Molly Quinn and Ben Sheen, two classical musicians who met in New York City, have purchased a vacation home in England’s Peak District, seeking a peaceful retreat from their busy lives in Cambridge. The couple, who married in early 2022, found the scenic hills of the Peak District an ideal setting for a second property that balances natural beauty with accessibility to city life.
Ms. Quinn, a 48-year-old classical singer and teacher originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has performed at notable venues including Carnegie Hall and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mr. Sheen, 36, an organist and conductor from London, holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School and served as the director of music at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue before returning to Britain for work. Since 2023, he has held the position of director of music at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, while Ms. Quinn continues to work as a freelance singer and instructor in both the U.S. and the U.K.
The couple’s decision to buy a vacation home was motivated by a desire to escape the “hustle and bustle” of Cambridge while maintaining proximity to the city. Their search focused on properties offering scenic views, access to walking trails, and the potential for rental income. Having vacationed in the Peak District, they were drawn to its extensive countryside, historic villages, and natural landmarks.
They set a budget between £275,000 and £375,000 (approximately $368,000 to $502,000), intending to finance the purchase partially through cash reserves. Working with Liz Agar, associate director at the Saxton Mee estate agency, they found the market conditions somewhat favorable for buyers in the latter half of 2023.
Three properties emerged as finalists during their search. The first was a two-bedroom cottage in Ashford-in-the-Water, featuring a fireplace and garden but lacking parking and requiring repairs. The second option was a riverside apartment in Bakewell, notable for its views and size but located at flood-prone water level and needing kitchen updates. The third was a two-bedroom terraced house outside the village of Litton, recently refurbished with modern amenities and a stone fireplace, set near farmland and offering views over rolling hills.
After careful consideration, the couple selected the property near Litton, valuing its secluded setting, room size, and available parking. The location is approximately two to three hours from Cambridge and includes a 30-minute walk to local amenities like the Red Lion pub. They submitted an offer of £310,000, which was accepted, and finalized the purchase at £320,000 (around $427,000) in April 2024.
Although they have spent considerable time traveling for professional engagements since acquiring the home, they have begun to enjoy the slower pace and expansive landscape the area provides. Mr. Sheen described the property as a place where he “lets out a sigh of relief” upon arrival, while Ms. Quinn has expressed surprise at the abundance of natural attractions and the relaxed lifestyle the region offers.
The couple’s choice reflects a growing interest among urban residents in rural properties that combine access to nature with manageable travel distances to cultural and professional hubs.