What's going for it? As any fule kno, Chesterfield's parish church has a warped spire. If Frank Gehry and Salvador Dalí at their curly-wurly best combined forces, they couldn't improve upon St Mary and All Saints, which looks as if it's getting well acquainted with a tornado. There are ribald stories to account for the spectacle – from a devil with a painful foot to the tower twisting in shock at the rarity of a virgin getting married – probably because the reality (to do with carpentry) is a bit dull. But it does add medieval mystery to a town full of surprises. Like, who knew Chesterfield was such a looker, give or take the odd retail park/ring road? Or that it has such incredible markets? Or that it is home to a fabulous wine-shop-cum-wine-bar-cum-fancy-restaurant? Or such great homes and good schools? Or that it hosts the world's first gluten-free beer festival? Or that gluten-free beer festivals even exist? Chesterfield, you dark horse.
The case against The centre's a no-go zone for anyone over 27 after 5pm: chock-a-block with megapubs; a bit more diversity wouldn't go amiss. Bashed about a bit by road builders. Imagine what Prince Charles thought of The Pavements shopping precinct when he opened it in 1981!
Well connected? Awfully well. Rail to Sheffield (15-25 minutes, five an hour), to Derby (20 minutes, three an hour), and Nottingham (38 minutes, every half-hour). By car: Sheffield 20 minutes, Nottingham 40 and the Peak District 20.
Schools Primaries: Cavendish Junior, Highfield Hall, Abercrombie, Holme Hall, St Mary's RC, Hasland and Old Hall are all "good", Ofsted says, with Brockwell Junior, Spire Junior and Ashgate Croft "outstanding". Secondaries: Parkside is "good", with Ashgate Croft and Brookfield Community "outstanding".
Hang out at… Nonsolovino, a wine-shop-cum-bar-cum-restaurant. Frederick's ice-cream is a local institution; try their cafe.
Where to buy Great property, and lots on the market. The posh congregate out west as far from the centre and as close to Chatsworth as possible. Chatsworth Road and Ashgate Road for fancypants, and south-west to Walton and Matlock Road. North, around Newbold Road has good Victorians. South, try Hasland.
Market values Huge detacheds, £450,000-£800,000. Large detacheds, £325,000-£450,000. Detacheds, £160,000-£325,000. Semis, £80,000-£285,000. Terraces, £60,000-£160,000.
Bargain of the week A 17th-century barn, with planning consent and an acre, on the edge of town, £250,000 with WT Parker.
From the streets
Johnny Walsh "The Peak District, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall are just minutes away."
Ruth Swailes "A lively, bustling centre. Queen's Park for a great day out with the children, cricket and jugs of Pimm's. Lombardi's for a lively Italian and the Chesterfield Arms for real ale in a real pub."
Colin Harrison "Stephensons cafe takes some beating."
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