0:00:02 > 0:00:04Making the move from the city to the countryside
0:00:04 > 0:00:05is often a momentous step.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Never in a million years I would imagine I would be seeing a house
0:00:09 > 0:00:11like this. Never, ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15But for many years, Escape To The Country has been supporting
0:00:15 > 0:00:18countless people on the hunt for a new rural home.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20What do we think of this?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Oh, my! Chocolate box.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26We've travelled to the most picturesque pockets of Britain...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Take a look at that killer view.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29That's amazing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33..to showcase thousands of exquisite country properties...
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Oh. But how pretty is that?
0:00:35 > 0:00:37..that our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Joe!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Seriously, get your cheque book out now.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Join us as we catch up with those who made it happen...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- This is exactly what you like, isn't it?- Yeah. 'Scuse me, guys.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52..to find out how the move changed their lives
0:00:52 > 0:00:54when they Escaped To The Country.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Well, today we're on the Welsh borders,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and these are the magnificent remains of Llanthony Priory.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22It was founded back in the 12th century by Augustinian monks and has
0:01:22 > 0:01:25dominated this glorious slice of Monmouthshire's countryside
0:01:25 > 0:01:26ever since.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Now, of course, my calling here today is an exciting one,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33because we'll be catching up with some past property-hunters
0:01:33 > 0:01:37who've turned their rural dream into a reality here.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41I'll be knocking on the country doors of our past house-hunters who
0:01:41 > 0:01:45successfully made their dream escape to my home county of Herefordshire,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and also to the neighbouring Welsh county of Monmouthshire.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Coming up, I'll be reunited with my past escapees Sandy and Pete.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59They've only been living the rural life in Wales for a matter of weeks,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01but are already feeling right at home
0:02:01 > 0:02:04in one of the beautiful houses I presented to them.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11But before that, I'm going to get acquainted with Les and Ian,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15who made their move just across the border on the English side.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19They, too, found themselves under the spell of one of our houses
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and are completely enchanted by the idyllic country life
0:02:22 > 0:02:23they're now leading.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30The seeds of escaping were sown when we first met them at their home
0:02:30 > 0:02:34just outside Brighton in the autumn of 2015.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Both Les and Ian knew that their bungalow in a suburban cul-de-sac
0:02:38 > 0:02:40wasn't where they pictured themselves in the future.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45'We met seven-and-a-half years ago.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47'We met through mutual friends,'
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- and we've been living together for five years?- Yes.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53And we've been civil partners for three.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56'I think we're very excited about buying a house together
0:02:56 > 0:02:57'for the first time.'
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- We're really looking forward to it, aren't we?- I think it's going to be
0:03:01 > 0:03:03easy, because we've got very similar tastes.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05We kind of know pretty comprehensively
0:03:05 > 0:03:07what we're looking for.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09And probably more importantly, what we don't like.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Yeah, I think we're both singing from the same hymn sheet, as they say.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Ian was working as a nursing assistant,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17while Les was involved in the finance sector.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19but they both had plans to semi-retire
0:03:19 > 0:03:21and streamline their busy lives.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24I want to do something completely different, not quite sure what yet.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27May do something together, may do something separately,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29we're not quite sure, so the world's our oyster.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32And we think moving to the country will just be a nice,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35simpler lifestyle. Less frenetic, I would say, probably.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38We certainly love walking, and we feel
0:03:38 > 0:03:40that we've exhausted this area now.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42That's another reason why we want to move,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44because we can explore new areas, and there's plenty of walking
0:03:44 > 0:03:47opportunities where we're planning to move to.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I love cooking, so I want to expand on that.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53And that will also involve growing a lot of food as well,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55which everyone says they do, I know, but we will.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02So with grand ambitions of gardening and self-sufficiency,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05they wanted a detached country home with a large kitchen/diner,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08plus at least half an acre of grounds.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12To find this, they'd set a budget of £300,000.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16And it was my Escape colleague Ginny Buckley who was supporting them
0:04:16 > 0:04:18on their Herefordshire country quest.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28The house-hunting started in the hamlet of Ivington Green,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and the first house Ginny presented to Les and Ian
0:04:31 > 0:04:32was this detached cottage
0:04:32 > 0:04:35with a lovely outlook across agricultural fields
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and walking trails right on the doorstep.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40So this is our property.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Oh. Oh, it looks very nice.- Yeah.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Sits quite nicely.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Nice location.- It is, yeah, it's beautiful views.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Fantastic views. It's quiet, but not too far away from anywhere, so, no,
0:04:52 > 0:04:53I think it looks really good.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Promising impressions from the outside,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59and the first stop inside was the main reception.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- What do you think of the size of this room?- It's quite small.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- Would this be your main living room? - This is the main living area, yeah.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06Right, OK.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It's a bit on the snug side.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12This is a nice space, isn't it?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Yeah, this is the extension that was added on in the '80s.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- Right.- It's a big room.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Yes.- This is good, yeah, I like this.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23The house also came with a conservatory and three bedrooms.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Then, an extensive garden provided Les and Ian
0:05:26 > 0:05:29with plenty of options for growing fruit and veg.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I think this is great - this is just the sort of size I was kind of
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- thinking of, really.- Yeah, I agree with that, really.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36It's not too big, not overwhelming.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Comfortably under budget at £250,000,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Ginny was off to a reasonable start.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48But she was about to expand those property proportions at the next
0:05:48 > 0:05:51destination, which was in the small village of Pontrilas.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55So this is a property I wanted to show you.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Looks big.- Substantial.- It is big,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00and that's one of the reasons I wanted to show it to you,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02because I know you've got a lot of friends, they'll be coming to stay
0:06:02 > 0:06:04with you, you'll be entertaining.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06It gives you the space to be able to do that.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Yeah, very interesting. - Excited.- Yeah, it's very attractive.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14This generous Edwardian property was full of character features.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Upstairs boasted four comfortably-sized double bedrooms,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23each of which came with an original feature fireplace.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27And downstairs had no less than three separate reception rooms,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30plus a lovely farmhouse kitchen/diner.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Oh, wow.- Look at this.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Oh, I love a wow!
