my big hobby on my doorstep.

And Trevor, you're happy to move this way, are you?

-Yes.

-Because you're a Coventry lad.

-Yes.

-How many years in Coventry?

Whole life. Born and bred in Coventry.

It's a big move, isn't it? Will you miss it, do you think?

Certain parts of it, yes.

And I've got family down there, of course, so...

Well, you've sold your house, so there's no going back!

-That's right.

-But you do have family down there,

because between you, you have got quite a lot of family, haven't you?

How many children in total, grown-up children?

We have five children between us.

Any grandchildren?

-Two. I've got two.

-You've got two.

-Have you?

-I haven't got any.

So ideally, then,

how many bedrooms are you looking for with your next home together?

-A three-bedroom house, maybe four.

-Maybe four.

-Yes.

There's going to be lots of sofa beds everywhere.

What style are you after with this next home?

One with character.

But I would like it light and airy.

Probably semi-rural with the community quite close too.

So you don't want to be too out in the sticks?

We don't want to be too isolated.

-Preferably not, no.

-Now, this is an interesting one,

first time you've bought a home together, who is going to make,

do you think, the final decision?

Or will it be a 50-50 split?

I think it's 50-50.

-I'm going to lead.

-Well, there you are.

I'm liking the honesty at the start of this house-hunt.

Definitely.

Let's remind ourselves how much we've got to spend with this move.

We are looking up to 500,000,

possibly a little more if it's something really...

-Special.

-..on the dime.

Yeah. Well, let's get cracking.

It isn't the best of days, sadly,

but it's not going to put us off, is it?

-No.

-No.

-Let's go. Right, OK.

With a maximum budget of £500,000,

Eunice and Trevor would like...

We've got a wide range of beautiful houses to show Trevor and Eunice,

and I will be asking them to guess

the price of each property before I reveal it.

When it comes to our Mystery House,

it has much more than meets the eye.

Now, Trevor, I want to talk about walking.

Before you met Eunice, what would an average walk be for you?

Probably an average walk, I don't know, five or six miles?

-Oh, good. That's a long way.

-Some decent walks.

That's not a Eunice walk, is it?

-That's not a Eunice walk, no.

-Come on, Eunice, tell me,

how many miles can you easily walk every day?

Me and Trevor at the weekend,

in the Peak District, could do up to ten,

but the usual is seven or eight,

because he starts moaning after that.

You're both really fit, aren't you?

Yes, yes, I suppose we are, really, yes.

And in a way, that's helped focus

the mind as to where you want to move to?

Yes, definitely. Definitely.

Yes.

Our first property is in the Staffordshire village of Warslow.

Surrounded by superb walking terrain,

Warslow is filled with traditional stone homes.

The 19th-century church of Saint Lawrence

features stained glass windows

by the distinguished designer William Morris.

There is one pub in the village,

which is within walking distance of our first house.

It is pouring with rain,

but hopefully our first property

is going to be our shining light.

-Right.

-Oh, that's lovely.

-Yeah, it is.

-It's nice.

-It's got character.

It is an unusual property because, in a way, it's two in one.

-Right.

-Oh, right.

-Let's step inside and I'll show you some more.

That's a good idea.

-Yes, it's different.

-I'm encouraged by their favourable reactions.

Originally built in 1800s,

this house has previously been used as a post office and a blacksmiths.

The home has been recently converted and modernised and is currently

unfurnished, but definitely full of character.

The good news is it's warm and it's dry.

So let's start the tour. Welcome to your home.

Lovely. First impression is great.

So, apart from the size and the spaciousness of it,

what first hits you when you walk into this room?

The open-plan, which I quite like, actually.

It's a very small cottage from outside, but when you come in,

it's nice and open and light. Definitely.

This is the sort of kitchen and eating area that we are looking for.

It's quite a nice entertaining room, isn't it?

-Yeah, it's nice.

-Yeah.

-So you have your wood burner here.

-Yes, nice little wood burner as well.

-Always very important.

Oh, definitely.

You've got your patio doors out onto your garden as you can see from

here. It also has a utility room, Eunice.

-Oh, lovely.

-With access outside.

-To put my boots in there. Dirty boots.

-Absolutely.

Very important to Eunice, that one.

A positive start.

-Yes.

-Let me lead you through and show you the sitting room.

