Cheshire Escape to the Country


Cheshire

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Welcome to Escape To The Country.

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Now, this remarkable structure behind me was built in 1875.

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It is a marvel of Victorian engineering,

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the first of its kind to be built anywhere in the world,

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but what was it for and where was it built?

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Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.

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Today's house-hunting couple are itching to embark on a new phase of their life

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and make the move to the countryside they've always dreamed of.

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And at first, there's a repeatedly positive reaction to our houses.

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Absolutely stunning.

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Stunning again. Yeah.

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This is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

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But later they change their tune and it's time for some straight talking.

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I'm afraid it doesn't do it for me. Right.

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I just don't like the set-out.

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Well, today we are in Cheshire and this astonishing structure is

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the Anderton Boat Lift.

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It was built to allow canal boats using the Trent and Mersey Canal,

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over there, to drop some 50 feet below me down to the River Weaver.

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Now, it was designed by Victorian engineer Edwin Clark.

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Back in 1875 it cost some ?48,000 - in today's money about ?4 million.

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Now, later on in the show I'll be back here, learning more

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about its history and, importantly, finding out exactly how it works.

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But in the meantime, here's a little taster of what the rest of

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this fascinating county has to offer.

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Located in the north-west of England, Cheshire

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has a population of just over a million.

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It stretches from its border with Wales in the west

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to the windswept moors of the Peak District in the east.

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The county may have a reputation as the playground of the rich

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and famous, as many high-profile footballers live in the region,

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but agriculture still plays a central role in the economy.

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More than two thirds of the land is farmed today, mainly for dairy.

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The expansive Cheshire Plain is home to market towns such as Nantwich,

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which has the largest number of historic buildings

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in the county outside of Chester.

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With beautifully preserved villages and towns giving way to

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undulating countryside, Cheshire provides fertile ground for

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property shoppers in search of a rural bolthole.

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Now, Cheshire is famous for many things but when it comes to property

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it is now perhaps notorious as the home of more than

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a handful of footballers' wives,

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living in multi-million-pound properties

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within the county's Golden Triangle,

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centred around Wilmslow, Knutsford and Alderley Edge.

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They, of course, have inflated local house prices.

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Within the hot spot the average price of

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a detached property is currently double the national figure.

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But there is of course some good news -

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around the rest of the county as a whole,

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things are much more sensible.

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The average price of a detached property elsewhere is

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currently ?268,000, 15 grand below the national average,

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which means of course, in simple terms,

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you don't need to be a millionaire to live here.

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So let's now meet today's buyers and find out what

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has attracted them to this glorious county.

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Neil met Denise as teenagers on a blind date at the school dance

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in the 1970s.

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He's fun-loving, he's adventurous, I think, erm, a good sense of humour.

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Er, I'd describe Denise all those, but very organised.

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She organises my life!

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Married now for 40 years, they currently live in Milnrow on

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the outskirts of Rochdale in Lancashire.

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The reason we moved to Milnrow is we got a job at...

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At a working men's club. ...Milnrow Working Men's Club.

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Our first house cost us ?700. Yeah, ?700. Makes me feel ancient, that.

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Back-to-back house with a toilet. Yeah. Yeah.

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Yeah.

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Because they've lived here for as long as they've been married,

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Neil and Denise have extremely fond memories of where they began

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their lives together.

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However, over the decades the area has increasingly become part

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of the busy Greater Manchester suburbs.

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Years ago when we first moved here it was a little village. It was...

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They had a few estates but it wasn't a big community as such,

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and it's just a massive place now.

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Former telecoms engineer Neil and marketing consultant Denise

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bought their current home six years ago with the intention that

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it was to be their last but since then they've decided

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that the house no longer suits their needs.

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We bought this off plan.

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We knew the motorway was there but I think we...

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It was not until it was built and we moved in,

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you can hear the motorway all the time. Yeah.

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I think we want peaceful,

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is an important part of living in the country,

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and the noises of the country, not the noises of the towns.

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So that's why we want to go. That's... Yeah, exactly.

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Mindful that they don't want to be too far from their two daughters

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and four grandchildren who live locally,

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Denise and Neil have decided that rural Cheshire is the right

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place for them to put down roots for the long-term.

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We want that nice fresh air,

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that nice fresh smell of the countryside, you know.

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What I quite like about the Cheshire countryside

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is the countryside...just getting up, getting out and walking.

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I love open spaces.

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Neil's been lobbying for this move for the past three years but

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it's only since buying a caravan that Denise has been fully convinced

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that a move to the country could be just what she's been looking for.

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On the caravan sites you get the friendliness.

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Everybody helps each other. It's the best thing we've ever invested in.

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Now that Denise and Neil have both signed up to a rural move,

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they're excited that it marks a new chapter in their lives together.

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Think we're kind of ready for going back to where we were right

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at the beginning, when it's just the two of you.

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We've been from childhood sweethearts...

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Is it a case of putting up with each other now? Yeah, no.

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Denise and Neil are looking forward to the open space

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that the Cheshire countryside can offer them.

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As long as they're within a quiet semirural location,

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they're up for settling pretty much anywhere within the county.

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I'm catching up with them to see just what it is they're after

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from their new home.

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Right, guys, well, welcome to Escape To The Country,

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Denise and Neil, and welcome to Cheshire, on a glorious day!

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Yeah, it's fantastic, isn't it? Yes.

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Now, give us an idea of the kind of key components

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that this new house has in your own mind, Denise.

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Erm, I want it to have a lovely big kitchen, erm,

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preferably with an island in it. We've got a caravan, so I want to...

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It would be a preference to have a drive, but it's not essential.

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And maybe a detached rather than semidetached. OK.

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Anything from you, Neil, to add to that list?

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I think she's filled everything, apart from I'd like a rather large workshop. OK, now, you...

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To escape away from everybody.

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So this is you pottering away in your retirement? Exactly, yeah.

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He has a shed which we call his studio.

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Now, in terms of style, do you have any kind of real view on what

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it should kind of feel and look like?

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I tend to go for more modern, Neil tends to go more for... Traditional.

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Traditional.

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Now, I think congratulations are in order,

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because you've just celebrated your 40th wedding anniversary. Yes.

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How many times have you moved over that 40-year period?

