South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler recently visited John and Elizabeth Goodall in their home at Sealwood Cottage and Vineyard on the outskirts of Linton. The cottage is a painstakingly faithful repair and refurbishment of the original 1774 folly and is full of unique features including the original truckle bed, set inside a wall ready to be pulled out on its brass casters. John and Elizabeth worked tirelessly with specialist Heritage Architects to rebuild the tumbledown folly. The living room’s Inglenook fireplace with its original burnt away cross beam and the rebuilt cellar with its multiple cold-stores are also beautifully restored. Upstairs another quirky feature is the secret behind the panelling which allows a person to enter and creep around the chimney and emerge out of panelling the other side. This is not thought to be a Priest hole but just something the owner designed to amuse his guests. This restoration truly was a labour of love for John and Elizabeth and is open to the public on Heritage days, by appointment. Next to the garden of the folly is the vineyard. Planted 11 years ago by John it now produces white, red, rose and sparkling wines. These are award winning wines and have put South Derbyshire yet again on the map. The vineyard was always meant to be a business and not a hobby so it is gratifying that John’s hard work has paid off. Situated alongside the vineyard is a small overnight camping area offering more opportunities for tourism in the area. Heather said “It was wonderful to visit Sealwood Cottage and Vineyard and talk to John and Elizabeth about their passion for the area. This restoration of the 18th Century Folly is exceptional and the commercial success of the vineyard shows another facet to the beauty of South Derbyshire and interesting things for tourists to come and enjoy.” Information about Sealwood Cottage and vineyard can be found www.sealwoodcottage.co.uk