Featuring all the mod cons including underfloor heating,

the ground floor also has a guest WC and a small study.

So... I can imagine you two would spend a lot of time

in that wonderful kitchen,

but it's important to have a sitting room you're happy with as well.

What do we think of this one?

First impressions, a little bit tiny.

It's hard to see it when you don't have any furniture as well.

-It is.

-You've got to get that imagination going.

-Yes.

-And the whole of the house is like this.

But I am going to say, blank canvas, you can put your own mark on it.

Yes. It is.

Right, we will head upstairs and see what you make of that.

OK.

Moving onwards,

off the first-storey landing are two oak floor bedrooms and a bathroom

with walk-in shower and freestanding bath.

And then we come to the master bedroom.

This is a fair size, isn't it?

-Big enough?

-Yes, it looks the right size.

Just deciding where the bed is going to go.

And then next door, a really good size en-suite.

-Right, that's good.

-So, what is your first feeling?

You don't have to be polite, your first feeling,

it's the first house we've seen together.

It's got character, which is what I want it to.

Space wise, I mean there's only two of us at the moment, but of course

when we have visitors to stay, that's important,

the size of the bedrooms.

But so far, so good, I think.

-Yeah.

-There is the important part about the garage to look at,

so let's head back downstairs,

Trevor, I am going to get you to lead the way.

We are going to brave the elements and also talk money.

-OK.

-OK.

-Thank you.

Thank you.

Though the bedrooms give Trevor and Eunice the space they need,

I'm sensing that initial enthusiasm for this conversion may have waned.

Outside, the landscaped gardens are low-maintenance,

and although there is off-road parking,

there is presently no purpose-built garage.

So here is our garden.

Is this going to be enough for you, do you think?

-I think it would be, wouldn't it?

-I think so, yeah.

-I think so.

-So, let's talk money, shall we?

How much do we think our first cottage is on the market for?

I would say...

..£455,000.

-OK.

-I will say a little bit more, £465,000.

Well, you are close, both of you, aren't you?

-Well, yes.

-The actual asking price is offers

between £450,000 and £485,000.

How do you feel about that sort of price?

I think the price is good.

My only issue is the lack of outside space for cars and garages,

that is a little bit of a problem for me.

-We like the house.

-Yes, the house is very nice.

-I like the location.

You feel part of the village, you're not isolated.

But it's that little issue for you, isn't it?

I totally understand about the garage,

that's something for you to weigh up.

So why don't you go back into the house,

just the two of you this time,

have another look at it,

imagine what it could look like with your own furniture,

your own print on it, and I will come and find you when you're ready?

-OK. Thank you.

-Thank you.

I think this cottage is a brilliant start.

And although it's only three bedrooms, it is very spacious,

it is in the Park, beautiful setting.

When it comes to the garage and parking,

that is a slight problem, but we are well under budget,

so it's something we've got to think about.

Is it worth the compromise?

We'll just have to wait and see.

Comfortably under budget,

this 19th-century conversion

offers a large and contemporary kitchen-diner

as well as a living room and the three bedrooms

that Trevor and Eunice were hoping for.

There is an easy to maintain garden,

and the Peaks are right on their doorstep.

I could see ourselves living here.

It's right in the village community.

I could go walking every day.

I only have to open the door and I'd be up on the hills.

I wouldn't have to use a car.

So it's a definite plus for me, yes.

I think this fits the bill exactly.

It's got the character. It's got the style.

It has been very nicely modernised, so there's very little to do on it.

So, yeah, ticks all those boxes.

The biggest problem I've got is wanting somewhere with a garage,

or a space to build a garage.

Right, that's it, I think we are going to need these, aren't we?

-Yeah.

-Ready to go?

-Yeah. OK.

Classic car enthusiast Trevor and his co-driver Eunice have chosen

one of Britain's most idyllic regions

to explore a winning move.

But it was once rail, not road,

that drove the economy of the Peak District.

And in Staveley, near Chesterfield, that heritage is commemorated at the

Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Keen to find out more about the region's transport history,

Trevor and Eunice are meeting general manager Mervyn Allcock.

So how important was the railway to this area?

Well, originally there were a huge number of collieries around here,

and obviously the coal needed carrying all over the country

to power the country, to power the machines,

because the railway network was virtually non-existent,

certainly not as developed as it is now.