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Well, you got a wow.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37My God, it's huge.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- It is. Again, you've got original cupboards over there...- Yeah.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42..you've got a range.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I love the style of it. This is very much the stuff we like, isn't it?
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Victorian, Edwardian.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- You're smiling.- I am.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- And you're smiling. - Yes.- That's great!
0:06:53 > 0:06:57It was all going really well, but things were about
0:06:57 > 0:06:58to close in outside.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00This is what you get.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02The garden is small, isn't it?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04It is, it is.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06But I think you can do things with it.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Yeah, there's potential. Cos we do realise you've got to compromise
0:07:09 > 0:07:10somewhere, and we're happy to do that.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14And the idea of compromising was an even sweeter pill to swallow
0:07:14 > 0:07:16when the price was revealed.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Another property well under their £300,000 budget, at £240,000.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27The next day, it was time to unveil the mystery house,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29where compromise really was the key.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32It was located in the pretty village of Ewyas Harold,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35right on the border of England and Wales.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36- I love the look of it.- I do.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- I think it looks great. - It's a detached stone property,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42dates back to the early 1800s, and it's a barn conversion.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- BOTH:- Ah!- And the mystery isn't just the location here in the village -
0:07:46 > 0:07:48there isn't a garden with this property.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49- At all?- Right.- No garden at all?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Nothing? OK. - No, that's your compromise.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54There's a tiny little courtyard garden, that's all.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- OK.- OK?- Yeah.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56I'm excited about this one.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- So am I, I'm very excited.- Looks great.- Can't wait to see it now.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Yeah, definitely.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Right in the heart of a much sought-after and classic
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Herefordshire village, this 19th-century detached
0:08:07 > 0:08:10mystery property had great appeal and presence from the front.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18So we're straight into this fantastic, cosy
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- kitchen/dining space.- Oh, wow.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22You can really see the history of the barn, can't you?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Oh, wow.- Yes.- Wow, this is great.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Do you like it?- I do.- Very much.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Very much. This is exactly what you like as well, isn't it?
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Yeah. 'Scuse me, guys.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33Sorry.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- It's just really nice.- Is it?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Has it just got you somewhere?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Yeah.- You all right?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Yeah, I'm fine, but it's just so lovely.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44It's really just what we're looking for, really, isn't it?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46It is, this is exactly what we want.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- I love the stone walls... - The stone walls.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51..the beams, and the thickness of the walls. The feel of it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Well, we're off to a good start.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Definitely.- Yes, absolutely.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Well, if it's character and space you're after,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- how about this?- Oh, wow.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00Oh, crikey, this is lovely.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Oh, my God, this is great.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04This is really beautiful.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05Like a minstrels' gallery.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Isn't it lovely?- Wow.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08Well, there's no tears from you,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11but you do seem quite emotional in your reaction to it.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Oh, yeah, I'll cry in private, don't worry!
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Provoking high and hidden emotions,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20there was no doubt that the style and proportions of the
0:09:20 > 0:09:23mystery property were having a really positive impact.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27As well as the kitchen/breakfast room and large living room,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30the ground floor also had a study accessed via the dining room.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36This separate dining area would make a great space for formal occasions
0:09:36 > 0:09:38when hosting all the guests that Ian and Les
0:09:38 > 0:09:40were planning on entertaining.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44The study behind it had original exposed brickwork
0:09:44 > 0:09:46and offered peace and privacy.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50This is...this is exactly what we were thinking about,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52from when we were talking about moving.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Something a bit unusual, something a bit different.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56- Yeah.- It's great.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58And, you know, even the colours are just so lovely.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Yeah, it's bright, it's really bright.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03What I haven't told you is that, upstairs,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06you've plenty of space as well. You've got four bedrooms.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- Four bedrooms?- Goodness. - Upstairs, yeah.- Wow.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Just go and decide which one could be the master suite.- OK.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Upstairs, off a galleried landing,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18lay two bedrooms at the rear of the property.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Then, the other two had aspects to the front and included the largest
0:10:22 > 0:10:26double, as well as a small room used for craft and sewing.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29A third bedroom was presented as a dressing room,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32next to which was another pleasantly-decorated double.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Overall, the house itself was doing well so far,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41but Ginny was about to reveal the outside space.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Here we are, straight out into...
0:10:45 > 0:10:47..a compact little courtyard.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49It's very private, though.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- It feels very private. - It is, yeah, it is.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55And it's small. You know, we saw the small one yesterday as well,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- and we were prepared to compromise on that, so...- Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59..yeah, I think we could live with that.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02What do you think this is on the market for?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I think it's going to be very near the top of our budget.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08So I'm going to say...
