Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 36 travels to the breathtaking Peak District, where Briony May Williams helps a Canadian couple search for the perfect countryside home for themselves and their dog, Verona. With a generous £475,000 budget, the property hunt includes beautiful rural homes, with a mystery house offering truly jaw-dropping panoramic views across one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.
Briony also meets dedicated park rangers who help preserve the Peak District’s natural beauty, including inspiring volunteer Margaret, who continues to care for the hills well into her eighties. This episode highlights the charm of Peak District living and the timeless appeal of countryside life surrounded by nature.
#EscapeToTheCountry #PeakDistrict #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
Briony also meets dedicated park rangers who help preserve the Peak District’s natural beauty, including inspiring volunteer Margaret, who continues to care for the hills well into her eighties. This episode highlights the charm of Peak District living and the timeless appeal of countryside life surrounded by nature.
#EscapeToTheCountry #PeakDistrict #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:02Today's buyers have crossed the Atlantic in search of a new home.
00:06Wow. Wow.
00:08Doesn't it feel like we're on top of the world, doesn't it?
00:10Yeah. It's amazing.
00:11So it's only fair I pull out all the stops.
00:14Yes.
00:16Even if the details are a little...debatable.
00:19This is technically...detached.
00:22Oh, yes. It is too. Yeah, clearly.
00:25But hey, if you can move to the other side of the world,
00:28anything's possible. Maybe we need to go a bit bigger.
00:31Can we do that?
00:32Let's escape from the country.
00:35Shall we?
00:59The Peak District.
01:01In the south, rolling hills and quiet dales.
01:05In the north, wild moorland and gritstone edges.
01:09One park, two worlds.
01:12The Peak District is a national park of extremes.
01:16It is extremely beautiful.
01:19And at the top of those lovely hills,
01:22you can reward yourself with amazing views and a lovely tart.
01:27Because it's around here that the original and best bakewells are made.
01:33Mmm.
01:36Extremely delicious.
01:38The Peak District spans several northern counties,
01:41but our focus lies in Derbyshire,
01:44where most of the national park is located.
01:47There are some 1,600 miles of trails,
01:50with most, but not all,
01:52choosing to explore the landscape on foot.
01:55I fly hang gliders, paragliders to the coast from here,
01:59and it's just wonderful.
02:01You land on the beach at Skegness.
02:03Ta-da!
02:04Marvellous.
02:05The Peak District from Cloud Base is the most beautiful place.
02:10There's lots of beautiful walks.
02:12There's lots of public rights away which are not well trod.
02:17It's really serene, really quiet.
02:19Bakewell's sweet treats are nothing short of iconic,
02:22but the market town's real flavour lies in its historic market
02:27and nearby stately homes.
02:28It's beautiful scenery, lots of nature.
02:32And all my family that come to stay with me just constantly say,
02:35do you realise how lucky you are to live in a beautiful place like this?
02:41There is so much to love about Derbyshire and the Peak District
02:46that today's couple have come all the way
02:48from the other side of the Atlantic to set up home here.
02:55This is Verona.
02:58I'm Gary and this is Candice.
03:00Hey, I'm Candice.
03:01And we are a Canadian couple who have been living in the United States
03:05for about ten years in Austin, Texas,
03:08and we've decided to move to England in search of a quieter life.
03:13Social care consultant Candice and musician Gary are lifelong city dwellers,
03:18but have always shared a love of the outdoors.
03:21We loved Texas for a long time.
03:24We had a great life there.
03:25But ultimately, it just was time to go after ten years,
03:28and we were ready for our next adventure.
03:31I'm a musician and there's a good music scene here,
03:34so we thought that would be good.
03:35Also, my grandfather was born in England,
03:38so that was kind of part of the root of us getting here.
03:40An ancestry visa entitles Commonwealth and overseas British citizens
03:44with a UK-born grandparent to stay in the UK for five years.
03:48But before committing to the move, the couple went on a recce.
03:51We took a trip here to scout things out in September,
03:54and we were blown away by the Peak District.
03:57Like, it just looked like Lord of the Rings.
03:59People probably always say that, but it was just gorgeous.
04:01I haven't seen Lord of the Rings.
04:01Oh, okay, well...
04:04But it was beautiful.
04:05It was beautiful.
04:07Fast forward six months, the house was sold,
04:09and the boxes were packed.
04:11Since arriving in the UK,
04:13they've been road-testing rural living
04:14in a three-bedroom rental in the village of Bonsall.
04:18My favourite word that I've been saying a lot
04:20over the last four months is magical.
04:22It has exceeded my expectations and my hopes, I think.
04:26We've been getting more fresh air, more outdoor time.
04:29I didn't know what to expect,
04:31but it's just been completely magical.
04:35We'd really love to be in a small village
04:38or edge of village or rural-ish environment.
04:41And a pub that's walkable is a huge plus for sure.
04:44And walkable, like, very close.
04:48Walkable.
04:49Stumbleable, is that what you're saying?
04:50Maybe stumbleable, yeah.
04:52So a pub within easy reach is a must,
04:54but what else do they need from their forever home?
04:57Well, they'd like to find a characterful English country cottage
05:01with easy access to the outdoors.
05:03It should have two to three bedrooms
05:05to accommodate guests and a music studio for Gary,
05:08plus an open-plan kitchen and a home office for Candice.
05:12All for their budget of £475,000.
05:27The Peak District is the original national park
05:30and it is very pretty around here.
05:33We are in the heart of the country.
05:36We couldn't really be any further away from the coastline,
05:38but it makes up for it with the absolutely stunning views.
05:46Overlooking the Headstone Viaduct is Montsell Head,
05:49a popular Peak District viewpoint,
05:51an ideal place to meet Candice and Gary for a pre-search chat.