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Erm, four times. Four times we've moved, yeah. Yeah.

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One, two, three, four. Yeah, our very first house, back in 1970s, was ?700.

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OK, 700 quid 40 years ago. Yeah. Yeah.

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How much are we going to spend 40 years later?

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And now 300,000 to 400,000.

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Well, it's 300,000 with a contingency to go to 400,000.

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Yeah, for the right property.

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Now, is all this dependent on you selling your current home,

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are you ready to go? No, we're ready to go. No.

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So we've got the money in the bank.

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We don't need the mortgage or anything. We're ready to buy. Wow.

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Yes. Hot to trot. Yes. Hot to trot is the word.

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Is it burning a hole, Neil?

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It always burns a hole in Denise's pocket, never mine!

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Brilliant.

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Er, well, I think we've got some really interesting properties

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lined up for you this week.

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Might cost you a bit more than 700 quid, though. Yes! But that's how times have changed.

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Come on, let's have a look, and see what we can show you.

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With a budget of ?400,000,

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our buyers have drawn up a well-thought-through wish list.

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They're after a three-bedroom property with both

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traditional and modern features.

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Ideally they'd also like a large kitchen with an island and

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a shed or studio for Neil to potter about in.

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We've found a selection of handsome properties which embrace the mix

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of old and new features that Neil and Denise have requested.

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After each house tour,

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I'll be asking them to put a price on each one.

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Our final proposition will be our Mystery House,

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designed to challenge them to think beyond their original brief

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and open their minds to other surprising possibilities.

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We're starting our property search in the hamlet of Wettenhall

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in the heart of the county.

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Nearby Tarporley is one of the larger villages of central Cheshire,

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which flourished during the mid 18th century as

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a result of its position on the main route between London and Chester.

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It was used by traders dealing in salt mined in nearby Nantwich.

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The high street offers a post office, a pub,

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a butcher's and many independent shops and restaurants.

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And just six miles away back in Wettenhall is our first option.

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Right, chaps, here we are. Property number one.

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Set within this newly renovated complex of farm buildings and barns,

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it's this. Tucked away in the corner.

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You've got two floors, which is rather nice. Mm, very nice.

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I quite like it, yes.

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I've always quite fancied the idea of a barn conversion,

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and it does look like a big barn conversion in this corner.

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Bit of communal living to whet your appetite

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as far as property number one is concerned.

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I quite like that idea, actually.

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That's fine, get to know the neighbours, close-knit.

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Yeah, I quite like that. Yeah, lovely. Shall we go in? Yes.

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Yes, let's go.

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Renovated seven years ago, the five individual properties

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set within this complex are thought to date back to 1850.

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It's a solid start so far,

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so let's hope the interior also gets a positive reaction.

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Right. Come on in. Wow. Thank you.

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What do you think?

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All done, isn't it? It is. Very nice. Very nice indeed.

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Done to a very high spec. I don't know what you think.

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I like this, as the dining room,

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but it does kind of depend on the kitchen a little bit as well.

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Here we go. Well, yeah, the kitchen is through here.

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So it'll be interesting to see. It's not the biggest, to be honest,

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but it does all kind of flow through. Granite tops, all done.

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Oh, yeah. Oh, no, it's nice. Yeah, again, high spec.

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But what I like about this is...

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What we want to do is, if we're entertaining, that you can still

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speak to people while you're in the kitchen, and this therefore works.

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Yeah, with it being open-plan it flows. Yeah, it flows. Yeah.

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Back through the entrance hall lies the living room.

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There you go.

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Oh, now, this is cosy. Yeah. Yeah? That's a good word, that, cosy.

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Yeah. And I like the width of it. I also like the simplicity of it all.

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Yeah. I like that. That's nice. It's very uncluttered.

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You know exactly what you've got to play with. Yeah. Yeah.

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I think this is more Neil than me, because of the barn effect,

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but I do like the... It feels nice, the flow of it feels really nice.

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Well, there is more of a sense of the barn upstairs. Right.

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Particularly in the master bedroom. Let's have a look up there.

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Yeah, that'd be interesting.

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Just off the dining hall there's also a cloakroom.

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On the first floor, the historic features of the property have

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been retained throughout the three double bedrooms,

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all of which include exposed beams.

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There's also a bathroom tiled in neutral tones.

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And then this is the master. Oh, right.

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Oh, yeah, this is nice. This is obviously the biggest of the three.

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This is lovely. Yeah.

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I quite like the fact we've got the modern with this effect,

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so it fits both of us, and I like the beams. It's cosy, again.

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I keep bringing that word out, cosy. Yeah, cosy.

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And it's a warm feeling in here. Interesting.

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Well, let's go out to the garden and we'll talk about the price,

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because I think that's going to be another interesting thing for you

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to kind of take on board, as to how far your budget may or may not go.

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The outside space is mostly lawn

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with a Yorkstone sitting area overlooking open fields.

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It's pretty much a blank canvas for Neil and Denise to make their own.

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There we are. Oh, very nice. Lots of kind of alfresco opportunities here.

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Yeah.

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Your garden extends really to this post-and-rail fence and that gate.

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Yeah. That little paddock in there is communal. Right.

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And you access it from over there.

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That's your garage in the middle of that lot. Ah, right, yes. OK.

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Nice double-doored garage.

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Erm, so you could bring it in, your shed, as it were. Yeah.

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Well, studio, come on. Studio, yes! It's going to be pukka, isn't it?

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I'm glad you've said that. Yeah, exactly.

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And you'd put it, like, in this corner here, wouldn't you?

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Tucked away. Well, let's think about the price, then.

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Well, I would say 350, 355. 355, yeah, OK. Neil?

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Well, I'm going higher, because it's a project that's finished,

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and with that in mind I'm going to go 375.

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If it were 299,950... Hmm?

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That... That would... That... That's an eye-opener. Yeah.

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I don't think it is going to be 299... It is. Is it? Is it, is it?

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It's 299,950. Very surprised. Very surprised. Yeah, so am I.

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I think we'd have to look into the definite studio thing as well,

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to make sure that is feasible, because that is important.

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Cos I don't want Neil in the house all day.

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She's trying to say I'm under her feet.

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So go and have a wander round, get the feel of it, why not?