0:11:08 > 0:11:09295.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- OK.- OK.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I'm going to say a very hopeful 285.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Ian...you're bang on,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- it's on the market for £295,000.- Is it?- Yes.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- That's great.- Yeah.- Yeah, I was convinced it would be over.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Yes, I was, too.- Definitely.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- So very excited.- That's great. That's fantastic.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31Would you like to go and look around again?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- We'd love to.- I think we should.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Go on, then, go and take your time.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- OK?- Thank you.- Come and find me when you're ready.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40This is fantastic. They've gone from hoping for half an acre
0:11:40 > 0:11:43to being happy with a pretty little patio.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It just shows - if the house is right, that's all that matters.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Well, what a surprise turn of events.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Ginny's historic mystery house seemed to be a perfect match
0:11:54 > 0:11:56for Ian and Les, despite the lack of garden.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01I'm very excited by this house.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04And it's certainly a very strong contender.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06We're definitely excited about this house, yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08There's no doubt about that.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12As I say, it really got us thinking from when we saw it first,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15that this is, really, the kind of ideal house for us.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18So we're definitely going to give it some serious thought.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23So, after viewing three very different properties,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Ian and Les had plenty of options to consider, all with their own merits.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31The first one had the large garden they wanted.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Then, there was the sizeable Edwardian option,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35with a much smaller plot.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37And finally, that 19th-century mystery house
0:12:37 > 0:12:40with absolutely no garden at all.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43But which property did they finally plump for?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Well, in my experience,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51it came as no great surprise to once again see the mystery house
0:12:51 > 0:12:53rise to the challenge.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Even moving Ian to tears as he tried to take it all in.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00And by the time Ginny left them, it was perfectly clear that
0:13:00 > 0:13:03any thoughts about a reasonable-sized garden had
0:13:03 > 0:13:06long since evaporated. But, when the dust had finally settled,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10was this really going to be the sort of home that Ian and Les would buy?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Well I'm delighted to say that it was, and indeed it is.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16This is it, their beautiful mystery house.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18So let's see how they're getting on...
0:13:18 > 0:13:20if they're in! HE LAUGHS
0:13:20 > 0:13:22HE KNOCKS ON DOOR
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- Hello, there.- Hello, Jules.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Nice to meet you, I'm Jules. - You too.- Hello, Les, how are you?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Hi, very well, thanks.- Well done, you lot. Look at it - your new home.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Yes.- Pretty good, isn't it? - What do you think?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- I love it.- Good.- Did you bring a kettle?
0:13:35 > 0:13:36- We did.- We did, and we've unpacked it.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Brilliant, fire it up. HE LAUGHS
0:13:38 > 0:13:39After you.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It took six months to secure the property
0:13:44 > 0:13:46from that first viewing with Ginny.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50And it was in this very kitchen where emotions ran high
0:13:50 > 0:13:51and their country dream came closer.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Well, guys, first things first, Ginny sends her best.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Oh, good.- Thank you.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03And she, of course, is delighted that you finally made the move.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Well, you've picked a really vibrant village,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07and you've got so many amenities.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Certainly, and we've become very good friends with the couple in
0:14:10 > 0:14:13the shop next door. We've been round there for dinner, haven't we?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- We have.- And met other villagers through them, which has been good.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19We have, and, of course, where we are is perfect because everybody
0:14:19 > 0:14:21passes our front door, so we got to know people really quickly.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24It's not exactly, you know, peace and quiet, is it?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26You've got the footpath right next door,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30the shop on the other side. But for you, that's been a positive?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Yeah, it's been great. I mean, because everybody uses it,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35we've met everybody in the village really quickly.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39So in the past six months, I think we've kept the door open
0:14:39 > 0:14:42pretty much permanently. Especially in the hot weather.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Open house?- And everyone's got to know us and the cat.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47So does Brighton seem a long way away now?
0:14:47 > 0:14:48It does actually, yeah.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51It does, and we don't miss it in the slightest.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- This is perfect for us. - Especially the M25.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Yeah, absolutely, I don't blame you for not seeing that again!
0:14:57 > 0:14:59But apart from where we are,
0:14:59 > 0:15:03what was it about the building that really sold it to you?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Well, we liked the kitchen. It was the first room we saw when we walked in.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10We thought, "This is lovely." But we weren't quite prepared for the shock
0:15:10 > 0:15:12we had when we walked through into the lounge.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Ah, yes, that was the wow?- It was.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16There were tears in the kitchen, Ian,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19were there more tears that I don't know about in the living room?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21No, I managed to contain myself by then.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Well, I can't wait to see it for myself.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24Do you mind if I take a peek?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Not at all.- I might even cry myself, you never know.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29THEY LAUGH
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Let's have a look. Wow. Oh, yes.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39You don't expect this, do you, from the front door?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41No, it's a bit of a surprise, isn't it?
0:15:41 > 0:15:42Isn't it just!
0:15:42 > 0:15:45It's really lovely to see what I call the bones of
0:15:45 > 0:15:47a building, to see the timber coming through.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50And I can see through the double doors there
0:15:50 > 0:15:52the now-infamous courtyard garden.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54You said goodbye to green space
0:15:54 > 0:15:57because this wowed you enough to forego it.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Do you really miss having a garden?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01I think we would've liked a bit more land if we could have had it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04We've got plenty of beautiful green countryside round us, as you know,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06so that's our garden, really, isn't it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:07It'd be nice to have our own.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09And growing your own, would that still be of interest?