05:56Welcome to the beautiful Peak District.
05:58Thank you. How lovely is this?
05:59It's incredible. I mean, look at this.
06:01It's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
06:03But you've had quite an unusual journey to get here.
06:06Canada via Texas and now the Peak District.
06:09Talk me through that.
06:10Yeah, we've been in big cities most of our life
06:14and Texas was no exception.
06:16I'm a musician, so I toured here before in 2022,
06:18kind of from the top of the country to the bottom.
06:20And this area I really enjoyed.
06:22I thought it was beautiful, so it kind of stuck in my mind.
06:24And is there quite a big difference, have you found,
06:27between going from a city like Austin in Texas
06:30to villages and towns that you find in the Peak District countryside?
06:35Yeah, it's been amazing.
06:37We know more people in the village that we're renting in currently
06:40than we did, like, even in our neighbourhood.
06:42We knew maybe our immediate neighbour, but not even really to say hi.
06:46And we think we're friendly people.
06:48Very lovely. I can tell already.
06:51People were nice, of course, but, yeah,
06:55the British have just been so lovely.
06:58We are quite nice.
06:59We're sarcastic, but we're nice too.
07:02I mean, the Peak District holds a very special place in my heart
07:04because we holidayed here with our daughter
07:06when she was very little every year
07:08until she was kind of five around Christmas time.
07:11So I love the Peak District.
07:12It's going to be a lovely, lovely week.
07:14We're excited.
07:15You ready to go and, you know, maybe look at some houses?
07:17We are.
07:18Yeah? Okay, right, go on then.
07:19Okay, thank you.
07:24We're starting things off just two miles from Bakewell,
07:27in the village of Ashford-in-the-Water.
07:32Perched on the River Wye in a conservation area,
07:35this village has a tea room, two pubs,
07:38and a medieval bridge crowned the best spot in the country
07:41to play poo sticks.
07:43It's Englishness turned up to 11, which should appeal to Canadians Candice and Gary.
07:49Ashford-in-the-Water's honey-coloured cottages really steal the show,
07:53and the house we're here to see fits right in.
07:58Here we are.
07:59Welcome.
08:00Right here.
08:00Yes.
08:01Nice.
08:02Yeah, it looks like it's kind of old-style but newer, maybe?
08:05Old-style but newer.
08:06I like that.
08:06I like that description.
08:07Actually, it dates back to the 1600s.
08:09Oh, really?
08:09Yeah.
08:10So it's actually old-old.
08:11Oh, okay.
08:12It just got straight edges, I thought.
08:13It would be a little more crumbly at that age, but yeah, wow.
08:15Yeah, and the stone is beautiful.
08:17It's really pretty, isn't it?
08:18It is.
08:18It is, yeah, yeah.
08:19Shall we go and see?
08:19Yeah, let's take a look.
08:22This terraced limestone cottage has been around
08:25since Charles II was on the throne.
08:27Formerly part of the nearby Chatsworth estate,
08:30the property is currently in use as a holiday let.
08:34Come on in.
08:35Wow.
08:36Oh.
08:37Look at the floor.
08:38That's amazing.
08:39Yeah, I love the floor.
08:40Isn't it peaceful?
08:40Uh-huh.
08:41That is so pretty.
08:43This is a nice room.
08:43Thick walls.
08:45Yeah.
08:461600s.
08:46Yeah.
08:47They built stuff differently back then.
08:48They did.
08:49It looks like they've redone some things, though, I guess,
08:51because the floor looks really new.
08:52Yeah.
08:52It is.
08:53Yeah, I think it's about the right size of a room, too.
08:54Yeah.
08:55We don't need a giant room, but it's not too small where we could...
08:57Nope.
08:58Yeah, we could hang out with some friends here.
09:00We have to make some friends in the village first, I guess.
09:03Well, I've heard rumours it's a very friendly village.
09:05Good.
09:05All right.
09:06What do you know about the neighbours?
09:07There's the question.
09:08I don't know very much about the neighbours.
09:10Any teenage drummers living next door or anything?
09:12No.
09:12Not as far as I'm aware, but I will inquire for you.
09:15Should we have a look at the kitchen?
09:15Yeah.
09:16Please.
09:16That's the most important room, I think.
09:19Oh.
09:20Come on through into the kitchen.
09:22Please.
09:25This is country...
09:27Oh, country kitchen.
09:27Country kitchen.
09:28Yeah, it's cute.
09:30Yeah.
09:30I love the stove burner.
09:33That's beautiful.
09:34Mm-hmm.
09:34We love a range.
09:35Oh, yeah, that's what they're called, a range.
09:37Yeah.
09:37It's beautiful.
09:39You could fit a full-size fridge there.
09:41Yes.
09:41We come from the land of large fridges.
09:43Of course you do.
09:45You're like, what is that?
09:46Yes.
09:47One of the bestigial things we'll bring with us from North America
09:49would be a larger fridge, but it looks like we've got room.
09:51Yeah, lots of cupboards.
09:52Yeah.
09:55Located off the kitchen and rounding off the downstairs is a modern shower room, added
09:59around ten years ago.
10:01This serves as the main bathroom with the upstairs having a simple WC.
10:06We're heading to the principal bedroom at the front of the property.
10:11The main bedroom.
10:13Okay.
10:14Really pretty.
10:15Nice wardrobe.
10:16Good-sized wardrobe there.
10:18Mm-hmm.
10:18View out to the street.
10:19Yeah.
10:19The window's really pretty.
10:20The window's cool, isn't it?
10:22Mm-hmm.
10:22I love the stone.
10:23I love how they open.
10:24Mm-hmm.
10:25I think this would probably be a bit smaller than we'd want for the main bedroom, wouldn't
10:28you say?
10:29I think it's okay.
10:30I mean, our bed would fit.