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Check it out, explore it, and I will come and find you a bit later.

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Lovely. OK, thank you. OK, thanks.

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Below budget at just under ?300,000,

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this generous three-bedroom barn conversion

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has been renovated to an excellent standard.

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Outside, the garden gives way to views of open countryside.

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Altogether an impressive package.

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The style of these barns, it appeals to me.

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This is what I've been looking for for quite a long time. Erm...

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So, yeah, as soon as we approached it I thought,

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"This will do for me."

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When I saw the kitchen, initially I thought,

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"This isn't the kitchen that I was dreaming about."

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But because of the openness of the dining room and then

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into the living room, it actually felt like a nice-sized kitchen.

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Quite liked outside. I quite liked the fact that it wasn't overlooked.

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You've got all these fields behind you, nicely set-out garden, lovely.

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For this property I feel that if I could move it into more of

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a semi or a detached, erm, it would be a definite contender.

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Good.

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Well, property number one. Mm. Erm, almost on target for you. Mm-hm.

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Little bit wide of the mark for you. Mm-hm, yeah.

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So we need a direct hit, don't we, really? We do. Right, then.

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We'll see if we can achieve that with property number two. Come on.

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OK, fine.

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Cheshire's historic canals stand testament to water being

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the lifeblood of the county's industrial activity.

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But as well as providing a transport network

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it also fuelled the growth of Cheshire's biggest industry.

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Water-powered textile mills thrived throughout the county and it

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was silk mills that really put Cheshire on the map.

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From the 1800s, Macclesfield was strategically placed

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on the textile trade route between Manchester and London.

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Over the next century it became one of the leading silk-producing

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centres in Europe and today its legacy is kept alive through

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museums and heritage centres.

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Denise and Neil are keen to know more about the area's history

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so we arranged for them to visit Paradise Mill, one of the last

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remaining silk mills in Cheshire, to meet tour guide Mike Scott.

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Welcome to Paradise. Thank you, Mike, thank you.

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So, Mike, how old is the mill? It's approximately 140, 150 years old.

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The last company to actually use this mill as

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a working silk mill didn't close until 1981. Right.

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So why was silk produced in Macclesfield?

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They say that some of that silk came into Macclesfield for

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the purpose of covering buttons.

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Silk buttons were a status symbol.

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The more silk buttons you had, the more wealthy you were.

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Shall we go and have a look at the looms?

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Yeah, that would be lovely, Mike, thank you. Come this way.

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Silk had to be twisted through the water-powered machines before it

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could be used to cover buttons.

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It was this process that formed the beginnings of the silk trade

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in the UK, with mills in Macclesfield, Congleton, Stockport

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and Bollington becoming silk powerhouses.

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Erm, what type of looms are they?

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Er, they are jacquard looms, which means they can produce patterns.

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It was the first programmable machine in the world,

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whereby you could produce a set of punch cards,

0:17:240:17:28

the machine will read the holes in those cards and select

0:17:280:17:31

the warp threads to lift or to stay down. Very good.

0:17:310:17:36

Right, very interesting. How much was made on one loom?

0:17:360:17:40

It is a very slow process. Er, two yards. A day.

0:17:400:17:45

Between 1743 and 1940, over 100 mill sites were built in

0:17:450:17:51

Macclesfield, and by the 1830s nearly half of the town's

0:17:510:17:54

population were working in the textile industry.

0:17:540:17:57

Would it be possible to have a demonstration? Yeah, certainly.

0:17:570:18:01

And perhaps you could have a treadle or two yourself.

0:18:010:18:05

Oh, that would be lovely. Thank you. Come this way.

0:18:050:18:08

Down. Yeah. Back. Back. Across. This, the rhythm.

0:18:080:18:13

I wonder if Denise will rise to the challenge.

0:18:150:18:17

And down.

0:18:170:18:19

That's it. That's it.

0:18:190:18:21

From there to there, about that big. She's got a good rate.

0:18:210:18:26

That's it, yeah.

0:18:260:18:27

I'm waiting for the shuttle to fly out. So am I!

0:18:280:18:32

I wouldn't like to do that for eight hours a day.

0:18:320:18:35

Silk has always been more desirable than cotton for many reasons.

0:18:350:18:39

Often it's down to its texture, lustre and draping ability,

0:18:390:18:43

which made it a luxurious, almost exotic textile.

0:18:430:18:46

It was also easier to dye into practically any colour.

0:18:460:18:50

We're in a little part of the factory now

0:18:520:18:54

where design was paramount.

0:18:540:18:56

So how old, just as a matter of fact, would these samples be?

0:18:560:19:00

These would... These would probably be up to the end of the '50s,

0:19:000:19:04

something like that. Would they?

0:19:040:19:06

So, er, why did the factory close, then? In '81.

0:19:060:19:10

Silk was no longer the preserve of the very rich and it was also

0:19:100:19:16

polyesters and viscose coming in as well,

0:19:160:19:19

which made the whole thing cheaper.

0:19:190:19:21

So costs went against them so they had to go and close. And...

0:19:210:19:26

Shame, really. It is.

0:19:260:19:28

Having stepped back into Cheshire's textile past,

0:19:280:19:31

it's time for Denise and Neil to reflect on what they've seen so far.

0:19:310:19:35

Retired childhood sweethearts Denise and Neil have up to ?400,000

0:19:450:19:50

to spend on making a move from suburban life in Rochdale

0:19:500:19:54

to the Cheshire countryside.

0:19:540:19:56

They've been on the same page with the property they've seen so far

0:19:560:20:00

but, coming up, our Mystery House causes conflict.

0:20:000:20:03

I'm not with you on that one, I can't see that one. Right, fine.

0:20:030:20:07

I can't see that at all.

0:20:070:20:09

And I find out how one impressive Victorian structure

0:20:100:20:14

revolutionised the way goods were transported on Cheshire's

0:20:140:20:17

famous waterways.

0:20:170:20:19

So we're now kind of isolated in our own kind of watery bath. Yes.

0:20:190:20:23

50 feet above the river below us. Yeah.

0:20:230:20:26

Well, when we started out with Neil and Denise they gave us such

0:20:290:20:32

a broad brief I thought our task might be somewhat easier,

0:20:320:20:36

but of course it is throwing up its own challenges.