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Oh, yes, yes.- We are at the moment, but we're obviously limited for space.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- Yes.- I have a solution for you.- Oh?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17There's a little place I know just down the road.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Drink up, come on. Follow me. HE LAUGHS
0:16:23 > 0:16:25I'm taking Les and Ian on a short drive,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28less than ten minutes from Ewyas Harold, towards Abergavenny,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32as I want to show them what's on offer at Crucorney Allotments.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Just five years ago it was a farmer's field,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38but has since been carved up into 28 separate plots
0:16:38 > 0:16:40that are now available for a yearly rent
0:16:40 > 0:16:44where locals can grow their own fruit, veg and flowers.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Well, gents, this is my solution to your tiny,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50very ungreen courtyard garden.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Ah.- And you could have one of these - a huge plot if you want it.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55There's one big one left.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Right.- It's 22 metres-by-12.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- Crikey, that's big, isn't it? - That will feed us.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03What you're looking at here is a full plot.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07This is currently managed by a lady I believe in her late 70s
0:17:07 > 0:17:10for the princely sum of...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12£65 a year.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Crikey. That's really good, isn't it?!
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Not much.- And, of course,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21you've got another green-fingered community to come and meet.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Yes, that's true.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Yeah, it's very sociable, as well, I imagine.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26A lot of lovely, fresh country air.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Now, talking of fresh country air,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31I gather that you two already have found a favourite walk near the
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- village, is that right?- We have.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Right on the doorstep.- Come on, let's go for a wander.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39See the local sites...now you're experts!
0:17:39 > 0:17:40Absolutely.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43Back in Ewyas Harold,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Ian and Les are taking me to the top of the hill overlooking the village.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51It's the perfect place to fully appreciate why they now call this
0:17:51 > 0:17:52beautiful place home.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Wow, that's a view, lads. - Spectacular, isn't it?
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Isn't it! Looking across there to the Black Mountains, beautiful. - Yeah.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I mean, this does really set the scene as to why you did it,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- I suppose.- It is, it is. It's just five minutes' walk from our house.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- It's fantastic.- Do you come up here and have to sort of pinch yourselves
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and think, "We've finally done it?"
0:18:11 > 0:18:14We've done that - we've sat here and we've thought, "Oh, my God,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16"we've actually done it and it's worked out perfectly."
0:18:16 > 0:18:18We've absolutely no regrets.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Well, that was going to be my final question - any regrets at all?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- No.- No, and I think everyone's been so friendly and made us feel very
0:18:23 > 0:18:25welcome here, and that's been a big help.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27It's been an easy transition. It's easier than you think.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Well, guys, it's been a real pleasure to meet you today.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31I wish I'd done your house tour now.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34We've had such a good laugh over the last few hours.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Come and we do it again! - Well, look, I'm delighted,
0:18:36 > 0:18:37I've got two new neighbours.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- Thank you very much indeed. - Nice to meet you, too.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- OK, Jules, thank you.- Come on, let's go find a pint, shall we? BOTH:- Good idea.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Right across the British countryside, I've seen house buyers
0:18:56 > 0:18:58all with very different lifestyle ambitions
0:18:58 > 0:19:00fall in love with the properties we have shown them.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03It's always wonderful to hear when they make that
0:19:03 > 0:19:05all-important offer which goes on to be accepted.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Coming up, a couple of highlights from other house-hunting success
0:19:10 > 0:19:12stories here in the Welsh borders.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18In the summer of 2016, Margherita Taylor was helping
0:19:18 > 0:19:23Bristol-based couple Peter and Karen to find their country escape.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28For a budget of £500,000, they were after a detached three-bedroom
0:19:28 > 0:19:30property with a good-sized garden.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34The very first house Margherita unveiled was in
0:19:34 > 0:19:36the small Herefordshire village of Llangarron,
0:19:36 > 0:19:37and it immediately hit the jackpot.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Fabulous cottage, wraparound garden.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Ten out of ten so far. - I like that!- Yeah.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Dating back to the 1900s,
0:19:49 > 0:19:53this beautiful detached cottage was immaculately presented both outside
0:19:53 > 0:19:56and in. It offered three bedrooms with lovely views...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00..a sumptuous sitting room,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03a bright sunroom, and a modern country kitchen.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04Can't fault it at all.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06The size is perfect.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- Yeah.- It's homely, it's got character, it's just the right size.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16But it was in the pretty wraparound garden where a bonus
0:20:16 > 0:20:18converted outbuilding really blew Karen away.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22Oh, for goodness' sake!
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Oh, my God, Pete!
0:20:25 > 0:20:27This is absolutely fantastic.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Yeah.- It really is.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Are you OK?- Yeah.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33THEY LAUGH
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Oh, Karen, it's OK.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39It's good when you find somewhere you love.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40We can start living.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47With a price £50,000 below their £500,000 budget,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49it was job done.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Three months later, Karen and Peter moved into this gorgeous cottage,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55where they're now living their long-held country dream.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03A year earlier, in 2015,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Alistair Appleton was supporting Nicki and Carl from Hampshire
0:21:07 > 0:21:09in their quest to live the good life.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15They had a budget of £475,000 and wanted lots of land somewhere rural
0:21:15 > 0:21:17with no near neighbours.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20So when Alistair took them to this detached three-bedroom home off
0:21:20 > 0:21:24the beaten track in the county of Powys, the setting was ideal.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Potential, lots of potential. - Yeah, potential, and that view is...
0:21:28 > 0:21:29That view is winning.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yeah.- It really is.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34It's fair to say that the house needed some work...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It needs updating.- Yeah, definitely potential.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40..but the proportions made a good impression.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Wow.- Yeah, "wow" indeed!