10:32It doesn't blow me away, but your bedroom normally wouldn't.
10:35Like, it's...
10:37Yeah.
10:37Well, yeah, you don't know what we've got.
10:39Yeah.
10:39That's true.
10:40We don't know what we don't know.
10:40Is that going to be my mission of the week, to have a bedroom that blows you away?
10:43You may have several missions this week, I don't know.
10:46But I think we might look at the other bedrooms as maybe the main, depending, just because
10:51right now, we wouldn't want to look on the street.
10:54Okay.
10:56In terms of options, there are two more bedrooms.
10:59Unfortunately, both are a little smaller.
11:01Aw, it's so tiny.
11:03That's so cute.
11:05Yeah.
11:06And this would be all right for like a guest staying over?
11:08Yeah, it's so cozy.
11:11Yeah, it is.
11:11Nice high ceilings, too.
11:13You want to see the other one?
11:14Yeah.
11:17Oh, here we are.
11:20This one's a little bit bigger.
11:21Nice view of the back.
11:22Yeah, look at that.
11:24That's pretty.
11:25So that's a single one?
11:28Yeah.
11:28Yeah.
11:28I don't want to look at the back yet, but it looks beautiful.
11:31Yeah, it does look nice out there.
11:32Nice view.
11:34We'll get to the garden very shortly, but what's the verdict on the bedrooms?
11:39We have returned.
11:40Well, good.
11:41I'm glad.
11:42You were worried for a minute, were you?
11:43Yeah, I was a little bit, yeah.
11:44So were we.
11:45So the other two bedrooms?
11:47This would definitely be the main, for sure.
11:49Yeah, the other one's a lot smaller.
11:51So I'm not sure that we could make it work with what all we wanted to do with the bedrooms
11:53just based on the size of them.
11:54They're very nice and well finished, and we love the skylights, but the size of them…
11:57A nice view in the back one, for sure.
12:00Yeah, but the size of them might not be workable for us.
12:02Okay.
12:03Well, let's go outside and talk about price, because sometimes that can change people's mind.
12:07Sure.
12:07Okay, all right, lead the way.
12:10The rear courtyard is a garden of two halves, the two sections separated by an impressive
12:15dry stone wall, an iconic Derbyshire feature.
12:20Gorgeous little courtyard garden.
12:22It is.
12:23Are you green-fingered?
12:25I try to be.
12:26Me too.
12:27I'm not, but I try to be.
12:28I like that it's enclosed, so Verona, our dog, would be fine.
12:33We can just let her out, which she would love.
12:34Yeah, it's got that little seating area, it's really nice.
12:36Okay, well, let's talk about price.
12:38Any ideas?
12:41I'm going to let you go first.
12:42Okay.
12:43I would go maybe £425,000.
12:47Okay.
12:48Gary?
12:48I'll say £410,000.
12:51Okay.
12:52Well, you're both wrong.
12:53Darn it.
12:54But, in a nice way.
12:57Okay.
12:57In that it's actually on the market for offers over £385,000.
13:01Okay.
13:02All right.
13:02So room to do something.
13:04Yeah.
13:04So, good start.
13:05Absolutely.
13:06Yeah.
13:07It's a great place.
13:08You appreciate the house?
13:09We do, yeah.
13:10Just maybe we need to go a bit bigger?
13:12Yeah.
13:13Okay.
13:13Yeah.
13:13Can we do that?
13:15Let's escape to the country.
13:16We can do anything.
13:17You can do anything.
13:18All right, nice.
13:19Shall we?
13:19Let's do it.
13:19I hope.
13:23£90,000 under budget, this three-bedroom terrace from the 1600s is full of original features.
13:29But, it's the clean modern finish, especially in the kitchen, that really sets it apart.
13:35As well as a low maintenance garden, it's positioned in an idyllic and much sought after
13:40village location, within the Peak District National Park.
13:46I think when we first walked up, I was a little bit surprised because we weren't necessarily
13:51looking for a terraced home.
13:53I was expecting that the ceilings would be low and they are nice and high, so that is
13:58good.
13:59And then this outdoor space is really pretty and meets the needs and hopes that I have.
14:04I don't think I could see us living in this house.
14:06It seems like a great place to visit and stay.
14:08I really enjoyed the way it looked aesthetically, inside and out, but probably a little bit
14:13small and just a little bit in a noisier, busier area than we probably want.
14:29Moving to the countryside opens the door to new friendships and the chance to feel part
14:34of a real community.
14:36Something that Candice and Gary found hard in the fast pace of city life.
14:41Tideswell Lounge looks delicious.
14:45So today they are heading to the Derbyshire village of Tideswell to meet the locals and
14:49get a feel for its warm, welcoming spirit.
14:52So Tideswell is big enough to have an awful lot going on.
14:55So we've got the film club, we've got sports complex, we've got loads of eateries and pubs
15:00etc.
15:01But it's small enough to have a real, real community.
15:04You get to know people and to say hello, everyone's friendly.
15:08So I think it's the feeling of belonging, that you belong somewhere, that you are a person
15:14and not just a number.
15:16The town's industrial heritage has also played a role in fostering strong community connections.
15:22Brass banding was traditionally like a pit or a mining start-up.
15:26I've been playing with a brass band since I was nine and a half.
15:28It's one of those hobbies that, you know, you have a like-minded sort of like group of
15:33people, you have the activities, we put on concerts, the carnivals.
15:36We like to perform for people.
15:39The band are currently rehearsing for a torch-lit procession to mark the end of Wakes Week,
15:44a week-long festival held in the village each June, believed to have taken place for over
15:49750 years.
15:51The festival is accompanied by the tradition of well dressing.