0:20:360:20:39

When you are on the hunt you do need to have some idea of what it is

0:20:390:20:42

you're looking for.

0:20:420:20:44

Initially they weren't that bothered about style or indeed

0:20:440:20:47

location but Neil, it seems,

0:20:470:20:49

does quite like a barn conversion and certainly responds to

0:20:490:20:52

that cottagey feel, but Denise on the other hand, well,

0:20:520:20:55

she is proving to be a much tougher nut to crack.

0:20:550:20:58

So it's another day, our final day, with plenty more to see,

0:20:580:21:02

including, of course, our Mystery House,

0:21:020:21:04

which I hope in its own rather distinctive,

0:21:040:21:07

crafty way may provide everything they're looking for.

0:21:070:21:11

Before the Mystery House, we're heading to our penultimate

0:21:130:21:16

property, which lies in the village of Warmingham.

0:21:160:21:19

Here the River Wheelock runs around the outskirts of the centre,

0:21:190:21:22

which is home to a pub.

0:21:220:21:25

Nearby is the busy town of Sandbach, where there are frequent food

0:21:250:21:28

and craft markets held in the attractive cobbled square.

0:21:280:21:31

There's also a post office and other handy amenities.

0:21:310:21:35

Our next offering is just a five-mile drive away

0:21:350:21:38

in rural seclusion.

0:21:380:21:40

Oh, wow. How about this? Was that a wow? Yeah. That was a wow.

0:21:410:21:44

That's a wow. We've got the wow factor. So it should be.

0:21:440:21:48

This is lovely. Bathed in sunlight. Yeah. Look at that. Yeah.

0:21:480:21:52

Absolutely stunning. Yeah.

0:21:520:21:54

It's beautiful. Well, that's definitely got the wow factor.

0:21:540:21:57

Well, wait till you get inside, because I'm going to put my

0:21:570:22:00

head on the block and say I think this is you all over. OK.

0:22:000:22:05

I'm not going to disagree with that. Well, let's see if I'm right.

0:22:050:22:08

Come on, let's have a look inside. OK.

0:22:080:22:10

Constructed in 1875 and formerly a dairy, this L-shaped barn was

0:22:100:22:15

converted eight years ago into three properties.

0:22:150:22:18

As they'll see, the renovations have been completed sympathetically

0:22:180:22:22

and to a really high standard.

0:22:220:22:24

You see? Yes. Come in. Oh... Oh, look at this.

0:22:250:22:30

What do you think? Oh... Stunning, again. Yeah. Blown away. It's...

0:22:300:22:34

It's beautiful. Nothing to do here at all.

0:22:340:22:37

And I guess this gives us a natural kind of choice

0:22:370:22:40

as to where we go first.

0:22:400:22:41

To the right there is the living room. OK.

0:22:410:22:44

But to the left is the kitchen, so where are we going to start, Denise?

0:22:440:22:48

I think to the left. I thought you'd say that. Let's do the kitchen.

0:22:480:22:51

Come and have a look.

0:22:510:22:52

Good choice, Denise. Oh... I thought this was where you'd want to start.

0:22:520:22:56

This is stunning. Absolutely stunning. It's...

0:22:560:23:00

Is that not the kitchen you were looking for? It is.

0:23:000:23:03

Oh-ho, the island in the middle. Yeah.

0:23:030:23:05

I think it's absolutely perfect. The beauty about this kitchen, Jules,

0:23:050:23:09

is when we're in our kitchen at home we're under each other's feet.

0:23:090:23:13

Not here. No. Not here. You can stand there.

0:23:130:23:16

LAUGHTER And I'll stand here.

0:23:160:23:18

But what I like is actually the extra room for sitting and dining.

0:23:180:23:22

Yeah, yeah, it's... It's big, it's spacious...

0:23:220:23:24

But it's done to our taste. This is something that I would choose.

0:23:240:23:27

You've found the right one here. Yeah, the handles, everything.

0:23:270:23:30

It's beautiful. It's just lovely. Even the handles!

0:23:300:23:33

No-one's ever said that before. Yeah. I love the detail. Good.

0:23:330:23:36

We're getting there. We are finding our way, aren't we?

0:23:360:23:38

Oh, yeah. I think you've got there at the moment.

0:23:380:23:40

Well, let's nip across the hallway, look at the living room. Yes. OK.

0:23:400:23:44

So all good so far, but I wonder if Neil and Denise would have been

0:23:450:23:48

just as thrilled if they'd taken a right turn at the entrance hall.

0:23:480:23:52

Time to find out.

0:23:520:23:53

There you go.

0:23:540:23:56

Oh...

0:23:560:23:58

Yes. This is... I'm going to use the word again, Jules. It's stunning.

0:23:580:24:03

I need to think of some more words that relate to stunning.

0:24:030:24:05

Stunning's good. I'd leave it at stunning.

0:24:050:24:07

Again, wouldn't change anything.

0:24:070:24:09

So do you want to buy the whole lot with everything in it?

0:24:090:24:12

We don't need to look upstairs.

0:24:120:24:15

Oh, yes, you do, believe you me. It is well worth seeing.

0:24:150:24:18

I tell you what's interesting about this one, cos it's not massive,

0:24:180:24:21

but it does feel big enough to give you both your own space.

0:24:210:24:25

Oh, of course. Without a doubt, yeah. Yeah.

0:24:250:24:27

I've already put Neil down there on the settee there, and I'm there.

0:24:270:24:30

Managed him in the kitchen, so... She's put me near the remote.

0:24:300:24:33

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can see what's coming. Yeah. Good.

0:24:330:24:36

It's... It's beautiful. It's the bee's knees. Yeah. It's beautiful.

0:24:360:24:40

OK. Well, let's have a look upstairs.

0:24:400:24:42

It will not let you down, I can assure you.

0:24:420:24:45

There are four bedrooms in total, three generous doubles,

0:24:450:24:49

with one currently laid out as a study benefiting from

0:24:490:24:52

a fitted wardrobe and one single used for storage.

0:24:520:24:55

There's also a family bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath.

0:24:550:24:59

This is your master bedroom.

0:24:590:25:01

Oh-ho! Ho-ho-ho-ho!

