0:00:02 > 0:00:04Making the move from city to countryside is often
0:00:04 > 0:00:06a momentous step.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Never in a million years I'd imagine I'd be seeing a house like this.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Never, ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14But for many years, Escape To The Country
0:00:14 > 0:00:18has been supporting countless people on the hunt for a new 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 > 0:00:29- Take a look at that killer view. - That's amazing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32..to showcase thousands of exquisite country properties...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Ah! How pretty is that?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38..that our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Oh!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Seriously, get your cheque book out now!- Wow, really?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Join us as we catch up with those who bought their dream home...
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Well, that's beautiful. - Are those tears?- They are, yeah.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..to find out how the move changed their lives when they
0:00:53 > 0:00:55escaped to the country.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15When it comes to presenting potential homes,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18no two reactions to our houses are ever the same.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22But one thing's for sure, when a property stirs the soul,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24there is nothing more satisfying.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Today, I'm back to catch up with past escapees who've certainly
0:01:28 > 0:01:30worn their hearts on their sleeves.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I'll be finding out about how their move to the country has changed
0:01:33 > 0:01:36their lives and whether that rose-tinted dream
0:01:36 > 0:01:38has lived up to reality.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44I'll be retracing my steps across two popular English counties,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Derbyshire in the East Midlands,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and Dorset in the South West.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Later on, I'll be catching up with retiree Pat from Windsor.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57She now lives in a pretty Derbyshire village where she's enjoying
0:01:57 > 0:02:01spending quality family time with her son and grandchildren.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06But first, I'll be visiting Jim and Lisa who bought one of our
0:02:06 > 0:02:09characterful heritage properties,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and whose vast country house has become a rural getaway
0:02:12 > 0:02:15for visiting friends and relations.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Back in the autumn of 2014,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23retired school manager, Lisa, and IT salesman, Jim,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25were living in suburban Hampshire.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Lisa was recovering from cancer.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29She'd received the all clear and her
0:02:29 > 0:02:32illness had given her a fresh perspective.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It changed my outlook on life completely.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Life's for living, you just don't know what's round the corner.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40You've got to take everything you can when it's given to you.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42She's come out the other end, extremely healthy
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and with a new vigour for life.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46For their country escape, Jim
0:02:46 > 0:02:50and Lisa chose an area they'd driven through many times over the years.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52What we love about North Dorset is the greenery.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57Just the wide open spaces and it's a bit more undulating than here.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00There's a few more hills for wandering up-and-down with the dog.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02I think it's going to take a lot of
0:03:02 > 0:03:04the stress out of my life, definitely.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Something that we would've done eventually anyway,
0:03:06 > 0:03:07we're just going to do sooner.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10With Jim planning to commute to London a couple of days a week,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14they were after a detached three-bedroom character property,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16not too far from a station.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Their wish list included a large kitchen-diner and a
0:03:19 > 0:03:21good sized garden for their dog, Shugs.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25And their budget for this move was £450,000.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33We started off by taking them to the village of Marnhull,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35in the Blackmoor Vale, where we showed them
0:03:35 > 0:03:40a pretty double-fronted cottage dating to the 1680s.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Oh, ah!
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Oh, that's beautiful.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Are those tears?- They are, yeah.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Oh, my God, on the first house.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Oh, it's got loads of character.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- Absolutely plenty of that. - It's just beautiful, isn't it?
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Yeah. It's chocolate box. - That's the word.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03With emotions already running high, we explored the interior,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05which was teeming with period features.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Come in.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Wow.- Wow.- Oh, this really does have character.- It does.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Size-wise, how does this work for you?
