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If you love hunting for antiques then the beautiful Peak District, home to some of the UK's finest country houses as well as one of the largest flea markets in the country, is the perfect place to indulge your passion.
On this exclusive four-day tour you'll not only visit the magnificent Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and medieval Haddon Hall, both beautiful stately homes near the village of Bakewell, but you will also meet the brilliant and engaging TV antiques expert Paul Martin.
Originally a dealer, Paul was discovered by the BBC when he was interviewed about his love of old oak furniture and signed as a presenter on the spot. Since then Paul has presented Flog It! for more than 20 years and appeared on BBC shows including Britain's Hidden Heritage, Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution and Make Me A Dealer. You'll enjoy a private talk from Paul about his life and career and have an opportunity to ask him your own questions. Plus Paul will give you his priceless hints and tips on shopping for antiques and also accompany you for a rummage through the fascinating mix of items on sale at Chesterfield Flea Market. With a history dating back to 1165, and over 150 stalls to browse, it's a great place to bag a bargain of your own.
Join me as we discover the treasures of Chatsworth House, then head off to an antiques market to go bargain hunting… and put that newfound knowledge to the test!'
- Paul Matrtin
The Flog It! presenter will give a private talk to readers about his work as an antiques dealer and TV expert and take part in a Q&A session where you can ask him your own questions.
Famous for its art and 105 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Chatsworth House is also full of history, including the fact that it held Mary, Queen of Scots as a prisoner on the order of Queen Elizabeth I. You'll enjoy a guided tour of the masterpieces of Chatsworth's collection, which span over 4,000 years of history, in the company of Paul Martin, who knows Chatsworth well having filmed here many times. You'll explore more than 30 rooms inside such as the fascinating Sculpture Gallery and the awe-inspiring Painted Hall.
You will spend a fascinating morning at Chesterfield Flea Market looking for antiques with Paul Martin. Paul will give you his top tips on what to look out for, how to unearth a bargain and negotiate the best price.
You'll be based at the historic Old Hall Hotel in the spa town of Buxton for three nights which Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe described as 'a very special place with its own special feeling'. That was in 1727, though the building itself dates back to 1573 and is England's oldest hotel.
As well as visiting Chatsworth, you will spend time in this beautiful part of Derbyshire, touring Haddon Hall in the Wye Valley as well as Bolsover Castle, which dates back to the 17th Century, Hardwick Hall, an impressive Elizabethan country house and Tissington Hall, an early 17th-century Jacobean mansion.
Paul Martin has presented more than 1,000 episodes of Flog It! for the BBC as well as Britain's Hidden Heritage, Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution, Make Me A Dealer and Curiosity, plus Countryfile spin-offs Summer Diaries, Spring Diaries, Autumn Diaries and Winter Diaries since 2016. Paul has also worked as a jazz and blues drummer.
Paul Martin was discovered when he was interviewed by the BBC about his passion for oak furniture. He was signed up on the spot and has since presented Flog It! for more than 20 years and 1,000 episodes. His other TV shows include Britain's Hidden Heritage, Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution, Make Me A Dealer and Curiosity
Arrive independently at the Old Hall Hotel from 15.00 and enjoy a cream tea. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Nicholas Merchant on 'The 6th Duke of Devonshire and the building of Chatsworth'.
Today we have a full day at the magnificent Chatsworth House. In the morning we will explore Chatsworth's extensive grounds which will take in the principal features and offer insight into the gardens, landscape and history. After lunch (not included) we will enjoy a guided tour taking in the masterpieces of Chatsworth's collections, and bringing the house and the history of the Cavendish family, particularly the remarkable Elizabeth Cavendish (Bess of Hardwick), to life. After dinner we will be joined by Paul Martin, Paul will be able to give tips on finding antiques during the visit to Chesterfield Flea Market on the following morning, plus you'll have an opportunity for a Q&A session.
Our first visit of the day is Chesterfield Flea Market, quickly becoming one of the largest in the country, you will have the opportunity to rummage through the eclectic mix of second hand goods with over 150 stalls full of unusual bric-a-brac, vintage clothes, jewellery and crafts. After our shopping spree, we continue to Bolsover Castle. Bought by Sir Charles Cavendish, the son of Bess of Hardwick, in 1608, the house was rebuilt by Charles and his son William and designed for elegant living. We'll see the 17th century riding school and a tower, known as the 'Little Castle' designed solely for entertaining. After lunch (not included) we will visit Hardwick Hall, a significant Elizabethan house, where we will enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour. Designed by Robert Smythson, the house is an early example of the English Renaissance style and is renowned for its tapestry collection.
This morning we will visit Tissington Hall a beautiful Jacobean mansion in the heart of the Peak District. Finally, an afternoon visit to Haddon Hall. The current house dates from the 12th to the 17th centuries having managed to escape the architectural changes of the 18th and 19th centuries as it sat deserted for more than 200 years, leaving us with the prime example of a fortified, medieval manor house. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
Reputed to be the oldest Hotel in England
With a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and includes notable guests such as Mary Queen of Scots. The Old Hall Hotel is one of Buxton spa town's most popular places to stay, nestled deep in the heart of the Peak District.
All rooms come with double bed, en suite bathroom, flat screen TV, Tea and coffee making facilities, and some include a separate seating area. There are lounges for relaxing and guests can enjoy breakfasts in the large, bright restaurant featuring Matthew Algie coffee served all day. Afternoon tea is served in the Cockerel Wine Bar or Restaurant, and traditional dining is available in the restaurant.
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