And the trains in this depot itself took the coal around the country on

wagons and took it into places where cars and trucks couldn't get to

and fed the country the coal it needed.

The Roundhouse opened in 1870 as part of the now defunct

North Midland Railway from Derby to Leeds

and was used to house and maintain engines.

It is now home to Britain's second largest collection of locomotives as

well as other equipment and memorabilia

from the heyday of British Railways.

You've got a vast collection of trains here, Mervyn,

how did it get to this sort of size?

I read an article in '89 which said they were going to flatten the last

operational Roundhouse,

so I started a campaign to save it

and we managed to get a preservation order placed on it in 1991.

Then, in '97, we started rebuilding,

it took us a year to put the building back together

after the dereliction of the roof, etc, and then we invited people

to bring their locomotives here.

And the collections have grown and grown and grown over the years.

Why is it important to you to have this collection here?

Well, as a young boy, I was a railway enthusiast.

I'm very passionate about railways, passionate about locomotives.

Particularly passionate about the Roundhouse.

I feel that we need to keep these vehicles alive,

we need to keep this building alive, for future generations.

It's very important to me.

The centrepiece of the Roundhouse was its turntable,

which allowed locomotives to be efficiently stored

and more easily accessed.

So how did they used to store trains

before the advent of these roundhouses?

One of the ways was long buildings with lots of trains with

the locomotive in the middle. So, if you had them in long rows,

you would have to move the outer locomotives

to collect the inner one.

With this, if you look from above, it's like a clock face.

So if you needed to fetch a locomotive from three o'clock,

you just turn the turntable,

pick it up, and of course also

in steam locomotive days they had a cab at one end,

so you brought the locomotive on,

turned it and then it was able to go in a different direction.

So the big question, Mervyn, is, can we see it in action?

Absolutely. This is the last

operational railway Roundhouse in Great Britain.

There is a locomotive coming in at the moment.

However, you guys thought you were here for a gentle tour, you're not.

-I need a hand with this.

-Oh, right, OK.

OK, guys, follow me around here.

Go on, then. Give it a pull.

OK, guys, I'm only kidding,

that's how they used to do it in the old days.

-Push of a button nowadays.

-Thank goodness for that.

Oh, yeah, that's better.

OK, guys, we'll now go into the cab.

We've still got more houses to show Trevor and Eunice,

so all aboard for the rest of our Peak District tour.

Our second house is also in Staffordshire,

in the moorland village of Butterton.

Overlooking the beautiful Manifold Valley,

Butterton is at the centre of an extensive network of footpaths.

Facilities here include a 19th-century church, pub

and a post office.

The centre of this village provides

a curious sight as the Hoo Brook briefly

shares it path with the street.

The house we've come to look at was built in the 18th century.

It is a semidetached farm cottage that also features

original agricultural buildings as outhouses.

So, there is plenty for our couple to consider.

-Right.

-Oh, wow.

-Quite substantial.

It's totally different to the first house we looked at, isn't it?

The actual house looks quite small.

But it's got a lovely cottagey feel from the front.

-Excellent, excellent.

-Well, let's see what you make of the inside.

-OK.

-Yeah, let's go.

Despite a somewhat mixed initial response to this property,

I am optimistic that Eunice might be won over by the rustic interior.

The living room is just to the right of the entrance hall.

So let's start off, I think this time with the sitting-room.

Dominated by a large fireplace there.

It's probably a very cosy room.

I'm not quite sure it's to my taste.

It's a bit overpowering with the ceiling being a little bit low.

And probably dark windows.

Unfortunately, I'm not very keen on dark beams.

-Yeah.

-If I painted these beams white and I gave the walls a very light

colour, I wonder if you might slightly change your mind?

-That would help.

-Yeah. OK.

Right. You can tell I'm not giving up on this one, can't you?

No, I can.

Let's see how we fare with our country kitchen.

There's enough room to eat and cook

and it's quite a sizeable area, isn't it?

But, to me, it's not light enough.

-That where you're struggling?

-For a kitchen. It's not light enough.

You might be able to get larger windows allowed at the back,

I'm not quite sure whether you will at the front.

With your knowledge and experience over the years working in

the building trade, you will have

-an eye as to what is achievable.

-What you can do.

And hopefully see the potential in my second property.

-Yeah. Well.

-I'm hoping. I'm hoping, Trevor.

-Nothing is impossible.