0:25:020:25:05

JULES LAUGHS This is... Absolutely beautiful.

0:25:050:25:08

Yeah. Yeah? Original beams.

0:25:080:25:10

Yeah, original beams. Yeah. Yeah. And...

0:25:100:25:14

You've got the bonus of your shower en suite. Oh, right. Oh, gosh.

0:25:140:25:18

All done. I love the shower. Look at the shower. Massive walk-in shower.

0:25:180:25:22

Walk-in. Yeah. Lovely, lovely. High quality.

0:25:220:25:25

Told you it wouldn't disappoint you. It certainly hasn't.

0:25:250:25:28

No, definitely not. No. No. I can't find any...anything. Can't fault it.

0:25:280:25:33

No. No, no. You've done your homework today. Yes.

0:25:330:25:36

Phew!

0:25:360:25:39

But it's not over yet! No? No? Garden. Mm! OK. It's beautiful.

0:25:390:25:44

Come and have a look.

0:25:440:25:46

Outside, there is a large and immaculate lawn and

0:25:460:25:49

a flagstone patio.

0:25:490:25:51

It also has a greenhouse and a shed,

0:25:510:25:53

so Neil and Denise can potter to their heart's content.

0:25:530:25:57

Plus, it also benefits from a double garage.

0:25:570:26:00

There we are. That's it. The whole package is now complete. It is.

0:26:020:26:06

Couldn't wish for anything better. Now, let's think about your studio.

0:26:060:26:09

OK. Mm. Can you see what the neighbours have done? I can, yeah.

0:26:090:26:12

That's the type of thing I'd like.

0:26:120:26:14

So let's think about the price of this property, then,

0:26:140:26:17

because I think it appeals, Denise, doesn't it?

0:26:170:26:19

So, madam, make me an offer.

0:26:190:26:21

Yes, well, cos I really love it, I'm going to guess at 385,

0:26:210:26:28

but I think it's more than that, but I want it to be 385.

0:26:280:26:32

You want it to be? I want it to be 385. OK.

0:26:320:26:34

I'm going to go way over budget here and say 425. 425. Mm.

0:26:340:26:40

Well, here's the thing. You're both wrong. Right. But in a good way. Oh.

0:26:400:26:45

This is on the market for 389,950.

0:26:450:26:51

So that should put a smile on your face. Oh, it went...bang! Good. Yes.

0:26:520:26:57

Yeah. Well, you've surprised me with that, with that price.

0:26:570:27:00

I really thought it was well over budget. Good.

0:27:000:27:01

Well, look, I think you should have a better look around upstairs,

0:27:010:27:05

because it really is sumptuous up there, er,

0:27:050:27:08

and I will come and find you a little bit later on.

0:27:080:27:10

Lovely, thank you. Okey doke. Thanks, Jules. Off you go.

0:27:100:27:14

Making plans to move in, I think.

0:27:140:27:16

So still within their maximum budget, this converted dairy

0:27:200:27:23

with its four bedrooms is beautifully presented throughout.

0:27:230:27:27

The huge kitchen with its island was an obvious hit with Denise

0:27:270:27:30

and the studio options open to Neil

0:27:300:27:33

seem to have made this property a genuine contender.

0:27:330:27:36

When we went into the kitchen,

0:27:360:27:39

I just couldn't see anything wrong with it in any way, shape or form.

0:27:390:27:44

That had my name on it.

0:27:440:27:45

The style of the house, for me, is everything.

0:27:450:27:48

It's got that rustic farmyard feel about it. Love it.

0:27:480:27:52

The sitting room's another one, it was just nice and cosy,

0:27:520:27:55

the right size what we're looking for.

0:27:550:27:57

I could see me and Denise sat in there without a problem.

0:27:570:28:00

The downstairs, the size of it, the feel of it, everything was perfect.

0:28:000:28:06

How I would sum up this particular property

0:28:060:28:08

is stunning, stunning, stunning, perfect.

0:28:080:28:13

How are we doing, then? Really good, Jules.

0:28:130:28:16

Splendid. Well, I think things are hotting up in more ways than one.

0:28:160:28:20

They are. They certainly are. They certainly are.

0:28:200:28:22

I'm all of a flush. Do you want to see the Mystery House?

0:28:220:28:26

Let's go for it. Erm, oh... Do I now, Jules, really?

0:28:260:28:29

It might put a spanner in the works. I know.

0:28:290:28:32

That's the fear factor, yeah. Come on. But we will, let's go for it.

0:28:320:28:35

Come on, tough it out.

0:28:350:28:37

For our final offering we're heading 20 miles north to Frodsham,

0:28:430:28:47

where the River Weaver and the Mersey meet.

0:28:470:28:50

With good access to the coast,

0:28:500:28:52

Frodsham today is a lively market town.

0:28:520:28:55

The high street, with its two pubs and handful of independent stores,

0:28:550:28:59

is interspersed with pretty houses.

0:28:590:29:01

And just three miles outside of the town

0:29:020:29:04

is our rather imposing Mystery House.

0:29:040:29:07

Well...

0:29:090:29:11

at last I can reveal our Mystery House.

0:29:110:29:14

What do you reckon?

0:29:140:29:16

Pretty large.

0:29:160:29:18

Yes!

0:29:180:29:19

It used to be the Crossley Sanatorium,

0:29:190:29:22

or Crossley Hospital, but what we've got for you isn't an apartment,

0:29:220:29:26

you'll be pleased to hear. Good.

0:29:260:29:27

Right, let's go for a wander and find your Mystery House. OK.

0:29:270:29:31

Built in the early 1920s, this Grade II listed building was

0:29:320:29:36

initially a hospital for TB patients.

0:29:360:29:39

Having also spent its former years as a nursing home and a school,

0:29:390:29:43

it was completely and sympathetically developed

0:29:430:29:45

25 years ago.

0:29:450:29:46

See, you get away from the main building, out here,

0:29:480:29:51

and it's like walking through a very quiet, leafy suburb. Yeah. Stunning.

0:29:510:29:55

Well, that's the Mystery House.

0:29:550:29:57

I like the way it's laid out, I like all this architecture on the roof.