15:56Thought to have begun as a pagan offering to the gods of wells and springs, to ensure
16:00a continued supply of fresh water, it sees wooden frames decorated with natural materials
16:05to create intricate designs.
16:08Helping with one of the village's two well dressings this year is local resident, Janice Ashley.
16:14Hi.
16:15Hi.
16:16Hi.
16:16Welcome.
16:16I'm Candice.
16:17Hi, Janice.
16:18Hi, Janice.
16:18I'm Gary.
16:19Hi, Gary.
16:19Yes.
16:20Hi.
16:20Welcome to Tyresville in the Well Dresses this year.
16:22It's amazing.
16:23It's a very, very old tradition in Derbyshire mainly, although now it has spread to other
16:27counties.
16:28Okay.
16:29In this village it started just after the Second World War and has been continuous from
16:34then.
16:34How long does this take for you to do?
16:36It takes us a week.
16:38Is there a competition among all the different wells?
16:40No.
16:40No.
16:40We get that mass many times.
16:42I think you might win if there was.
16:43I think so.
16:44It's a great tradition and hopefully not a dying one.
16:48But yeah.
16:49I love it.
16:50It's very close to my heart.
16:51Well, if we move here we'll help you with the next one.
16:52And it would be lovely to see you.
16:53Yes.
16:54And even if you're not far away, you say you're living in another village.
16:56Yes.
16:57Yeah.
16:57Please come and see us again.
16:59Thank you, Janice, for telling us about it.
17:01It's amazing.
17:01Great to see you.
17:02So, the community in the Peak District is ready and waiting.
17:06Now we just need to find Candice and Gary's place in it.
17:16Our next stop is located just beyond the south-eastern boundaries of the National Park,
17:21in the village of Brassington.
17:23We're deep within the scenic Derbyshire Dales here and the village is just two miles from
17:28Carsington Water, a reservoir where there's plenty to do if water sports, walking and wildlife
17:34watching are your thing.
17:36Brassington itself has not one, but two welcoming pubs.
17:40And sitting pretty in the village centre is the second house on our property tour.
17:47Wow.
17:47Wow.
17:49Nice.
17:49Looks big.
17:51Well, it may be.
17:52How beautiful.
17:54This is technically detached.
17:57Oh, yeah.
17:58It is, too.
17:59Yeah, barely.
18:00That's...
18:00But technically, technically it's detached.
18:03Technically it still counts.
18:04Wow.
18:04Still counts, right?
18:05Okay.
18:06Can't wait to see it, yeah.
18:07Looks beautiful.
18:08Should we go inside and have a look?
18:10Yes, let's do it.
18:11Okay.
18:13Built in 1730, this three-storey home is Grade II listed.
18:18There's a wealth of traditional features on display from the moment you step in and a
18:23few more unexpected ones we'll discover along the way.
18:27Wow.
18:28Very cosy.
18:29I love it.
18:30It's so pretty.
18:31They like the beams in this house.
18:33Okay.
18:34We do, too.
18:35Yeah.
18:35But I love a beam.
18:36Yeah.
18:37I mean, I'm not...
18:38I don't have to contend with them quite as much as you do, Gary, but...
18:41What do you make of this space?
18:42Could this work for you?
18:43Because you've got this room here, but there's actually a little snug there as well.
18:46Okay.
18:46So there's two seating areas.
18:48Yeah, I'd have to take a look at it.
18:48I think it would work great for us.
18:50Yeah.
18:50For entertaining, it wouldn't work as well, but we'd like a small room like this for just
18:54us to be in.
18:54It's cosy and, yeah.
18:55We should have to wait and see what there is through there in terms of entertaining, won't
18:58we?
18:59All right.
18:59Yeah.
18:59No, it's pretty.
19:00I like it.
19:01Should we go through and see the kitchen?
19:02Yes.
19:02Yeah.
19:04Utility.
19:05Good size utility.
19:07Oh, wow.
19:07This was the original entrance hall.
19:09I love it.
19:10Which you can still access.
19:12Yeah.
19:12To the outside world.
19:14Original cheese wheels.
19:15Amazing.
19:16Oh, wow.
19:17That's awesome.
19:18How cool is that?
19:19Very cool.
19:19We need to learn more about those.
19:21And then come through.
19:22Oh.
19:24How is this for a kitchen?
19:26That's amazing.
19:27Love it.
19:28Love it.
19:28Love it.
19:29Yeah.
19:29This is a great kitchen.
19:31Look at the range.
19:31I don't even cook and I can tell that's a nice range.
19:34Yeah.
19:35Just like looking at it.
19:36Yeah.
19:37Is this more what you had in mind when you were thinking of the kind of kitchen dining
19:40area?
19:41100%.
19:42Yeah, for sure.
19:43This kitchen would be perfect size, I think.
19:45Yeah, like we would either have a table here or put an island in one of the two.
19:49And yeah, this is a great kitchen.
19:51I could sit outside and you could bring me my wine.
19:53Yes.
19:55Yes.
19:56Seems like a good deal for you here.
20:00Gary knows the way to her heart and possibly to their next home too.
20:05Upstairs, the three double bedrooms are laid out over two floors.
20:09Oh, this is nice.
20:10This is actually a decent size too.
20:12It is.
20:12It's bigger than the last one.
20:14I love the floor.
20:14Love the floor, yeah.
20:15And with that view from this window, I would take that side of the bed.
20:22Oh, a guitar.
20:23That's a good sign.
20:26Could this work for your studio?
20:29You don't want that.
20:31Angled ceilings present a bit of a challenge, but.
20:34Be a good guest room.
20:35It could be a guest room.
20:36Yeah, this could work as a guest room.
20:37Yep.
20:38I'm hearing lots of positive noises coming from upstairs.
20:41They're already visualizing where they would put things, which rooms they'd use for what.
20:46And that is usually a very positive sign.