-Right, I'm going to squeeze past

-and we're going to go upstairs.

-OK.

Adjacent to the kitchen, an old piggery has been converted

and divided up to provide a utility room and snug,

which could be utilised as an additional bedroom.

On the first floor, a landing offers access to a family bathroom.

Bedroom with magnificent views over the nearby valley

and the master bedroom.

Now I can't offer you an en-suite.

But I can offer you a nice master bedroom.

Good size, I think.

It is. It is a good size.

Eunice, talk to me about the windows,

how are we faring on this one?

Well, to me it's still a little bit dark.

To be honest, it's not really ticking the boxes for me.

Is it not? I feel I've slightly lost you in the house.

I'm wondering whether I can claw your attention back

with the outside,

because there are quite a few possibilities.

Happy to venture back out into the rain?

-Absolutely. Yeah. Sounds interesting.

-Thank you.

Unlike our first property,

this one boasts a wealth of outbuildings including a large barn

and a double stable block,

both providing room for more than

one classic car if Trevor should choose to expand his collection.

As well as a large lawned private garden with vegetable plot,

there is also a manege for horses and two paddocks

which offer the opportunity for

Eunice and Trevor to develop equestrian interests,

or lease the space out.

Potential, that's the word I'm going to use.

And I would agree with you, there's plenty of potential here.

Well, I'm thinking this property, with the outbuildings and the land,

is going to be quite difficult to price.

Who wants to guess the price first?

I think it's my turn, this one.

I'm guessing it's at the lower end of ours, £450,000.

OK.

I would go more than that,

because of the potential that it's actually got here,

and I would go for £480,000.

Interesting. Well, Eunice, you are the closest

because the asking price is £475,000.

-Oh.

-Oh, right.

-I was really close, then.

-Well, why don't you go

and have another look around and have a nose around the barns,

and I'll see you in a little while?

-Thank you.

-All right.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

It does have so much potential, as Eunice so rightly said.

However, from the minute they saw this property, they had their

reservations, and I can't put my finger on it.

I don't know what it is because the location is first-class,

the house is beautiful.

But you never know, another look around, it might change things.

£25,000 under budget, this characterful

farm property has...

The second property, I got lots of potential.

Lots of character.

Loads of outdoor space.

This one is so different to the first property we looked at.

It's in the right location.

It's got a lot going for it in terms of potential.

It would actually need a lot of work converting buildings

and our stage of life, me and Trev,

I think probably that would be too much for us.

Yeah, there's definitely some potential here.

We could convert the barns further down.

Into living accommodation?

Yeah, into living accommodation. Or even as holiday lets.

Holiday let, yeah. It has got potential, yes.

-Yeah. I can see that.

-I'm liking the sound of this.

-Whirring.

-Possible plans.

-Yeah.

-Possible.

-Yeah.

-I wonder if it's changed your minds?

I don't know, but things do tend to tick round in my mind a lot so...

-It will grow.

-Let you sleep on it, because that's it for today.

Then, obviously, I've got one more to show you tomorrow.

-OK.

-OK.

-Shall we hit the road?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-Ready to see the rain again?

-Yes.

-Come on.

-All right.

We are house-hunting in the Peak District

with Trevor and Eunice,

who have a budget of £500,000 to buy their first property together.

So far, I've presented them with two homes.

And coming up, we have an enchanting revelation at the Mystery House.

This isn't the only little magic door that this property has.

-Oh, right.

-Any idea why?

-I don't know.

-None at all.

-I don't know. No.

-Silence.

And I act as midwife alongside some passionate farmers of the future.

Take her to Mum.

Here you go, Mum. There we are.

How incredible was that?

We had a tremendous start yesterday

with our first property, with Trevor and Eunice,

and if we could have conjured up a garage, I think we could have

cracked it. However, today is all about the Mystery House, of course.

Now, it dawned on me that between them they have five children,

plus grandchildren.

So where are they all going to stay?

Well, this is where the Mystery House

comes into its own,

with a bonus on top.

Our Mystery House is in the Staffordshire Peak District

village of Wetton.

Consisting mainly of stone built houses,

the local pub for Wetton residents opened around 1760

and retains much of its period character.

The church of St Margaret was built in the 14th century.

Only the tower survived a fire in 1820,

but the rest of the building was quickly rebuilt.

Our mystery property lies right in the centre of the village.