0:29:570:29:59

I'm not as keen, I'm not keen on the pebble dash, I have to say.

0:29:590:30:04

Erm...

0:30:040:30:05

And I'm not overly...

0:30:050:30:08

enamoured about living near what was a sanatorium.

0:30:080:30:12

JULES LAUGHS

0:30:120:30:13

There's no more TB, that's all long gone. I know, I know. It worked!

0:30:130:30:16

THEY LAUGH

0:30:160:30:18

It did. Erm, but I'm keen to look inside.

0:30:180:30:22

Good. Yes. Right, come on, then. OK.

0:30:220:30:24

Our Mystery House is located in a private gated development,

0:30:260:30:29

with a community of its own, which may offer Neil and Denise

0:30:290:30:32

an alternative to living near a village.

0:30:320:30:35

Through the entrance hall, our first stop is the dining room.

0:30:350:30:39

Let's start in here, then, guys.

0:30:390:30:41

Well, this is nice. Yeah? Yes.

0:30:410:30:44

Nice size. Nice dining room. Yeah, it's a good size, this.

0:30:440:30:46

It would make a very nice living room, actually, but you've got one next door.

0:30:460:30:49

Well, I think we need to look at the other rooms as well,

0:30:490:30:51

because to me this could also be the living room.

0:30:510:30:53

I'm delighted you're giving it its due! Yes. This is all good. Yes.

0:30:530:30:56

Let's look at the living room. This is lovely. OK.

0:30:560:30:58

This is a really good family space.

0:30:580:31:01

There. Oh, right. This is lovely.

0:31:010:31:04

But it's contemporary, as well. Nice size. It's very contemporary.

0:31:040:31:07

It's a lot bigger than I thought.

0:31:070:31:10

You see, but I would make this, maybe, the dining room.

0:31:100:31:14

You could, couldn't you? You've got a lot of room, here. Yeah.

0:31:140:31:16

It would work quite nicely, because with the dining table there, the kitchen is through that door...

0:31:160:31:20

Right. Well, if that was the case, if you wanted, then,

0:31:200:31:22

you could knock through... Mmm. ..and have a huge lounge.

0:31:220:31:26

Look at you with the creative knocking about. There you go.

0:31:260:31:28

JULES LAUGHS

0:31:280:31:29

I thought I better put ten penneth in. Yeah, yeah, you've done more than that! Let's call it ten quid!

0:31:290:31:33

That was very good, very good.

0:31:330:31:35

Right, come and have a look at the kitchen. Yeah. That's really...

0:31:350:31:38

'Well, Denise does seem to have warmed a little since coming inside,

0:31:380:31:42

'although I suspect a lot will hinge on the all-important kitchen.'

0:31:420:31:46

There you go. Oh, that's nice. Very straightforward.

0:31:460:31:49

Very simple, really, actually. Yeah.

0:31:490:31:52

And I'm afraid it doesn't do it for me. Right. Because...?

0:31:520:31:55

It's just the set-out, really. Yeah. I just don't like the set-out.

0:31:550:31:59

I don't mind the kitchen, actually, I really don't.

0:31:590:32:02

That's interesting, actually. Yeah.

0:32:020:32:04

That's cos she's seen the wine rack in the corner.

0:32:040:32:06

THEY LAUGH

0:32:060:32:08

That's kind of almost full, too. Yeah. OK, OK.

0:32:080:32:11

But upstairs is also pretty expansive. Right. Oh, yeah?

0:32:110:32:14

Let's try the upstairs. Let's have a look.

0:32:140:32:16

You've got an extra floor with this one. Oh!

0:32:160:32:20

Back through the entrance hall, we're heading upstairs,

0:32:200:32:22

where there are three bedrooms laid out over two levels.

0:32:220:32:26

On the first floor, there's a large single bedroom with its own

0:32:260:32:29

modern en-suite shower room, as well as a simple family bathroom.

0:32:290:32:33

In the eaves, there is a further newly-decorated double bedroom.

0:32:330:32:37

But we're stopping off at the bedroom I've earmarked for them.

0:32:370:32:41

So, this is yours, we think.

0:32:430:32:46

Right. The master, yeah.

0:32:460:32:48

The only thing that I would say is that I would have preferred

0:32:480:32:50

the bed up there and the wardrobes here,

0:32:500:32:53

because it feels strange having the bed

0:32:530:32:55

to the back of the door.

0:32:550:32:57

I'm...not with you on that one. I can't see that one. Right, fine(!)

0:32:570:33:01

JULES LAUGHS I can't see that at all.

0:33:010:33:03

You've had the problem with the kitchen... You've got the problem with the bedroom.

0:33:030:33:07

I've got the problem with this bedroom. As long as everybody's got a problem... Yeah.

0:33:070:33:10

..that's a problem. THEY LAUGH

0:33:100:33:12

Right, come on, let's go out and get some fresh air. Yeah.

0:33:120:33:15

OK. After you. Maybe that's what we need.

0:33:150:33:17

The garden here is deceptively large,

0:33:180:33:21

extending through a small area of woodland

0:33:210:33:23

and backing onto open fields.

0:33:230:33:25

Now, when we were discussing things in the living room,

0:33:260:33:30

it was all much bigger than you'd expected. Yes.

0:33:300:33:32

What about the garden? Yes, bigger. It is, isn't it? It is. Mm.

0:33:320:33:36

So, it is surprising, this one, isn't it? It is. It is.

0:33:360:33:38

It is a surprising one. It's erm... Yes.

0:33:380:33:40

And I also actually don't mind the pebble dash on the back of

0:33:400:33:43

the house...for some reason.

0:33:430:33:45

It fits with the back. Got a result, there, Jules!

0:33:450:33:49

DENISE LAUGHS Well, have we, though?

0:33:490:33:51

Have we, though? Because there is one more bit to come, which is...

0:33:510:33:53

Neil? Make us an offer on our Mystery House.

0:33:530:33:56

I've thought about it, and I've put a price on at 360.

0:33:560:33:59

Actually, I think...I'm going to match you. Yeah, 360.

0:33:590:34:03

This is on the market for ?385,000.

0:34:030:34:06

Oh, right. Right. OK.

0:34:060:34:08

Yeah, I can understand why it's kind of at that price.