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- This is fine.- This is fine, yeah. - Yeah, I like this.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20HE CHUCKLES
0:04:20 > 0:04:22She's not always crying though, is she?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- I do cry a lot.- Aww! - You wouldn't believe it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- Let's show you the kitchen. - Brilliant.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35It's a bit smaller than I'm used to, but it's beautiful.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36We can make this work, easily.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- You really like this house, don't you?- Yeah, we do.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Yeah, I do, I really like this house.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45This charming character cottage had an upstairs family bathroom
0:04:45 > 0:04:49and three bedrooms - two of those were bright doubles.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52It feels a little bit small.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55It's just an observation, it's not really a criticism at all.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I don't like the sink in the room.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01I guess you can move the sink easy enough.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03No, I'm still sold on it, though.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06The garden to the front and back of the property had plenty of space for
0:05:06 > 0:05:09their dog Shugs to stretch his legs.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13They clearly loved the house and all that was left was to talk money.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15I think it's going to be over our budget.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I think it's going to be on the market for £465,000.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Jim?- I don't think you'd be that cruel, so I'm going to say
0:05:21 > 0:05:24it's inside the budget and I'm going to say £439,000.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It's actually on the market for £425,000.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- Wow.- Oh!- But does it change your opinion of the house in any way?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I like it even more! - THEY LAUGH
0:05:35 > 0:05:40The first house had pulled on Lisa's heart strings right from the off,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but Jim was taking a more logical approach.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45It's everything that I think we
0:05:45 > 0:05:48imagined that we would want in a property.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I guess, I'm just trying to be a little bit more practical.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55You know, just thinking things through and making sure that life
0:05:55 > 0:05:56would work in a place like this.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01For the second property, I took them over the border into Somerset,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03to the village of Stowell,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06to view a handsome house with an interesting past.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Ah.- Oh, wow!
0:06:09 > 0:06:12It's lovely. Again, it's picture postcard.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- This used to be an old schoolhouse. - Ah.- Brilliant.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I like the outside of the house,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I'm just a bit concerned about the size of the garden.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Once inside the former Victorian schoolhouse, we headed straight to
0:06:24 > 0:06:26the largest of the living spaces.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28This is one of two reception rooms,
0:06:28 > 0:06:29so this would be your main living room.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35For me, I'm looking for that sort of quaint, oldie world-y character.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Yeah. The outside is saying one thing and the inside is saying
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- something different.- It just doesn't feel as homely as I was expecting.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44Yeah.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51So I think the kitchen does have more of a country feel to it
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- than that living room. - It's a nice kitchen.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56This is a nice kitchen. It's nice and bright.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I guess, it doesn't hit me here.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04It seemed like downstairs might have lacked the character they wanted,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06but I was hopeful that the master suite - one of four
0:07:06 > 0:07:09good-sized bedrooms - would turn things around.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11With the exposed beam.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- It does make a difference. - Yeah, it really does.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17This feels like you're in a schoolhouse because of the beam.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Yeah. It definitely feels like an older property.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20Yeah, I don't know.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- You're on the fence?- Yeah, at the moment I'm on the fence.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- You need to have a proper explore, don't you?- Yeah, I think so.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30This cottage wasn't eliciting the same emotions from Lisa as our first
0:07:30 > 0:07:35house and she already had doubts about the lack of space outside.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38The garden for me is still an issue, I feel.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41What about the price?
0:07:41 > 0:07:43I think this is more expensive than house one.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48So I'm going to go at the £440,000 mark, again.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- OK.- I still think this is more than our budget.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- And I'm going to stick at £465,000. - OK.- OK.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- It's actually on the market for £385,000.- Whoa!
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Does that change your opinion of the house?
0:08:03 > 0:08:04- No.- No.- Cos that's a lot of money.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- No, it doesn't.- Really?- It doesn't.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11The second property was £65,000 under budget,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14but for Jim and Lisa it seemed to lack the feeling they'd experienced
0:08:14 > 0:08:16at our first house.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20For me, it hasn't got the character that I'm looking for in a property.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24This house, on paper, gives us more of what we've asked for,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and it lacks something as well.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31When a property pulls on the old heart strings,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34you know you're on to a winner and our first home certainly had that
0:08:34 > 0:08:35effect on Lisa.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Although, Jim was trying to balance practicalities with his gut feeling.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42And we still had the Mystery House to reveal.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Would we risk jeopardising that all-important feeling for our
0:08:46 > 0:08:49final home by bringing compromise into the mix?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52The final property was in the
0:08:52 > 0:08:54ancient village of Corton Denham,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56and was nestled in a farm setting
0:08:56 > 0:08:59on the border between Dorset and Somerset.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- Come closer, come closer. - Oh, the tears are coming!