20:49I think this house gives them that room that they're looking for.
20:53Love the job.
20:54Oh, wow.
20:54That's nice.
20:55That's huge.
20:56I have a bath with a view.
20:58I'm all about the view.
20:59Yeah, that's pretty sweet.
21:01That's really nice.
21:03This is yet another place you're going to want me to bring you wine.
21:06I'm seeing a theme here.
21:07Perhaps.
21:09There's actually another bathroom upstairs, too.
21:13An ensuite to the principal bedroom.
21:15But thankfully, there's no bath.
21:17So, Gary, you and the wine can stand down.
21:20Oh, this is the main room.
21:23Whoa.
21:24I love it.
21:25Well, I can do my chin-ups off this thing, no problem.
21:28Wow, this is something else.
21:30Wow.
21:31Oh, cool.
21:35That's pretty awesome.
21:36That's pretty wild.
21:37That kind of reframes things because that other room is not the main bedroom anymore.
21:41Right.
21:42Yeah, that is definitely unexpected.
21:44Wow.
21:45That is pretty unique.
21:46That is.
21:48The south-facing rear garden is neatly lawned and leads onto parking for a couple of cars.
21:54There's another beautiful example of a Derbyshire stone wall outlining a raised sun terrace.
22:00And I assume Candice and Gary have no need for a pigsty, so it would also make a handy bike
22:06store.
22:06If I'm wrong, there's also a large shed.
22:11Hi.
22:12Hello.
22:13How are we doing?
22:14Good.
22:15Great.
22:16Love it.
22:17What do you think?
22:18Love it.
22:19Yeah.
22:20Verona would love it.
22:21Yeah, it'd be great.
22:21It's dog-friendly.
22:22Already kind of fenced or walled in and then the great view up there.
22:26Oh, sorry.
22:26Where was the view?
22:27I'm already lost.
22:28Behind you as well.
22:29I hit my head a few times inside.
22:30Sorry.
22:31So, what are we thinking?
22:32You've got to go first this time, Gary.
22:34Yeah, go first.
22:34Oh, jeez.
22:35All right.
22:35Well, I'm going to say 445,000 pounds.
22:40Okay.
22:42I was going to say 450.
22:44Okay.
22:44450,000 pounds.
22:46Yes.
22:46Okay.
22:47So, this one is a bit more.
22:49Okay.
22:49Because we really wanted to show this to you to show you what's possible.
22:53It's 489,950 pounds.
22:56Okay.
22:57Okay.
22:57It's a lot of house.
22:58It's a lot of house.
22:59Yep.
22:59I figured it would be top of budget, so I wasn't sure.
23:02Yeah.
23:02Just hopeful.
23:03Yeah, I was being very hopeful.
23:05Yes.
23:06It may be a little over budget, but this wonderful, spacious three-story cottage has been on the market for
23:13a few months now,
23:13and Candice and Gary could always make an offer.
23:16It's got two reception rooms, a generous kitchen, and three double bedrooms.
23:21To top it off, the scenic village is within easy reach of plenty of walking and cycling routes.
23:27I could picture myself in this house, for sure, and this garden outside space.
23:33The kitchen's fantastic.
23:34The bedrooms are nice sizes.
23:36I have a harder time picturing you there.
23:39Yeah, I think picturing myself in the house is a little bit tougher in some of the rooms just because
23:44of the low ceilings and the beams.
23:45I did bump my head two or three times in there on the viewing already.
23:49Could you get used to it, though?
23:51Well, I mean, eventually you just lose feeling and you go numb.
23:53No.
23:53No problem.
24:03Two properties down and our first day is nearly over.
24:06But before we turn in, Candice has offered to take us to one of her favourite spots in the area.
24:11Sitting beneath the dramatic harbour rocks, it's the perfect place to pause and reflect on the day's adventures.
24:20Wow, this is absolutely stunning.
24:23Thank you so much for bringing me here, one of your favourite spots.
24:26It is.
24:27I love coming and biking and running on the trail that's there.
24:30We've come up and enjoyed the sunset from up here.
24:33It's really beautiful.
24:34And how are you settling in?
24:35I think we're settling in pretty well.
24:38We've met lots of people in the village we're in and I've made a few friends just playing music and
24:41stuff like that.
24:42So it's been actually pretty easy to get to know people and people have been great.
24:45One of the best, the highlights of being here, I think.
24:47For sure has been the people.
24:48And I've joined a running group, so I've met some people that way and that's been nice.
24:52We've been in the media.
24:53We've been on the cover of our village paper.
24:55Stop it.
24:56Yes.
24:56Well, Canadians, the Canadians are here.
24:58Yes.
24:59It wasn't about us.
25:00It was about volunteering.
25:01Oh, okay, okay.
25:02We're part of a large group photo.
25:04It wasn't a wanted shot or anything.
25:06Okay, good, good, good.
25:07Do you think the UK is going to be your forever home?
25:10Is this where you plan to stay permanently or are we kind of keeping options open?
25:13We said we'll try and stay for five years to see for sure.
25:16But already from the experience now, I think we're probably going to try and stay if the
25:20stars align.
25:22How exciting.
25:23We really love it.
25:24Then we just need all our friends and family to move over as well.
25:27Easy.
25:28Easy.
25:28No worries.
25:29We'll send them to us.
25:30Okay.
25:30We'll see what we can do.
25:31Perfect.
25:44The average cost of a detached property in the UK currently stands at around £436,000.
25:51And in Derbyshire, the figure is 20% lower at just under £348,000.
25:58But zoning specifically on the Derbyshire Dales, an area that includes popular towns like Matlock
26:04and Bakewell, and the figure rises to almost £473,000.
26:14To give you a feel for the local market, we rounded up a selection of properties from
26:18across the Peak District.