0:34:080:34:12

Yeah. Good. Mmm.

0:34:120:34:15

Well, that's it. House tours are over. Yeah.

0:34:150:34:17

Go and have a wander round,

0:34:170:34:18

and we'll catch up with you a little bit later on.

0:34:180:34:21

OK, thank you. Thanks, Jules. Off you go.

0:34:210:34:23

?15,000 under their top budget,

0:34:280:34:31

our Mystery House delivers

0:34:310:34:32

generously, with three bedrooms and

0:34:320:34:34

smart decor throughout.

0:34:340:34:36

It has a large, secluded garden,

0:34:360:34:38

but will the origins and setting

0:34:380:34:40

of this private development

0:34:400:34:41

sit easily with our buyers?

0:34:410:34:43

Initially, I wasn't overly keen on the outside.

0:34:430:34:46

But I like the feel of the house.

0:34:460:34:49

The lounge was superb, absolutely superb.

0:34:490:34:52

Lovely wood fire, nice view into the garden.

0:34:520:34:57

I quite like that, and the neutral taste, as well.

0:34:570:34:59

I was pleasantly surprised at the size,

0:34:590:35:02

and it's contemporary, which I love.

0:35:020:35:06

But at the end of the day, I think

0:35:060:35:08

the hospital bit has really put me off.

0:35:080:35:12

I didn't like the impression of the kitchen at all. It threw me.

0:35:120:35:16

The very large handles on all the units, and...

0:35:160:35:19

It just threw in my face, and I just didn't like that look at all.

0:35:190:35:23

All in all, it wasn't the best of them.

0:35:230:35:25

Ah. Well, you took a bit longer than I thought you might. Yes.

0:35:260:35:29

Is it a grower, I wonder.

0:35:290:35:31

Ah, well, pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you.

0:35:310:35:33

Pleasantly surprised.

0:35:330:35:35

You've definitely given us plenty to think about, Jules. Yeah.

0:35:350:35:37

I think we've given you bags to think about. You have that.

0:35:370:35:40

Some very tempting options. Yep. Right, then.

0:35:400:35:43

Let's go and sit you down somewhere nice and quiet,

0:35:430:35:45

and you can mull it all over.

0:35:450:35:46

OK. Lovely. Come on. Thank you.

0:35:460:35:48

Built in 1875 and designed by Edwin Clark,

0:35:560:35:59

Cheshire's Anderton Boat Lift was one of the most ambitious feats of

0:35:590:36:03

Victorian engineering on Britain's waterways.

0:36:030:36:06

It was designed to use two enormous tanks of water

0:36:060:36:09

as counterweights, each weighing over 200 tons when full,

0:36:090:36:13

to lift cargo boats 50ft between the River Weaver

0:36:130:36:16

and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

0:36:160:36:18

This hydraulic method was a far quicker way of transporting goods,

0:36:180:36:22

avoiding the time-consuming and difficult job

0:36:220:36:25

of unloading cargo by hand between the two waterways.

0:36:250:36:29

As a huge fan of the Industrial Revolution,

0:36:290:36:32

I want to learn more about this architectural icon

0:36:320:36:35

of our canal network.

0:36:350:36:36

So, I've come to meet Graham Wood,

0:36:360:36:38

from the from the Canal and River Trust.

0:36:380:36:40

Wonderful! What a great way to get a glimpse of this fantastic structure.

0:36:400:36:44

It is remarkable, isn't it? It is, it's amazing.

0:36:440:36:46

But why was it built here?

0:36:460:36:48

This is the closest point that the Trent and Mersey Canal comes

0:36:480:36:51

to the River Weaver, so it was an obvious place to put it.

0:36:510:36:54

Northwich and surrounding areas were massive salt producers in their day.

0:36:540:36:57

Yeah. And Stoke On Trent, of course, famous for its pottery,

0:36:570:37:00

so to get things from one level to the other

0:37:000:37:02

so that we could move them onto the Manchester Ship Canal

0:37:020:37:05

and move them all over the country and all over the world,

0:37:050:37:07

this was the obvious place to do it.

0:37:070:37:08

Now, I would love to take a closer look.

0:37:080:37:10

Is it possible to get on top of it? Yeah, no problem.

0:37:100:37:12

We can get right up onto the top deck. Come on, then. Wonderful.

0:37:120:37:16

The lift remained in service for over 100 years before

0:37:170:37:20

structural faults were found, and it closed in 1983.

0:37:200:37:24

20 years later, a seven-year renovation project

0:37:240:37:27

was undertaken to bring the lift back to life,

0:37:270:37:30

and today it's used by both commercial and leisure boats alike.

0:37:300:37:33

Wow! Ha-ha-ha!

0:37:350:37:36

I mean, I got a glimpse of these from down below,

0:37:360:37:39

but I had no idea just how big these cogs were. How many are there?

0:37:390:37:43

There's 72, altogether. And when do these date from?

0:37:430:37:45

These date from 1908, when it became an electronically driven lift.

0:37:450:37:49

It's because the salt content in the water

0:37:490:37:52

was corroding the hydraulic mechanism.

0:37:520:37:54

So, it begins life as a hydraulic lift,

0:37:540:37:57

it then has its electric phase.

0:37:570:37:59

Now, during your subsequent renovations you've decided to

0:37:590:38:01

take it back to a hydraulic lift. Why?

0:38:010:38:03

It's more economic to run it hydraulically,

0:38:030:38:06

and it returns it back to its original roots.

0:38:060:38:08

Well, it's been a real treat to get a sense of it,

0:38:080:38:10

but any chance of a ride?

0:38:100:38:12

No problem at all. If you'd like to go on the boat, we'll go now.

0:38:120:38:15

Boats come off the canal and into the aqueduct

0:38:170:38:19

through a series of gates.

0:38:190:38:21

The lift works by a counter-balance method,

0:38:210:38:24

whereby one boat travels up to the canal

0:38:240:38:26

as the other travels down to the river.

0:38:260:38:28

So, here we are actually coming into the lift itself. Ha!

0:38:290:38:34

Is that the gate? Yes, that's the gate. That's the gate.

0:38:340:38:36

JULES LAUGHS Incredible.

0:38:360:38:38

Once we're in, they drop the gates behind us.