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- That is stunning.- Oh.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08The mystery is that it is attached.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09I never noticed that!
0:09:09 > 0:09:11THEY LAUGH
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- It's the kind of terrace house I could live in.- Yeah!
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Although it was attached, they were delighted
0:09:16 > 0:09:19with the character of our converted flour mill.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Oh, I'm going again.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Oh, God!
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- Excuse me.- I love the view. - Oh, this is lovely.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- And the size is great. - And the size is fantastic.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Through there is a separate dining room.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Wow.- That is good.- It is.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43It feels bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- I don't know why.- Yeah.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48They were also bowled over by the huge open-plan sitting room
0:09:48 > 0:09:50on the lower ground floor.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Wow.- Oh!
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- I'm just...- I'm just...
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Speechless!- Yes, lost for words.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01What would you do with a space like this?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03I mean, a man cave would be great,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06but I feel guilty about having a man cave this big.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- You could have it. - This could be an office-cum...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Why restrict it to men? Office?! - ..painting...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- I was thinking more entertaining, parties.- That's true.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16This is... This is straight on to the garden.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Exactly. Cocktail reception...
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Ah!- ..cinema room, games room.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Yeah, the potential at how we could live here.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Upstairs there were five bedrooms, spread over two floors,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35including the potential master.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36- Oh, wow.- Oh, wow.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40So, this is one of two master bedrooms you could chose from.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- So you've got an en-suite there. - This is beautiful.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44I just can't believe how big it is.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It's fantastic. It really is.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48The Mystery House has blown me away.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I'm speechless. And it doesn't feel attached.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Outside, the dog-friendly garden got the thumbs up.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59How's this for a garden, would Shugs like it?
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- I think he'd love it. - Absolutely, he'd love it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07And you've got a gazebo AND a hot tub at the end of the garden,
0:11:07 > 0:11:08if that's your style.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Wow.- How about that?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Lisa and Jim loved the property,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17but it remained to be seen if the price tag was on the money.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20So how much would this house cost you?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I think it's going to be well out of our budget.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I think it's going to be on the market for £525,000.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29I don't think it's that much, but I do think it's over our budget,
0:11:29 > 0:11:31so I'm going to say £470,000.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33OK.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It's actually on the market for £450,000.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Wow.- So I've used your entire budget, but I spoke to the owner
0:11:40 > 0:11:43this morning and she's willing to take offers.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Oh. Really?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Yes, it is accessible to you.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51If you really want this house, you can have this house.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Oh.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59At the top of their budget, but with the owner open to offers,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02the Mystery House had given them more than they'd asked for.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07I never would have thought that something like this would be
0:12:07 > 0:12:08within our reach.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10The area's beautiful.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15It just ticks all the boxes, both emotionally and practically.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18We left Jim and Lisa spoilt for choice.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21They had certainly both been charmed by property one,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23the 17th century cottage.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25The second, the old schoolhouse,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28was under budget and offered them more living space.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Finally, that substantial mystery mill house had put
0:12:31 > 0:12:33the cat amongst the pigeons,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36but which one did they go for in the end?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Lisa and Jim didn't hang about,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44they put in an offer on their favourite property the very same day
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and it was accepted immediately.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It probably comes as no surprise
0:12:48 > 0:12:50that they went with their heart and bought -
0:12:50 > 0:12:52yep, you've guessed it - the Mystery House.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56That was almost two-and-a-half years ago and I'm excited to be back to
0:12:56 > 0:12:58find out how life in the country is treating them.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Hello.- Hello!