26:21For £265,000, you could buy this two-bedroom stone cottage built in the 17th century.
26:28It's cosy and traditional inside, and features a show-stopping principal bedroom with a vaulted
26:35ceiling and exposed beams.
26:39This four-bedroom end of terrace sits in an elevated position above the market town of
26:44Bakewell, with an orangery for taking in the views and a slick open-plan kitchen.
26:49It's currently available for offers in the region of £575,000.
26:57Renters might be drawn to this beautifully refurbished two-bedroom cottage.
27:01It's high-quality finish means tenants can move straight in and start making the most
27:06of the nearby national park.
27:08And it's offered unfurnished for £1,200 per calendar month.
27:16Right, it's a brand new day on our Peak District property hunt, and up next, it's the Mystery House.
27:23Now, when you are surrounded by scenery as stunning as this, you need to make the landscape part
27:30of your everyday life.
27:33For our last property stop, we're travelling to the north of the county, heading for the
27:38town of Chapel on La Frith.
27:40Dubbed the capital of the Peak District, Chapel, as it's known, is perfectly placed for countryside
27:45adventures.
27:47It's not just pretty, it's practical too.
27:50The local train station has services to Manchester, ideal for the airport when Candice and Gary's
27:56family jet in from across the pond.
27:59While the couple have a wander through the town's brilliant selection of independent shops,
28:04I'm taking a short walk to the Mystery House.
28:06And let's just say we've saved the biggest surprise for last.
28:17What I love about Victorian properties are the proportions.
28:22You've got these amazing high ceilings, and they've modernised this space, so you've got
28:27this gorgeous open-plan kitchen, dining, living area, which is perfect for Gary and Candice.
28:33And then through here, just look at those stunning landscapes.
28:38You could sit here with your cuppa and admire them.
28:41Over there, you've got Eccles Pike, which you could walk to and then look back and see
28:45your own house. How cool is that?
28:48Our previous village offerings were full of period features, but their cottage proportions
28:54weren't necessarily right for six foot four Gary.
28:57So for the sake of his head, with this town centre property, we're showing them how to get
29:02character without the compromise.
29:06Hello.
29:07Hello.
29:08Welcome, welcome.
29:11Wow.
29:12Wow.
29:13Wow.
29:14Doesn't it feel like we're on top of the world?
29:15It does.
29:16That's amazing.
29:17That is amazing.
29:18So what do you think?
29:19It looks huge.
29:21And this isn't the only outside space.
29:23Okay.
29:24There's more.
29:24Great.
29:25Shall we go and have a look inside?
29:26Yes, please.
29:27Okay, let's go.
29:28The original part of this semi-detached Victorian property was constructed from stone with a
29:34slate roof.
29:35There have been several extensions carried out over the past 30 years, creating a vast open
29:41plan living space we see today.
29:45Yes.
29:49Wow.
29:50Oh, yeah.
29:51This is amazing.
29:52This is like dream kitchen for me.
29:54Seriously.
29:55Look at all the light coming in over here.
29:57And you've got a view of that garden out there.
29:59High ceilings.
30:01Oh, yeah.
30:01I think you've overshot the mark in a very good way.
30:04So I'm very pleased.
30:05Excellent.
30:06Look at that smile.
30:07Yes.
30:07We like a smile.
30:09Yeah, it's beautiful.
30:12Candice and Gary are already sold on the space.
30:15And just off of it, there's an adjoining room that can make a lovely snug.
30:19But it's not the only living area on offer.
30:22Come through here.
30:25Wow.
30:25Amazing.
30:26Oh, a fireplace.
30:27Fireplace.
30:28And the view.
30:29And the big windows.
30:31I love it.
30:32Yeah.
30:33Oh, it's perfect.
30:34Yeah.
30:35Yeah, amazing.
30:37I just want to look out that window.
30:39Can you imagine having a cup of tea or coffee in the morning?
30:41And then, like, just watching the clouds roll in, watching the weather.
30:45Mm-hmm.
30:46Yeah, it's such a beautiful view.
30:47You can see the town down there.
30:48But you're far enough away from it, you can't hear it.
30:50Yeah, exactly.
30:51I mean, it's very quiet.
30:52Yes.
30:52Look how molding is beautiful.
30:55Yeah, the ceilings are so high.
30:56It's nice.
30:57Wow.
30:58Yeah.
30:58So you like it then?
30:59Love it.
31:00Love it, yeah.
31:01That view with those giant windows is amazing.
31:04Sweet room.
31:04Yeah, it's a great room.
31:06It is.
31:07We don't need more than that.
31:09Wow.
31:10OK, well, there is more.
31:12Excellent.
31:13Through there, you've got a utility boot room.
31:16OK.
31:16Downstairs toilet and shower.
31:18Nice, OK.
31:19And then you've got very good-sized bedrooms upstairs, which I'd like you to go and explore.
31:23Oh, OK.
31:24Brilliant, we'll go and have fun.
31:25OK.
31:25Come find me in the garden.
31:28Oh, I really hope they like upstairs.
31:31No surprise, the first-floor bathroom is just as generous as the rest of the house.
31:37Candice and Gary had requested three bedrooms.
31:40Well, here we're giving them four, and each one comes with an outlook worth waking up for.
31:45Oh, look at that.
31:46Oh, nice.
31:48Yeah, that is a nice view.
31:49They fit lots of furniture in.
31:51Yeah, this is a giant bed, too, so...
31:53Yeah.
31:53I mean...
31:53I'd almost want to reverse the bed.
31:55So you could be looking up there?
31:56So it's even closer to the view.
31:58Yeah.
31:59They've put in big windows, and it makes sense why.
32:03Yeah, it's great.
32:04Really pretty features everywhere, too.
32:06Lots of room for the storage.