0:21:43 > 0:21:46However, it was the six acres of land plus outbuildings
0:21:46 > 0:21:48that really won them over.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51It's really quite exciting.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- I want to buy it. - SHE LAUGHS
0:21:53 > 0:21:56At £435,000, the smallholding
0:21:56 > 0:21:58was £40,000 under budget,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02so Nicki and Carl snapped it up and are living the rural life
0:22:02 > 0:22:03they both aspired to lead.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Now, over the years, I've met many couples who sought to beat a retreat
0:22:10 > 0:22:12here, including Pete and Sandy,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15for whom the hustle and bustle of Oxford was getting
0:22:15 > 0:22:17a little bit too much.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23We first met the husband-and-wife duo in the spring of 2016 at their
0:22:23 > 0:22:27rented home in Oxfordshire, which doubled up as their place of work.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30We run a business from home. It's basically importing
0:22:30 > 0:22:31bottling machinery.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Anything that comes in a bottle, whether it's beer or horse shampoo,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37then we can bottle it, label it and cap it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39We're always with each other, sort of 24/7,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41but it's worked out really lovely.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43I think we enjoy each other's company.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Pete and Sandy's working partnership was a happy one,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49but there wasn't much harmony outside their home,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52sandwiched between a new housing development,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54a power station and a massive pylon.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'The master plan is we can run this business from anywhere in the world
0:23:00 > 0:23:02'that's got an internet connection and a phone.'
0:23:02 > 0:23:05We've looked at the area along the Welsh borders,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09and we both like the countryside there very much.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13I'm quite keen on canoeing, I quite like the Wye,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16because you get a lot of lovely scenery on the way,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and just very tranquil.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20I look forward to having that on my doorstep.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23You're more of a city girl, really, and I'm a country boy,
0:23:23 > 0:23:24but we can compromise.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Best of both worlds, basically - that's what we're looking for.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28So with the destination set,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32they called on us to find their first house purchase together
0:23:32 > 0:23:36in the Welsh borders, and their brief was simple enough.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38They wanted a modern but characterful home
0:23:38 > 0:23:40with a kitchen/diner,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43three bedrooms and space for their bottling business.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47And to achieve it, they had a budget of £365,000.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53The house-hunt began in the Herefordshire village of Whitchurch,
0:23:53 > 0:23:58and the first house I showed them was thought to date back to the 1830s.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Right, then, this is property number one.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03- Wow.- All of it?
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- All of it? But, yeah, you get the whole thing.- Yeah.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- Initially, we're happy?- Yeah.- Let's see if that continues as we get in.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10- Come on.- OK.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15An entrance at the far end of the cottage took us through a lobby
0:24:15 > 0:24:16into the main reception room.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Well, Sandy, is this the sort of...?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Oh, gosh.- ..historic journey you were thinking about?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Wow, most definitely. Wow, look at the staircase!
0:24:26 > 0:24:28What do you think, Pete?
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Yes, I like it very much, yeah. First impressions count,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and first impressions are very good.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Let's go through to the kitchen/diner, cos I think you might like this.- OK. Great stuff.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41I really love the way they've done this - new units, new tops,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44the whole thing recently refurbished, as you can tell.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Very tastefully done, too. Very tasteful.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- Got enough room there to sit down at the table.- If you wanted.- Fantastic.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- The old and the new.- Excellent. - I'm very happy.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Our stone cottage got us off do a great start,
0:24:54 > 0:24:59combining period character with the modern twist Sandy liked.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04Upstairs offered a large family bathroom, a double guest bedroom,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and another room used as a home office.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Lastly, there was the master.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12I do like the stone feature. That's one of my favourites, so, yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16I mean, given this is your first home together, I mean,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18it's a nice opportunity for you to make a fresh start.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Is this the sort of building that would allow you to do that?
0:25:22 > 0:25:23With me, definitely, yes.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Yes, I think the same. You get to look outside,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29I'd be interested to see what garden there is.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Right, then, terrace and garden next, then. Follow me.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38It was a big thumbs-up for this village-located cottage from
0:25:38 > 0:25:43self-confessed city girl Sandy, but I sensed hesitation from Pete,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45who was longing for real rural isolation.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50The outside featured a raised south-facing courtyard and deck terrace,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53from which there were impressive views of the surrounding hills.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56So let's think about the price, then.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00You have £365,000 to spend.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Sandy, make us an offer for property number one.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05OK. Hard. I would say...
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- 370.- 370?!- Mm-hm.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Oh, over budget?- Yeah, I think so.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13A little steep, I think. I'm going to hazard a guess at 330.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14This is on the market for...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18..£298,000.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19You're joking me.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Leaving £67,000 to spare,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27the stone cottage seamlessly combined old with new
0:26:27 > 0:26:28and had scope for a home office.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32But Sandy definitely seemed more enthusiastic about this
0:26:32 > 0:26:33first option than husband Pete.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43The search then continued and took us to the very rural location
0:26:43 > 0:26:45of Garway Hill,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48where I had an archetypal escape house to show them -
0:26:48 > 0:26:52a registered smallholding located down a quiet country lane.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54So, how about this, then, guys?
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- Different.- Very different!
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- It looks tremendous. - You're probably thinking,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01"You've brought me to the middle of nowhere."