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Good to see you.- Lovely to see you.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- How are you?- You look so well. - You look lovely.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- The country life is suiting you. - It does.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Shall we go through to the kitchen? - Yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Ah, it looks a lot lighter in here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Yes. What we've done is
0:13:27 > 0:13:31we've had the kitchen cupboards and doors painted to a lighter colour.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- This is a new addition.- It is.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34There was the pine table and chairs here before.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37It came with the antique white legs,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39which inspired me to then spruce it up,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41bring some more light into it.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43You've kept that country kitchen look,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- it's just a bit fresher now, isn't it?- Yes, absolutely.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48It's more in keeping with our kind of colour schemes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I remember showing you around a huge party basement.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Ah, yes.- I want to see what you've done there!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55OK, come and have a look.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Jim and Lisa wanted a house in which to entertain,
0:13:59 > 0:14:04and the large open-plan living space downstairs helped seal the deal.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Originally painted a dark terracotta,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09they've splashed out on lightening this room, too.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11So a bit different from when you last saw it.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- But you kept the pool table. - We did.- We kept the pool table.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16That was one of the things that sold the house as well, wasn't it,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18the fact that it was going to be a party room?
0:14:18 > 0:14:21And it looks like it is with the amount of champagne corks.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Yes, that's a theme of ours.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24I like the bar.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27That's my upcycling project.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29How often do you use this room because we were talking about this
0:14:29 > 0:14:32being the place where you relax maybe after dinner?
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Yeah.- That's what we do every evening, we're here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Your guests must love this space?
0:14:38 > 0:14:39- Yeah.- When the kids come.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42We thought when we moved here we would have nice quiet weekends.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45And I think we probably only had half a dozen,
0:14:45 > 0:14:49maybe ten weekends where we haven't had people descend on us.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'd say, if you want a quiet weekend in the country,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54don't have a bar in your basement!
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- THEY LAUGH - There is that.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The huge sleeping quarters upstairs in our Mystery House
0:15:00 > 0:15:03gave Lisa and Jim a choice of master bedrooms.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07In the end, they opted for the blue carpeted one we looked at together.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Lisa has worked her magic here, too.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12In choosing the colour scheme,
0:15:12 > 0:15:16we decided we wanted to keep it in with the red roll top bath,
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- remember in the en-suite? - Yes, you couldn't replace that.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20So we decided that we were going to
0:15:20 > 0:15:22go the reds, the greys and the creams.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- You've done a really good job. - Thank you.- Ah, the view!
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Absolutely.- Lovely views.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30This is where I tend to come during the day.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I can see why you've put in a sofa
0:15:32 > 0:15:35because you might as well have this as a suite with those views.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Absolutely.- And the size as well.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41That's what sold it to us. It was just how much space there was,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44compared to the others that we looked at.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47When we got here, because we had come from obviously something much
0:15:47 > 0:15:51smaller, we started just calling this the West Wing
0:15:51 > 0:15:56and the guest room the East Wing, just as a tongue-in-cheek thing.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58But it stuck.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00And one day, a parcel turned up
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and Lisa had been online and she had ordered signs for all the doors,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07so now we've got the East Wing, the West Wing,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09the Observatory, the Penthouse.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11So everything has got a name now.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Lisa has also put her own stamp on the garden -
0:16:14 > 0:16:19installing raised beds which produce a plentiful supply of veg each year.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The gazebo has been turned into a potting shed,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26overlooking the outstanding rural views to rear of the property.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28When you get in from work,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31we will go and sit down at the bottom of the garden and watch
0:16:31 > 0:16:33the sunset with a glass of wine and it's just lovely.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35We pinch ourselves every day.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Literally do. It's just beautiful.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40We love it here. Really love it here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43And how soon was it that you moved in?
0:16:43 > 0:16:46How long was the process? The offer had been accepted on that day.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47Four months?
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Yeah, September we put the offer in and we moved in the January.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54So you've been here more than two years, almost two and a half now.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Yeah. Yeah, and it only feels like yesterday.- Really?- Yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- But you knew it was the house for you.- Absolutely.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I mean, it was just... Everything that we wanted and more.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I was really worried about it.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08The logical bit of me was saying, "It's big, it's huge..."