So, our final house in the Peak District

I want to show you is this one right in front of us.

-Oh, wow.

-Oh, a little cottage.

It is the Mystery House, any idea why?

I think it's quite deceptive,

because it's small at the front and you're going to surprise us when we

-walk round the back.

-Interesting, interesting.

Well, shall we start?

-Yes.

-OK.

-Let's see how we get on.

OK.

Trevor and Eunice seem curious, which is usually a very good sign.

There are two entrances to the Mystery House,

and one of them takes us directly

into a tastefully renovated and bright kitchen-diner.

Right. Let's start off with our kitchen.

-Very nice.

-It's a little bit small.

Yeah, it is a little bit small.

I think a little bit small is the mantra, isn't it,

for this Peak District tour?

We've managed to have it in every house,

but we have a really large utility room next door.

So that might help you a little bit.

Is this functional, does this work for you?

-Yes.

-I think so.

-I think so,

because it's all around three sides, isn't it?

Are you happy with the beams?

Yes. Yes, well, there's always a coat of white paint!

Yes.

Not a bad start.

Well, I'm excited to show you this house because it has

fantastic potential.

Great. OK.

Here is our sitting room.

Dominated by this enormous stone fireplace,

with wood burner.

-Yes. Yes.

-That's nice.

-Yes, it is.

-That's very nice.

-Isn't it, yes.

I love the window.

Yeah. The sun's coming in, lovely.

That makes a big difference.

It's lovely and light.

I'm doing quite well with showing you properties with beams, aren't I?

Trevor, how do you feel about these?

These, these are good, because

the ceiling is actually pretty high here,

so, yeah, I'm quite happy with that.

-Wouldn't need to paint them?

-No.

No. I wouldn't let him paint these.

-These are staying.

-Yes, these are staying.

-Yeah, OK.

-And along the hallway, you've actually also got a separate

-dining room as well.

-Right.

-Oh.

Or you could make that into a study, if you wanted to.

-OK.

-OK.

-Some options for you there.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-Wonderful.

So far, so good.

-Yeah.

-Let's go upstairs.

A very enthusiastic and encouraging

response from Trevor and Eunice so far.

I'm on tenterhooks to see if it continues on the first floor.

Upstairs, there is a shower and bathroom with a deep tub

to soak in after long walks.

Bedrooms include a small double with twin beds

and another complete with a four-poster bed.

We are showing our couple the largest bedroom.

I love the size. Love the wardrobes.

-Do you?

-Love the wardrobes.

-Caught your eye.

-Wall-to-wall.

-Just about enough for you then?

Yes. Wall-to-wall wardrobes.

And the light.

I love the window, because it's a nice, light room.

-Good.

-Very nice.

-It's light and airy.

It's working for you both?

-It is, yeah.

-I'm so pleased you love the cupboards as well,

because they hold a secret, Eunice.

-Look.

-Really?

-Your own little en-suite.

-Great.

-Oh, wow, yeah.

But this isn't the only little magic door that this property has.

-Oh, right.

-Oh, no, any idea why?

What else there might be?

-I don't know.

-None at all.

-I don't know. No?

-No idea.

-Silence. Let's have a look.

Up till now this has been

a straightforward cottage in the Peaks.

But being that it's the Mystery House,

there's a huge surprise in store.

So, through here, in your dining room, you have a cupboard.

But it's not just any old cupboard.

It's another magic door.

-Oh, wow.

-Oh, gosh.

-It's another cottage.

-It is.

Attached to our Mystery House,

this adjoining property could offer them two additional bedrooms,

a kitchen-diner and a gloriously light sitting room

with a stone feature fireplace.

What a surprise.

It's a complete surprise, yeah.

-Yeah, wow.

-So you didn't see this coming at all?

-No.

-Not at all, no.

But I did say there is more to this house from the outside, didn't I?

You did. And I thought you might have twigged, but no.

-No.

-No.

-And with that door,

you can lock it and you have two separate properties.

-Yes.

-Now I know you didn't ask for a holiday let,

because we are thinking your family could come to stay,

and there's a lot of them.

However, should you decide to rent this out,

the annual income is just under £17,000 a year.

-Pretty good.

-Is it really?

-Yeah.

We could live in this end and let the other end out.

I was thinking that.

We'd use this in the winter and the larger end in the summer.

See, she's already planning.