32:07Yeah.
32:08Yeah.
32:09I really wanted them to like upstairs, and by the sound of it, they really do.
32:15They're talking about moving things around, they like the big bedroom, and, of course,
32:20the views from pretty much every window are spectacular.
32:25Has the magic of the mystery worked again?
32:28Quite possibly.
32:30Oh, this is a nice size.
32:32More views.
32:33View it to the lane beside.
32:35Maybe put in some new carpet, but...
32:37Yeah, I think this would potentially work for my office, or maybe it might be a square.
32:44Well, there's four bedrooms that are all double.
32:46Yeah.
32:47So any of them, yeah.
32:48We're going to find something for sure.
32:50Oh, this is pretty.
32:52Oh, yeah, this is nice.
32:54Another view.
32:56It's so cosy.
32:57I would love this to be the...
32:59This is a nice guest room.
33:01I think I...
33:01Because they have the view.
33:02You want it as your office?
33:05I kind of do.
33:07Earlier, we saw the front garden, and that was all about the view.
33:11But out the back, it's all about privacy and putting your feet up.
33:15Oh, I love it.
33:17Wow.
33:19Look at all the space.
33:21There's even a little project for them, if they fancy it.
33:24A brick-out house with water and electricity that could be a home gym for Candice, or maybe
33:30a studio space for Gary.
33:32I'm meeting them on the property's driveway, which has space for no fewer than four cars.
33:38Hello.
33:39Hi.
33:39How are we doing?
33:41Good.
33:42Good.
33:43I didn't say great, yeah.
33:44We're doing great.
33:44You've been great?
33:45Oh, my goodness.
33:45That is exciting.
33:46How could you not be?
33:47It needs a bit of work, but the rooms are all really good size.
33:51Four rooms is fantastic.
33:52Yeah, which is more than we even asked for.
33:54Yeah.
33:54So, yeah, just got to put in some floors and do some painting and stuff, update it to our
33:58tastes, I guess.
33:59But we could probably do it.
34:01But it seems like doable stuff.
34:02Nothing's too, too major.
34:03Well, let's talk about the price.
34:05I mean, I know what I would like it to be.
34:07Sure.
34:08And I know...
34:08I mean, you could give me whichever number you want.
34:11I will say £450,000.
34:14Rikidoki.
34:15OK.
34:16I'm going to be optimistic that maybe we get it for less than that and say £435,000.
34:22OK.
34:23You're probably a little bit too optimistic.
34:26£475,000.
34:27OK.
34:27OK.
34:28Yeah.
34:28No, I'm not surprised.
34:30No, me neither.
34:31And I really do think, you know, we've talked about it a lot, but those views, you can't
34:35put a price on those, can you?
34:37Well, £475,000.
34:37Well, you can, yeah.
34:38All right, Gary.
34:39Yeah, OK, you can put a price on them.
34:42Right at the top of their budget, this extended Victorian semi offers more floor space than
34:47the previous two properties combined, with a large open-plan kitchen, a choice of snugs,
34:53and four lovely bedrooms.
34:55The amenities of a fantastic town are just a short walk from the door.
35:00And for days when they want to stretch their legs a little bit more, the National Park is
35:04right there to explore.
35:06I think this house is a serious contender.
35:09I hope it is.
35:10I think as I was walking through the house, I don't think anything could measure up to
35:13that kitchen.
35:13The kitchen was just like the highlight for me.
35:15But just looking at the house, it looks like there's a few places it needs to be patched
35:18up a little bit and some work.
35:20So given that the budget is as high as it is, that just worries me.
35:23We wouldn't have money left over to do that work.
35:25But could we find it?
35:27I don't know.
35:27We'll look around here.
35:28We haven't looked everywhere.
35:39In 1951, the Peak District became the UK's first national park, a landmark move to protect
35:45and preserve this special landscape.
35:48Soon after, the first National Park Ranger Service was formed, a team on the ground to
35:53guide visitors and protect nature.
35:56The team now includes 15 staff and 180 dedicated volunteers.
36:02I'm back on the Montsell Head Trail to meet Ranger Team Manager, Rob Kenning and learn
36:07what it takes to help look after one of Britain's busiest beauty spots.
36:14Hello, hello.
36:15How are we doing?
36:16How are you guys?
36:17How's it going?
36:17Hey Rob.
36:18Introduce me to your lovely team.
36:20So we've got Bridget.
36:21Hiya.
36:21Nikki and Ness.
36:22Hi.
36:23Everybody's volunteering their time cutting back this normally very busy footpath.
36:27Yeah.
36:28Fantastic.
36:28Right.
36:29I mean, I need to get involved here, so I'm going to come and help you Ness.
36:31Oh yes.
36:31You're going to take some loppers?
36:33Oh, thank you very much.
36:34There we go.
36:36Right.
36:36So what are we doing?
36:37So we're cutting back this, all this scrub along the pathway to clear it.
36:42Okey dokey.
36:43So what sort of stuff do you get up to of a normal day as a park ranger volunteer?
36:47So we take volunteers out to individual groups as well as some corporate groups.
36:52And we tend to do things like tree planting, renovating a mill pond.
36:57We might be doing a bit of dry stone walling, building boardwalks, putting steps in, and then
37:02obviously clearing paths to make things safe for people as they're walking and enjoying
37:06the countryside.
37:07Gosh.
37:08Very busy.
37:08Very busy, yes.
37:09It keeps us out of trouble and we really enjoy it.
37:13Mostly.
37:14Yeah.
37:15Bridget has been a volunteer ranger for four years.
37:17Whilst Nikki is the newest member of the team, she's travelled all the way from Manchester
37:22to lend a hand today.
37:24Nikki, what do you enjoy about the Peak District?