0:27:01 > 0:27:02You're not as remote as you might think.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Thank you, you're helping me there.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06THEY LAUGH
0:27:06 > 0:27:07Well, I think, for you,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09this is probably more you than the first one.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11And look at that view.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12What an eyesore(!)
0:27:14 > 0:27:18As you can see, they've made much of it with this new addition of this
0:27:18 > 0:27:20fully specced-up garden room.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22It even has its own loo, etc.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24This looks fantastic!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- Brilliant. Shall we have a look? - Can't wait.- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27- Come on.- Thank you.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Originally dating back to the 1860s,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36an extension which housed the kitchen/diner
0:27:36 > 0:27:37was added in the 1990s.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40There we are.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Oh, OK.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It wasn't a "wow", what's going through your mind?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Um...
0:27:47 > 0:27:50No, I'm just taken aback how small it is, the kitchen.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- Narrow.- Yes, yes.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I wasn't thinking small, it's larger than the last one,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58it extends into the dining area there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00But could you make it work? I mean, that's the question.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- I'm saying a yes. - Yes, definitely, yes.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Well, that was an unequivocal yes, I'll take two yeses, that great!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Come on, then.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15I think it's a little small for me, a bit too cosy.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I can see this is an easy sell to your husband.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- Mmm.- I think we are going to have to work a little harder on you.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23You're going to have to work a little bit harder.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- That's fair enough!- You'll come around to my way of thinking eventually.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29It's got to work for both of you. Come on, let's have a look upstairs.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32'So there was a clear difference of opinion
0:28:32 > 0:28:35'on this detached, rural smallholding.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38'Upstairs, the house had three double bedrooms,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41'including a decent-sized master.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44'Outside, as well as the great garden room,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49'the plot boasted a variety of sheds and a cider-apple orchard,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51'all in an acre of grounds overlooking the valley.'
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Look at that!
0:28:55 > 0:28:58If you'd asked for this view, we'd never have found a property with it,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01and look, there it is, as a bonus.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02365 is your budget.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05What's this on the market for?
0:29:05 > 0:29:06- 349.- 349?!
0:29:06 > 0:29:09You obviously thought about that, that was very direct.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10- Off the cuff!- OK.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13I think because we've got a bit more land, I would say...
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I'd say...365.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- 365?- Mm-hm.- Interesting.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Oh, you're keeping us in suspense again!
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- 350.- Oh!- Well done.- Well done.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Yeah, 350.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Come on, then, do a bit more arm-twisting.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32You might have to!
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Again under budget, this second house
0:29:37 > 0:29:40was another strong option that particularly appealed to Pete.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Oh, yes, that is beautiful, isn't it?
0:29:44 > 0:29:49It is, it's spectacular, I can't knock the view, it is breathtaking.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51And this is our land, potentially.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52It is.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53It could be.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Well, with two houses down,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I was pretty confident at this stage that our first day of house-hunting
0:30:01 > 0:30:03had gone reasonably well.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06The problem, of course, was that whilst Pete loved one, well,
0:30:06 > 0:30:07Sandy loved the other.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10So with our final roll of the dice,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13could we find something that would unite them and provide that happy
0:30:13 > 0:30:17compromise? Well, that, of course, is where our Mystery House came in.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20In trying to please everybody,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23our final destination took us into the Welsh community
0:30:23 > 0:30:25of Llangybi in Monmouthshire.'
0:30:27 > 0:30:30So, at last, I can reveal to you the Mystery House.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31There it is, guys,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34A lovely, converted barn, what do you think of that, Sandy?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37I definitely like it, I like the stonework.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It looks light and airy.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44I know you preferred a bit more of this over Sandy's desire
0:30:44 > 0:30:48to be more in, you know, a conventional village.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50I'm always willing to compromise.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Well, this is the compromise, and as you can see,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55there are a number of other buildings being redeveloped here on this old farm complex.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- There will be seven. - Yeah, I noticed.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59OK, so we will have quite a few neighbours.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02You will have some neighbours, so it will be a little sort of hamlet.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07And, as you can tell, it's got this lovely sense of texture about it,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11but with this lovely, very modern twist.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14But would that kind of compromise work for the pair of you?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16For me, yes, I will say so.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I mean, are you feeling a bit anxious about this open space?
0:31:19 > 0:31:22No, I like it, I do like open space.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Are you happy with all this?
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Er, there are no negative points whatsoever I wish
0:31:26 > 0:31:28to make at this stage.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Right, sir, let's go inside!
0:31:32 > 0:31:36'By combining 18th century agricultural origins
0:31:36 > 0:31:39'with up-to-date features for contemporary living,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42'I was hoping this barn conversion would be the persuading force
0:31:42 > 0:31:44'that Pete and Sandy needed on their search.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48'The bones of the building were some three centuries old,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52'but brand-new bifold doors took us into a very sleek,
0:31:52 > 0:31:53'stylish kitchen-diner.'
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Well, Sandy, how about this?
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- Now you're talking!- Yes, look at it!
0:32:00 > 0:32:03It's kind of modern loft living, but with a nice rural twist.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Yeah.- Funky, or what?
0:32:05 > 0:32:06I am very pleased.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Would this, then, Sandy, persuade you to take the leap
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- to rural Monmouthshire? - Most definitely.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- Would it?- Yes.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Now you should be taking this with both hands, mate,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21cos this is all good, this is a bit of you and a bit of Sandy.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- Yeah.- So what do you think of this one, then, Pete?
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I love it, too.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26'Off the kitchen lay a snug...
