Meet Phil
Helping People Find the Right Property in the Peak District
Finding the right property isn't just about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. It's about finding the right location, the right community and the right lifestyle for the next chapter of your life. That's why I created Moving To The Peak District.
After more than 35 years working in estate agency, I've seen the way people search for property change dramatically. Today, most buyers begin their journey online, scrolling through property portals and setting up alerts. Whilst technology has undoubtedly made searching easier, I believe something important has been lost along the way.
The best estate agents used to know their buyers. They understood what was important to them, why they were moving, the type of lifestyle they wanted and the areas that would suit them best. They built relationships, kept in touch and often introduced buyers to properties before they ever reached the open market. That's the approach I still believe in today.
My Connection to the Peak District
Finding the right property is about far more than arranging viewings. It's about understanding what you're looking for, knowing the local area inside out and having someone who genuinely cares about helping you make the right decision. That's the approach I've taken throughout my career and it's the approach I'll continue to take through Moving To The Peak District.
I was born and raised in Bakewell and have spent most of my life connected to the Peak District and its communities.
I attended Ashford Infant School before moving on to Bakewell Junior School and later Lady Manners School.
Growing up, five fields separated our home from Ashford-in-the-Water. Those fields became our playground. The River Wye was part of everyday life. Weekends were spent watching and playing sport, exploring the countryside and building friendships that still exist today.As I got older, those connections continued. I played cricket at Ashford-in-the-Water before moving to Baslow, where I eventually became club captain.
Later, I returned to Ashford and once again had the privilege of captaining the club. Through sport I met lifelong friends, future colleagues and people who would go on to play an important part in both my personal life and my career.
The Peak District isn't simply somewhere I've worked.
It's somewhere I've lived.
Property Experience That Spans More Than Three Decades
Whilst my connection to the Peak District is personal, my understanding of the property market comes from more than three decades working in estate agency.
I've valued thousands of properties, supported buyers and sellers through every type of market, and spent more than 35 years working across every level of the estate agency industry. From running my own businesses and leading high-performing teams to progressing into senior leadership roles, including Sales Director for one of the UK's largest estate agencies, those experiences have given me a unique perspective on what it takes to help people move successfully.
Over the years I've worked with independent estate agents, corporate organisations, first-time buyers, growing families, investors, downsizers and retirees. No two moves are ever quite the same, but one thing has remained constant throughout my career
Property is never just about bricks and mortar.
Behind every move is a person, a family, a story and a reason for moving.
A Better Way To Buy Property
Finding the right home starts with understanding the person looking for it. Every move is different, whether you're relocating from another part of the UK, moving within the Peak District or searching for somewhere that better suits your lifestyle.
Rather than relying solely on property portals, I take the time to understand what you're looking for, what matters most to you and the type of village or community you'll feel happiest living in.
With more than three decades of estate agency experience and extensive local knowledge, I can often suggest areas, opportunities and approaches that buyers may never have considered.
- Detailed village guides covering the Peak District
- Honest local knowledge from someone who grew up here
- Personal property search and buying support
- Access to suitable off-market opportunities
- Advice on choosing the right village and lifestyle
- Information on schools, commuting and local amenities
- Independent guidance without sales pressure
- Selling advice tailored to the Peak District market
- Local walks, cafés, pubs and hidden gems
- Market updates and property insights
- Help relocating into or within the Peak District
- Practical moving advice based on over 35 years' experience
Why This Website Exists
One thing I've learnt over the years is that finding the right property often starts long before somebody walks through the front door.
It starts with understanding what they want from life.
Some people want a village with a strong sense of community. Some want access to great schools. Others want beautiful countryside, excellent walking routes, good restaurants or an easy commute into Sheffield.
There is no such thing as the perfect village.
There is only the village that is right for you.
That's why this website exists.To help people understand the differences between the towns, villages and communities that make the Peak District such a special place to live, whilst helping them find the right property within them.
More Than Property Portals
Rightmove and Zoopla are fantastic tools.
The challenge is that they only show you properties that are already on the market.
What they don't do is help you understand which locations might suit your lifestyle, which villages are best suited to your circumstances, or where local knowledge and personal connections may help uncover opportunities before they reach the wider market.
The conversations I have with buyers often start with a property search but quickly move on to schools, communities, transport links, lifestyle and future plans.
Because in reality, people are rarely just buying a house.
They're choosing where they want to live.