0:38:410:38:44

Yeah. Brilliant.

0:38:440:38:46

Are we going to see another boat coming up alongside us now?

0:38:460:38:48

Yes, there'll be boats coming up alongside us.

0:38:480:38:51

The lift operates in balance the majority of the day.

0:38:510:38:53

There can be 32 boats a day.

0:38:530:38:55

Now, that sounds like someone's just pulled the plug out.

0:38:590:39:01

That's right, that's the last of the water disappearing down the drain.

0:39:010:39:04

Between the gates and the... Yeah. ..aqueduct?

0:39:040:39:07

Between the two sets of gates.

0:39:070:39:09

So, we're now kind of isolated in our own kind of watery bath... Yes.

0:39:090:39:12

50ft above the river. Yeah.

0:39:120:39:15

JULES LAUGHS

0:39:150:39:18

Today, the hydraulic system may be computerised,

0:39:180:39:21

but the speed at which the lift moves

0:39:210:39:23

evokes the pace of a bygone era -

0:39:230:39:25

a gentle 9ft per minute.

0:39:250:39:28

So, at last, we're dropping. That's right.

0:39:290:39:32

I say dropping. I mean, thankfully, it's very controlled.

0:39:320:39:34

THEY LAUGH

0:39:340:39:35

Yeah, it's a lovely smooth movement.

0:39:350:39:37

I can certainly see how it's got that name,

0:39:370:39:39

"The Cathedral of the Canals", it's absolutely brilliant.

0:39:390:39:42

Absolutely brilliant.

0:39:420:39:44

Do you think Edwin Clark thought of it as "The Cathedral of the Canals"

0:39:440:39:47

when he designed it? Maybe he did. Maybe he had a soft side.

0:39:470:39:51

I'd like to think he had a sense of the romantic about him.

0:39:510:39:54

Revolutionary in its time. Yeah.

0:39:540:39:56

And yet here we are, it's still working in all of its glory.

0:39:560:40:00

Well, I am delighted to see this working,

0:40:000:40:03

I am delighted that it has survived all of those years,

0:40:030:40:06

and with any luck, Graham, it should continue well into the future.

0:40:060:40:10

Now, the conversation that we have to conclude any house tour

0:40:120:40:16

is always a chat that I look forward to.

0:40:160:40:18

Now, some weeks it's pretty hard to tell which way it's going to go,

0:40:180:40:21

but this week, well, I've got no worries.

0:40:210:40:24

Ready to go, look at that. Is that for me? It is. Fabulous, guys.

0:40:280:40:31

Thank you very much indeed.

0:40:310:40:33

Well. It all seems like quite a long time since we started this,

0:40:330:40:36

doesn't it? It does. It does that.

0:40:360:40:37

When you started this process,

0:40:370:40:39

how optimistic were you about finding a home that would work?

0:40:390:40:42

I was more pessimistic than optimistic.

0:40:420:40:45

But, you've turned it around for me. Denise?

0:40:450:40:49

I think because of the brief we gave you, a little bit like Neil,

0:40:490:40:53

I didn't know whether you'd get the right property for us. OK.

0:40:530:40:56

Let's cut to the chase.

0:40:560:40:58

I suspect there is one that's really out in front.

0:40:580:41:02

Yes. A lovely barn conversion. Yes.

0:41:020:41:05

What was it about that property that really sold it to you, Neil.

0:41:050:41:08

When we walked round the corner and you showed us the expanse of this

0:41:080:41:12

barn conversion, it blew me away, and I didn't know what to expect.

0:41:120:41:16

I was getting excited, thinking, "I can't wait to get inside

0:41:160:41:19

"and have a look". Mmm.

0:41:190:41:21

Beautiful. When you opened that front door and let us in,

0:41:210:41:23

and I saw this entrance hall....

0:41:230:41:26

Excellent. Excellent. Yes.

0:41:260:41:28

That did it for me. Mmm.

0:41:280:41:30

The minute I walked into the kitchen - it had everything,

0:41:300:41:33

and the island in the middle. It just was everything we'd asked for.

0:41:330:41:36

What happens next?

0:41:360:41:38

Well, I'd like to look at the amenities,

0:41:380:41:39

so at the weekend I want to come back and have

0:41:390:41:41

a good look around the area, and then once we've done that

0:41:410:41:45

I think we'll ask for a second viewing.

0:41:450:41:47

I think there'll be no stopping her.

0:41:470:41:49

Do you need a second viewing? I don't.

0:41:490:41:51

JULES LAUGHS

0:41:510:41:53

It's one of those times where my hand will go in the wallet.

0:41:530:41:55

Well, guys, it's been a real treat.

0:41:550:41:57

I've really enjoyed your company.

0:41:570:41:58

I've thoroughly enjoyed being back in Cheshire.

0:41:580:42:01

So, well, let us know what happens. BOTH: We will. Here's to you!

0:42:010:42:05

Thank you. Thanks, Jules. And your new life. Thank you. Cheers.

0:42:050:42:09

Well, our work here is pretty much done.

0:42:120:42:15

The sun is beginning to set over Cheshire's glorious countryside,

0:42:150:42:19

and the whole landscape is now bathed

0:42:190:42:20

in this wonderful rich, warm glow.

0:42:200:42:23

Our house search is over, but with any luck,

0:42:230:42:26

Neil and Denise's new life is just about to begin.

0:42:260:42:30

I'll see you next time.

0:42:300:42:32

Well, the hot news is,

0:42:320:42:34

Denise and Neil have had a major change of heart.

0:42:340:42:37

In an enormous U-turn, they've decided to stay put

0:42:370:42:40

in Rochdale and buy a holiday home in Portugal instead.

0:42:400:42:44

But they do intend to revisit their country move in a few years' time.

0:42:440:42:49

If you'd like to escape to the country

0:42:490:42:51

in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland,

0:42:510:42:53

and would like our help, then please apply online at...

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I expect you'll want to become a schoolmaster?

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That's what most of the gentlemen does that get sent down for

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indecent behaviour. Evelyn Waugh's classic novel.

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Have you ever been in love, Mr Pennyfeather? No, not yet.

0:43:380:43:41

The fire escape is very dangerous and never to be used,

0:43:410:43:43

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