She has. But I'm going to bring you both back to reality, I'm afraid.

-The price?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Let's head back outside and then talk about figures.

-OK.

-OK.

-After you. Thank you.

-Thank you.

We certainly seem to be dangling two attractive propositions

before Trevor and Eunice.

In front of the Mystery House, there is a small lawn,

while the enclosed rear garden offers privacy.

The additional property has its own separate garden space.

So, here we have our driveway.

Now, we don't have a garage,

but we do have enough land I think to put one in, don't you?

Yes, I think so. I think there's plenty of room here, yeah.

-Yeah.

-Yes. Now, you don't have to buy both properties,

and I really want to stress that.

They can come separately.

So let's start off with the Mystery House, on its own,

how much do we think that is on the market for?

Probably I would go for...

..425,000.

I was thinking a little bit less than that.

I was thinking more 410,000.

Interesting. This main house is on the market

for £395,000.

-Ooh!

-Oh! You're closer this time.

-That's good.

-That's good. That's better than what we thought, yes.

So not only is it better than you thought, but it's also,

and most importantly, £105,000 under your top budget.

-That's right.

-I'm now going to open it up and say,

if you chose to buy both properties, and you really don't need to,

but if you did, the asking price for both properties - £675,000.

Now, the reason we decided to show you this is because we know you were

considering renting out your property, weren't you?

-Yes, yes.

-So there is the option perhaps of selling yours...

Some food for thought there, yes.

..and having it on your doorstep,

so it's much easier to look after and you benefit from those extra

bedrooms when the family come to stay.

-Definitely.

-A lot to think about.

Totally appreciate that.

Why don't you have another look together on your own

and I'll meet you when you're ready?

-Thank you.

-OK.

-Thank you.

It's an interesting one, isn't it?

They were thinking of renting out Eunice's own home, however

if they put all of that together

and bought these two properties, they'd get an income,

all their family could come to stay,

and it is in the most beautiful setting.

Well under budget,

this charming stone cottage features three bedrooms with a possibility of

a fourth. There is a spacious sitting room

and separate dining room,

while the rear garden provides privacy and space for Trevor's car.

Also on offer is a two-bedroom annexe which could be purchased

for an additional £280,000.

I was really surprised when she led us through the door,

it was so narrow. I thought maybe it was a cupboard.

I could not believe it was a holiday let, so close to!

We're certainly going to look at it because we've got other options with

your house, which we weren't going to sell but that might come into the

-picture now.

-And we never thought of doing a holiday let, actually,

it never came into...

-No.

-..our heads, but it's just given us food for thought.

Oh, the Mystery House.

It's certainly put them in a quandary, hasn't it?

There we are. You weren't expecting that one, were you?

-Not at all.

-Nope. That's a curveball, that one.

-Certainly.

-So that's it, you've seen all three of our properties.

-Yeah.

-Let's go and have a chat.

OK.

Daffodils in bloom and longer days means spring is here,

and for sheep farmers that's lambing season,

one of the most challenging times of the year. And as the average age of

farmers in Britain is currently 59,

the industry is in desperate need of some 60,000 new recruits within the

next decade.

Whilst in the area, I'm visiting Reaseheath agricultural college,

just outside the Peaks, in Cheshire,

to meet four farmers of the future.

Rich, Jemima, Georgia and Rob.

They're learning both time-honoured traditional farming methods and the

modern techniques that will shape tomorrow's industry.

So, thank you, it's great to meet you all today.

So, tell me why did you decide to enrol here?

Farming's my passion, I wanted to do that and further my knowledge.

And did you know you always wanted to be a farmer, it's in your blood?

-Yeah, pretty much, yes.

-So literally on your course from start to finish

you learn every aspect of modern-day farming?

Obviously, it's learning on the job.

If we were anywhere else where they didn't have this,

we wouldn't have the experience behind it.

I mean, is there things that you learn on this course

that you take home and it's something your parents

haven't implemented, they haven't done,

-it's new to them?

-I mean, yeah, absolutely,

they're always interested to know

what we've been learning and to actually take

-an interest in it.

-And, Georgie,

are there farmers in the UK who are looking at you and this agricultural

college and asking you to do research on their behalf?

Currently, because it's lambing period and we have orphaned lambs,

they are going onto

an automatic feeder,

so that's working with a company in the industry doing a trial for other

farmers to see if it works.

