Getting to know… Bakewell

The fourth instalment of our spotlight series takes us to Bakewell, a beautiful market town nestled in the heart of the Peak District.

Idyllically perched on the banks of the river Wye, Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District National Park, and is a haven for walkers, photographers and nature-lovers alike.

The town dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era and many homes in the area are beautiful, period properties. Bakewell boasts mellow stone buildings, a medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards.

So if you’re one of the thousands of home-movers planning a change of scenery, we’d love to show you why Bakewell could be your next move.

We’ve spoken to two local estate agents who know the town better than most, to reveal what Bakewell is really like.

In this article, we hope to highlight the best that the area has to offer, and why, if you’re planning a move out of the city, you might want to consider this thriving market town.

So what are the main things you need to know?

Average asking price: £394,883

Average asking price, three-bedroom house: £370,539

Average asking price, two-bedroom flat: £212,500

Average asking rent: £781

Location: A 45-minute drive southwest of Sheffield

Interesting fact: It’s the birthplace of one of our favourite things to eat – the Bakewell pudding!

What’s currently on offer?

What do the local agents say?

Emily Bradford, sales manager at Blenheim Park Estates, said: “Bakewell is a truly stunning place to live, and if you’re looking for a home in the countryside, there’s not many better places to move to than Bakewell.

“It’s got such a tranquil, laidback way of life. The views are absolutely gorgeous, it’s a quintessential English town and you feel so connected to nature in Bakewell.

“It’s got everything that someone could want in a rural location. Compared to city life it’s a quiet place, but in the town centre you’ll find plenty of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. The centre of Bakewell has a nice buzz about it and is really thriving on market days and over the summer when it’s a hive for tourists.

“So Bakewell is perfect for people who don’t want to live in a built-up area any longer, but want a rural area with plenty going for it. You don’t feel disconnected in Bakewell at all.

“There are literally hundreds of walks on your doorstep here and of course there’s the Monsal trail – a glorious trail along the former Midland Railway line that stretches for miles.

“Over the summer we’ve seen lots of people from urban areas relocating here, particularly from the south. People who’re used to the hustle and bustle of London are moving up here. But we’re only a short commute from Sheffield, so workers can still get into some of the major northern hubs.

“We usually find that people who move to Bakewell stay in Bakewell forever and just move up and down the property ladder here.

“Bakewell is quite an affluent area and the local economy is definitely boosted and kept healthy by the tourism trade. We have homes on our books right up to the £1million mark. But the residents get the benefit of this beautiful town all-year round and the community is really friendly. Overall, it’s just an amazing place to live.”

Aaron Cousins, associate at Bagshaws Estate Agents in Bakewell, added: “Bakewell is a hugely sought-after market town that’s always been really popular with tourists.

“Even for a rural destination, there are usually lots of people around, so it always feels like there’s something going on. Being in the heart of the Peak District, you’ll find some of the country’s finest countryside nearby and it’s genuinely one of the most picturesque places in the UK.

“You’ll find lots of historic buildings here, particularly in the centre, which add a sense of charm and character to Bakewell. Chatsworth House, a lovely stately home with beautiful wildlife, is just a short drive away, and there are many cycle routes and walking trails on the doorstep, so you’ll never be stuck for outdoor activities. There is so much to explore here.

“We also have a fine array of bakeries and cake shops in Bakewell. We’re the home of the Bakewell pudding, which is such a great thing to be known for. I think it’s quite an entrepreneurial town, too, as there are lots of small, independent businesses around.

“Specifically in terms of the local housing market, we’ve seen a serious increase in demand for country properties in the past few months; people are realising that they don’t need to live in the city for work any longer.

“The houses here are quite traditional, you’ll find lots of old stone buildings in Bakewell. Properties with big gardens or plenty of land seem to be what people are after. We had one property with 75 viewings, and people were coming from all over the country to view it.”

READ MORE: Why are 3-4 bedroom homes at record prices?