0:32:28 > 0:32:29'..a ground floor wet room...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32'..and a utility room.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35'Then, completing this floor was a large sitting area.'
0:32:35 > 0:32:37We thought from the outside,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40"It's not that big," but it just seems huge now you're inside.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45But what it does offer you, I think, is a truly flexible amount of space,
0:32:45 > 0:32:47and that's where it scores.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50That's right, yeah, I think it's ticking all the boxes.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51For me, it is very rural,
0:32:51 > 0:32:55though you've got this prospect of the other houses
0:32:55 > 0:32:59going up in the same area, so a little community,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- so it could well be the compromise we're looking for.- Yeah.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06So, happily, it seemed that our mystery offering
0:33:06 > 0:33:09was serving up Pete's idea of country life,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12as well as satisfying Sandy's design tastes and her wish for
0:33:12 > 0:33:14community close by.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Upstairs, there was another wet room,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20alongside two similarly sized doubles -
0:33:20 > 0:33:24one for guests and the other for Pete and Sandy.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Back outside, there was also a potential new home
0:33:28 > 0:33:31for their bottling business in the double garage,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35plus the good-sized garden had areas of decking and a lawn which,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39although overlooked, well, it was only by the local sheep.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44I love it, it just gets better and better. Yeah, it's my dream.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46- Oh, is it?- It is.- Is it?
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- I'm sold!- Oh, excellent! Music to your ears, I think.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Well, it is indeed, but now I'm starting to get worried, you see,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58because I've got to look at the cold, hard facts - can we afford it,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00for instance, is a major factor!
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Yes, indeed. Let's talk about those facts, then.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05You love it so much, you can go first on this one.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Right, I'm going to say, I'm going over budget, I'm going to say 375.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11375, Pete?
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Yeah, it's almost impossible,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I'm going to show solidarity with my wife here, and I'm saying 375.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It is on at £375,000.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22THEY LAUGH
0:34:22 > 0:34:24You see, we've brought you together,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27we've brought you together at last, in more ways than one -
0:34:27 > 0:34:29not just in the property, but also in the numbers.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32So it is 375. Now, having said that, of course, over budget,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35the owners know your budget.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- OK.- And we are cash buyers, more or less.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42Absolutely, yeah, so I think your budget would do the trick.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44We may have to have a discussion.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- I would.- Quite soon. - I would. Are you happy now?
0:34:47 > 0:34:48Very happy.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51This modern conversion of an 18th century barn was a great
0:34:51 > 0:34:52combination of old and new
0:34:52 > 0:34:57that was ideally positioned in a lovely countryside setting.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01It's not the kind of property we'd sort of imagined at all, I don't think.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Sometimes you need someone to give your imagination a bit of a kick,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07and you've certainly done that.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09At the end of our house-hunting excursion,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13I'd left Sandy and Pete with a range of strong possibilities
0:35:13 > 0:35:15to choose from.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18First off, there was the stone cottage that really appealed to Sandy.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Then the rural smallholding that was a favourite with Pete.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27Not forgetting, of course, our modern mystery barn conversion with views over farmland.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31But which one of these three was to become their new countryside address?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Well, there's no getting away from the fact that that Mystery House
0:35:37 > 0:35:42certainly seemed to wow both Pete and Sandy - agreement at last,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46so much so, in fact, they did end up getting out their cheque book.
0:35:46 > 0:35:47Yes, they bought it!
0:35:47 > 0:35:51So let's go and track them down and find out how they're getting on.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56From the outside, the house hasn't changed that much,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59as they've only been in for four weeks,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01and since it's been such a short time,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03they've hardly had any visitors.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06So it's an honour to be one of their very first guests.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Hi, Sandy!- Hi, Jules, how lovely to see you!
0:36:11 > 0:36:13How are you? Lovely to see you! Hello, Pete!
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Wow, look at this!
0:36:19 > 0:36:20Well, here we are again.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It feels like yesterday that I was showing this to you.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Glorious! You've finally done it.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Well, guys, I am delighted to see that you finally made the move,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36but I do recall, when we first came here,
0:36:36 > 0:36:40this was a property that made my job so easy,
0:36:40 > 0:36:44because it is something that really sells itself.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47It was love at first sight for us, I think.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I mean, that's one of the great selling points, isn't it?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52That wonderful view right across Monmouthshire.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I mean, every morning now, Sandy, you get to enjoy that.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59I think that sold the house for me, the actual view itself,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02it's just beautiful. I mean, who cannot like that?
0:37:02 > 0:37:03I think the only downside, actually,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06moving to the countryside is our internet connection.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07THEY LAUGH
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Well, you're not alone in that!
0:37:09 > 0:37:11But it is one of those things,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13and of course you're running a business from home, Pete.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15How's that working out for you?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Um, difficult, but you know,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22I've got various options of offices in the town as well.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25What's been the biggest challenge for you in coming to terms
0:37:25 > 0:37:29with what's been a pretty rapid and dramatic change in lifestyle?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Well, mine is definitely the grandchildren.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36I used to see them once a week, and now I don't see them!
0:37:36 > 0:37:40I've been to see them once so far. That's my biggest wrench, I think.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Sandy has been busy with the upcycling, renovation type work.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- Trying!- We're getting there.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47So what have you done, Sandy,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49to bring your hallmark to the furnishings?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52We bought this table and chair set, didn't we?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Stripped it back, I varnished it,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56waxed it - about ten times.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59It's got a lovely feel, hasn't it, yeah?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Trying to get a nice sort of old look to it.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04So how much was this when you bought it?