How incredible, to think in a couple of years' time they might be

implementing things that you've helped to research here.

Well, it is lambing season.

Any jobs I can help you out with?

I think we've still got some tagging to do,

and there's also some bottle-feeding to do of lambs, so...

I'd love to do that!

Right. I'll follow you.

Thank you.

But before we get to postnatal duties, it's all hands on deck

with some very expectant mothers.

While the ewes are lambing at least one student is on hand around the

clock. Hopefully Rob and Georgia can guide me through a smooth birth.

I can see the legs already.

-Is that the leg?

-Yeah.

So I'm going to put my hand in and see what we've got there.

I can feel two front feet, and a nose.

-So that's a good sign, she's like that?

-That's a good sign,

that's how you want the lamb.

I can see it's already beginning to come out.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Yeah. If you grab one foot, just pull that one out.

-Yes.

-Then you grab the other foot as well, and pull with.

-Yeah.

-You can feel when she pushes.

Yes, and then when she pushes...

-You do that.

-I work with her.

-Yes, that's it.

-Here we go.

I'm pulling.

Here comes the head!

And once you pull it out, just leave the lamb on the cord.

Wipe the gunk from around its nose.

Look at that, already!

And grab the lamb by the two front feet.

-Take her to Mum.

-Yes.

Oh, it's making little noises!

Here you go, Mum. There we are.

How incredible was that?!

Within a couple of days of their birth, all lambs

are electronically tagged for identification.

And the purpose of this is for the traceability of the food chain, so

you'll know that it's come off this farm

when it goes into a supermarket and it

can be traced right the way back to this moment.

So this is just like piercing his ears.

-Is it going to hurt him?

-No, not at all.

-A bit closer to the ear...

-There?

Yeah. Squeeze.

-Was that all right?

-Yeah, brilliant.

Sorry about that. Ewes only have two teats,

so when a mother delivers a large litter of lambs, feeding can be a

challenge. That's when the human touch steps in.

Jemima, I believe this is another little hungry fellow.

-Yes.

-So once they've had enough, and you've bottle fed them,

can they go on an automated feeder?

Yeah. With our automated feeder that we're doing a trial with,

we put them onto that and...

Look at that!

A hungry little person but a healthy little person at the same time.

-Good sign, isn't it?

-Definitely.

The lambs are in safe hands

thanks to this group of dedicated young students.

We wish them luck with their training as they acquire the skills

to become the farmers of tomorrow.

I think the Mystery House left

Trevor and Eunice a little bewildered.

It certainly was a lot to take in,

but are they going to put an offer on it

or indeed any of our houses?

Let's go and find out.

Well, Trevor and Eunice,

you started your relationship commuting up and down the M6.

I wonder, have you reached a final destination together?

Yes, I think... I think we're a long way towards it.

I wouldn't say we're quite there yet.

Out of all the properties we showed you, is there a favourite?

I think the favourite is probably the Mystery House.

-Is it?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Yes.

I mean, we did like the first house as well, but it just couldn't offer

everything that we wanted.

I think the Mystery House pretty much did, didn't it?

It did, yes, yeah.

So, when it comes to the Mystery,

-because obviously you've got that lovely main house...

-Yes.

But you've also got the holiday let that is attached, so it's really the

main house that you've got your eye on.

-It is, really.

-Yes, I think so, yes.

Rather than the business.

So a second viewing perhaps on the cards?

Yes, we'll consider that, definitely.

-Yes.

-So, the last few days has been a positive process for you both?

We've really enjoyed it.

It has been, yeah, really good.

It's really made us think about houses internal and areas and...

-Definitely, yes.

-Obviously, we really hope that you love

the Mystery House the second time round

and perhaps are in a position to take it a little bit further,

but whatever happens, all the very best with your continued search.

Your first home together here, in the Peak District.

Exciting times ahead,

-and we wish you both the very best of luck.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much. It's been really good.

-We've enjoyed it, yes.

Although we managed to find three houses

all under budget and within the Peak District National Park,

I'm not sure Trevor and Eunice are going to be putting in an offer,

sadly, on any of them,

but what we have done is set them on their way,

and we wish them all the very best because, let's face it,

buying your first home together is a truly exciting time.

So, that's it from me, from this beautiful part of the world,

and I'll see you again soon on Escape To The Country.

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