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- And you were Mr Logical, weren't you?- I was, yeah.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Um, and I was a little bit frightened of it
0:17:14 > 0:17:17because I didn't know whether we were going to end up in a money pit.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Because of the age of it and all these things.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23But it's turned out to be a real gem.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Yes.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- We would never have found it. - We wouldn't have even looked at it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28You wouldn't have looked at it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31No, because every criteria was detached, detached, detached.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33How much did you end up paying for the house?
0:17:33 > 0:17:34Because your budget was 450.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36It was on the market for 450,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38but we knew they would take an offer.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41We paid 425 for it in the end.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Um, but we did the deal in the pub. - Mm.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Um, just shortly after we had sort of done our final chat on what
0:17:49 > 0:17:51we were going to do next.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56The owner was in the pub and we went and interrupted her lunch,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59and she was quite happy for us to interrupt the lunch.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02And we did a bit of haggling and shook hands there and then.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06I loved it. Absolutely genuinely loved it.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09And I knew Lisa loved it. And it was going to be a punt.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13You know, we were taking a punt moving this far away from friends
0:18:13 > 0:18:18and family and so it was all part of that gamble, I guess.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Yeah, the pub also sold it to us as well, though, didn't it?
0:18:21 > 0:18:25From the point of view that you could see how friendly everybody was
0:18:25 > 0:18:26and it was going to give me that
0:18:26 > 0:18:28community life that I was looking for.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30You really wanted that. You didn't want to be isolated.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34No, not at all. So I belong to the gardening society,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36we get involved in the village quiz.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40And I have a coffee morning here once a month as well.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So it means that they can come out and especially for the older ones
0:18:43 > 0:18:45as well, it's nice for them to get out and about.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49I just love it, absolutely love it. They are wonderful.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52As well as immersing herself in village life,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Lisa works part-time in the local pub,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56where that deal was done on the house.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00While she heads off to start her lunchtime shift, it's a chance
0:19:00 > 0:19:04for Jim to introduce me to the new addition to the family - Bella -
0:19:04 > 0:19:07an excitable companion for their other dog, Shugs.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Hello, pooches. Come on then! - They are dying to come out.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Come on then.- Oh, hello, Shugs. - Who's this?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Come on, let's go and see Sonali. Come on then.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Come on then.- That's Bella. - Come on then.- Hi, Bella!
0:19:19 > 0:19:22With Jim commuting to London three days a week, walking Bella
0:19:22 > 0:19:26and Shugs in the hills overlooking the village of Corton Denham
0:19:26 > 0:19:28is the perfect way to unwind.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It also serves as a daily reminder
0:19:31 > 0:19:33of why they made the move in the first place.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Look at the view from here.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Makes me smile every time, even though I've done it 50, 100,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44maybe more times, I still love it.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47This is everything that I wanted. And I've got it.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53It really sounds like the move has lived up to your expectations
0:19:53 > 0:19:56because the motivation was, of course,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Lisa's recovery from breast cancer.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- It was...- Changed your life's perspective, didn't it?
0:20:01 > 0:20:04It did. It did. We were always talking about doing something
0:20:04 > 0:20:07like this later on in life and it just brought it forward.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09We just decided, you know, why not now?
0:20:09 > 0:20:15It's four years since Lisa finished her chemotherapy.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16That's a milestone.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20December, we will mark five years since she was diagnosed.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23And that's the point where if everything is OK,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- then she will get signed off as cancer-free.- Cancer-free.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31I know the move has been absolutely the right thing to do.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34But has there been anything that has been tough?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Getting used to the commute.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39At first, oh, it was a killer.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Well, six hours a day, I'm not surprised!
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It was just so hard and I felt so tired.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49I used be on the train and I used to look at my watch and say,
0:20:49 > 0:20:53"OK, well, if we were in the old house, I'd be home by now."