0:38:04 > 0:38:07It was a steal at 50 quid.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11But it must be lovely, then, having the opportunity to, you know,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14bring something of that creativity to a new home
0:38:14 > 0:38:16that you can now kind of create together.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19That's right, it's our first home together,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21and it's lovely putting it together.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25You know, it's not the biggest property we've ever sold,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28but it does have a lovely warm feeling and a real sense of space.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Now we're starting to try and beautify it a little bit.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34There is, however, one obvious omission,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I'm just looking up there at the ceiling!
0:38:36 > 0:38:38You do need a couple of lights there, don't you?
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- I think so.- Well, I might have a solution for you.- Oh.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46There is a really good reclamation yard not that far away.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- Really?- Yeah.- OK, game on.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Come on, then. Let's go upcycling, shall we?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56You're going to love this place.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59'Half an hour's drive north from Pete and Sandy's home
0:38:59 > 0:39:02'into the heart of the Brecon Beacons near Crickhowell
0:39:02 > 0:39:05'is a place that I think's the perfect spot for sourcing
0:39:05 > 0:39:09'unique and affordable household accessories.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Now, this is one of my favourite haunts in the area...
0:39:13 > 0:39:15..Gallops reclamation yard.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Look at it, it is just full of all sorts of bits and pieces
0:39:18 > 0:39:21which I think you could use in furnishing your new home.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24How about these? A nice bench for you!
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I think they're great, they're fab, absolutely lovely, aren't they, Pete?
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- This, does it...?- Yeah!
0:39:29 > 0:39:33So you could change the direction of the class.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Sit this way and then sit that way.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38But come on, let's have a look at the rest of it.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Now, I know we're here to look at lights,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44but I get so easily distracted in a place this.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Your garden is a bit plain at the moment, isn't it?
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's almost bare, it's got a few benches but...
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- Lots of grass. - Yeah, I was being polite,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54but bare is probably the way to describe it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56I like these big lions here.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Yes!- I won't put them in the back of our car but...
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Yeah...everything's deliverable, you know, for a price.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- But look, we digress, lighting is what we're after. Come on.- OK.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11'Reclamation yards can be an upcycler's paradise,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14'and also full of traditional or industrial gems
0:40:14 > 0:40:16'for both the garden and the home.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19'Pieces can range from large to small
0:40:19 > 0:40:23'and include anything from ornate garden furniture and statues
0:40:23 > 0:40:26'to original cast-iron fireplaces,
0:40:26 > 0:40:30'antique advertising signs, decorative tiles and lights.'
0:40:32 > 0:40:33Look at this, guys!
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Lighting all over the place, look at these,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39fabulous kind of industrial lights, wouldn't they look good?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41They're fantastic, lighting galore!
0:40:41 > 0:40:44'When it comes to buying second-hand electrical goods,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48'do be sure that the items have been PAT tested for safety
0:40:48 > 0:40:50'and are fit for purpose.'
0:40:50 > 0:40:53This, this is the same as that.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56A matching pair. I think our place is big enough
0:40:56 > 0:40:58that we could have something chunky.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Feel the quality, they don't make them like that any more!
0:41:01 > 0:41:02THEY CHUCKLE
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Isn't that lovely?- I love it.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- Glass on the bottom. - Isn't that nice, actually?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09This is just the sort of thing I would like...
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- I think that's ideal. - ..in my kitchen.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Probably, you know, '40s, 1940s,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18something like that? So how many of those would you want?
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Half a dozen.
0:41:19 > 0:41:20THEY LAUGH
0:41:20 > 0:41:22A couple, matching pair?
0:41:22 > 0:41:24'Well, mission accomplished,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27'and no doubt there's a good deal to be had on the lights.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29'So, with the shopping done,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31'there's another stop that Pete and Sandy want to share,
0:41:31 > 0:41:35'and that's their nearby pub, where we are popping in for a local brew.'
0:41:35 > 0:41:37This is the start of your future.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39You're only four weeks in,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41but are you feeling optimistic?
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Well, how does that song go?
0:41:43 > 0:41:44We've only just begun so...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49You have, you have only just begun, but if I'm honest,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51I was more concerned about you, Sandy,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54when we were looking for the right property,
0:41:54 > 0:41:59as to whether or not you would feel genuinely comfortable and at home in
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- the countryside.- Although I am a city girl, where I live now,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06it is very countrified, but I can go and find the city life,
0:42:06 > 0:42:07so I'm happy.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10What sort of advice would you give to anybody who was thinking about
0:42:10 > 0:42:12making the kind of change that you've made, Pete?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Do it.- Just do it?
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Just do it, don't wait, yeah.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- So, no regrets?- No.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Fantastic! Guys, well, look, here is the local stuff,
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- we might as well use it.- Yeah.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Cheers to you! - Cheers, thanks very much.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36Well, what a lovely couple of days I've had here on the Welsh borders.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39With Pete and Sandy, of course, I've caught up with some old friends,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42but with Ian and Les, I've made some new ones.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Two couples who bought two very different properties,
0:42:45 > 0:42:49but each united in their determination to change their lives
0:42:49 > 0:42:52and make their dream of a rural life a reality.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57Now, for years, I've been lucky enough to call this glorious region home,
0:42:57 > 0:42:58and now, happily, so can they.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00I'll see you next time.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05If you also dream of escaping to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07England or Northern Ireland
0:43:07 > 0:43:11and would like our help, why not apply online at...