37:27It's the views, it's the walks, it's being out in nature, the sunshine.
37:33I mean, what's not to like?
37:34Look at the lovely views around us.
37:36It is amazing, isn't it?
37:38And, I mean, have you seen it change much in the past four years, Bridget?
37:41Yeah, we've definitely seen much more visitor numbers to the peaks, which is lovely that
37:46people are seeing the benefits of being out in the green space.
37:48But that equally comes with its other demands as well.
37:51So, we do see a lot more litter and we just need to make sure that some of these accessible
37:56paths are clear so that people can get through.
37:58Yeah.
37:58We try to make some of the paths accessible for wheelchairs.
38:01We're moving and changing some of our styles into gates.
38:05I think that's really important that we allow so many more people to access and get the benefits
38:10of being outside in the countryside.
38:12Absolutely.
38:12So important.
38:13Yeah.
38:15Also giving up their time today is 86-year-old Margaret, one of the park's longest-serving
38:21volunteer rangers.
38:22So, Margaret, how long have you been doing this for?
38:2530 years.
38:2730 years!
38:28My goodness me.
38:29And what was the training like when you first joined?
38:31It was quite stiff at the beginning.
38:35You really had to do a lot.
38:37You even had to abseil when I started, which was terrifying, I'll tell you.
38:42You had to abseil?
38:43Yeah.
38:44I did it in a big quarry in Glossop.
38:48Wow.
38:49Were you really scared?
38:50Yeah.
38:50I was terrified, but I was determined to do it.
38:53Well, these new volunteers then, they're not as hardened as you, are they?
38:56They've not done the abseil.
38:57Not as hardcore.
38:58Goodness me.
38:59And how long do you think you're going to carry on doing this for, Margaret?
39:01As long as I can fasten my boots.
39:05That's incredible.
39:06And can I just say, your lipstick is stunning.
39:09Thank you very much.
39:10You're going to have to tell me the name of it, because I love a red lip.
39:13I think it's Red Passion.
39:14Oh, I say, Margaret.
39:16I love it.
39:17Absolutely, yeah.
39:21Wildfires are one of the biggest threats to the Peak District, especially in the summer.
39:25Already this year, there have been 40 reported incidents.
39:29Rangers not only help raise awareness of the risks, but they're often first to respond when fire breaks out.
39:36In terms of wildfires, is that something that has increased in your time here?
39:40What have you noticed?
39:41I've been at the park for six years, and in my first couple of months there was a fire,
39:46and I had to attend that for 10 days.
39:49And since then, definitely we're all aware that fires are becoming more of a problem.
39:53A little bit of people's behaviour, but also just the climate is changing.
39:57Things are drying out.
39:58So we are seeing more wildfires as the climate changes.
40:01So what can people do to help with that?
40:04So leaving the barbecues at home, people are always welcome to bring picnics,
40:07because it doesn't take much, particularly when the weather's great like this,
40:11for a small flame to become something quite significant.
40:14So yeah, just being vigilant, respecting the park, and most people have a great time out here.
40:19And wear appropriate clothing, because if you wear a winter coat and it's 25 degrees,
40:24sometimes, Rob, it's quite hot.
40:25That's right, yeah.
40:26Yeah, cool.
40:27Start your own wildfire.
40:28I am my very own wildfire.
40:32Thank you so much, Rob.
40:34Really appreciate it, and thank you for everything you do within the park.
40:36Well, it's been great to have you, Bryony.
40:38Thanks for coming down and meeting the volunteers,
40:39and hopefully we'll see you again soon.
40:41Yeah, it's been fun.
40:47I'm pretty sure that Gary and Candice absolutely loved our mystery house,
40:51so let's go and see what they're going to do next.
40:59Hi.
41:00Hello.
41:01So, talk to me.
41:03How are you feeling?
41:04It has been a busy week.
41:06It has been a busy week, but yeah, I think we're feeling good.
41:10I think we've finished strong.
41:10We did, for sure.
41:13Definitely the last property, the mystery house, was the lead property for us.
41:16Love it.
41:17So, it's the only one we're considering, and we are definitely considering it.
41:20I think even when we left the property, because you feel so far away,
41:24you're looking down on the town, but then within a two-minute drive,
41:28you're right there, so that was really cool.
41:31It's a bustling place.
41:33Yeah.
41:33Yeah.
41:34It's a lot going on.
41:35Exactly.
41:35Yeah, so it might be nice to be a little closer to a busier area
41:38while still having the quiet and separation from it.
41:41Right.
41:42What are we thinking in terms of next steps?
41:44Yeah, I think I'd defer to Gary to say our next steps,
41:47because I would probably buy it today if we said I would make an offer.
41:51Okay.
41:51But we need more time to talk.
41:52Well, I think the next step for us is to spend a little more time at Chapel on the Frith,
41:57and get the vibe there, and then probably go back for a second viewing,
42:00and do a little deeper dive into the house itself, and see what happens there.
42:06How exciting!
42:08Oh, I really, really, really hope that it all goes well, and whatever happens,
42:13that you find your perfect home and settle in really well to the Peak District.
42:19And please, please, please keep us up to date on what's happening.
42:21We will.
42:22We will.
42:22And thanks so much for showing us around.
42:23It's been great.
42:24It's my pleasure.
42:24I mean, you showed me around a lot as well.
42:33Our job this week was to find Gary and Candice a forever home here in the lovely Peak District,
42:39somewhere where they can set down what we like to call permanent routes,
42:43and I reckon we found it for them in the mystery house.
42:47Gary wants a second viewing, which is absolutely fair,
42:51but if Candice had her way, they'd be moving in tomorrow.
42:54Either way, I don't think it's going to be long before they're fully settled here in beautiful Derbyshire.
43:00Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
43:04If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:09and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:15.
Comments