0:20:53 > 0:20:56And I still had another hour and a bit to go.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59But now, this is normal and so,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- there is nothing to compare it to any more.- Mm.- This is life.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05This is where I live now.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- And it's worth the commute. - Absolutely. It's beautiful.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- And that's the pub where we are going to join Lisa.- Ah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Where do we walk? Just down there?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- We're going to go off down the hill...- Right.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- ..and the footpath comes out right opposite the pub.- Let's do it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28HE CHUCKLES They know Lisa is in there.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30They do! Come on.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Hi, Lisa.- Hi. How are you? - I'm well, thank you.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Did you have a nice walk? - Had a lovely walk.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Have you got time for a bit of a break?- Yeah, I can take a break.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43Here we go.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Any regrets about moving to the country?
0:21:47 > 0:21:49That we didn't do it quicker.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53None at all from me. Absolutely none at all.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56How has life really changed?
0:21:56 > 0:21:59More settled. Less stress.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02You were happy when I first met you, but you are beaming...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Yeah.- ..on another level now.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06I think we had a vision of...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Certainly, I had a vision of what it might be like
0:22:09 > 0:22:11and this just surpasses it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- A toast?- A toast.- A toast. What shall we toast?
0:22:14 > 0:22:15- Country living.- Country living.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Country living.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- ALL:- Cheers.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29When escaping to the country is no longer just a dream,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33but becomes a reality for those who fall in love with a property we've
0:22:33 > 0:22:37introduced them to, the sense of achievement is so rewarding.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41And if they then go on to make that all-important offer,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44we feel like matchmakers whose work is done.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Here's just one of those unforgettable matches
0:22:47 > 0:22:49made in heaven.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53It was in the spring of 2016 when I was in Devon,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57property shopping with Sally and Colin from East Horsley in Surrey.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01With aspirations to tap into the West Country tourist trade,
0:23:01 > 0:23:06they had a very healthy budget of £950,000 to find a
0:23:06 > 0:23:09character-filled house along with a business.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13The very first option I presented had all the hallmarks of a winner,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17with an up and running holiday let and a beautiful Grade II listed
0:23:17 > 0:23:1816th century house.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23The cobbled stone is such a feature here.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29And then you've got quarry stone here in this beautiful kitchen.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Yeah, perfect. - Oh, that's what you wanted...
0:23:32 > 0:23:34That is absolutely stunning.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It's got a farmhouse feeling to it. - It has. And I love that beams.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The beams, the ceiling, it's just perfect.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Explore more of the downstairs? - Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47On the ground floor, the main rooms all had aspects to the rear.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Next to the kitchen, and accessed through the hallway
0:23:50 > 0:23:52was a beautiful dining room.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54And then we came to the sitting-room.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Wow! Lovely room.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59It's a nice sized living room, isn't it?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02The flow between these two rooms are fantastic.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04There were four bedrooms upstairs,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07all with feature windows overlooking the garden.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Outside, the neighbouring two-bedroom holiday let
0:24:10 > 0:24:14had a more contemporary interior, all ready to welcome paying guests.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18And the grounds on offer totalled more than four acres,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22including paddocks, a workshop and a huge pond.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27Who would like to guess how much this property is on the market for?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29I would say it's got to be near the top of our budget,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31so I'm going to say 900.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- OK. Colin? - I will say a bit less than that.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36About 875.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Well, you are both going to be very pleased with what I'm about to say.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44It's actually currently on the market for £775,000.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- No way! That's amazing. - That's very good.- That's amazing!
0:24:47 > 0:24:51So amazing, in fact, that Sally and Colin went on to put in an offer,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53another inspirational house-hunting
0:24:53 > 0:24:56journey in our countryside chronicles.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03As with all property purchases,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05people come to Escape To The Country with a wish list,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07five or six must-haves.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11They want at least three bedrooms, a big double garage, a kitchen-diner,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15but you must never underestimate the power of that feeling when you walk
0:25:15 > 0:25:19into a property with that all-important wow factor.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23It's amazing how quickly that wish list can be pushed aside.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26And that's exactly what happened with our next buyer.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31In the summer of 2016, Pat was living in Windsor in Berkshire,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34a town she had spent her whole life residing in.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Joining her on the house-hunt was friend and neighbour, Tula, who was
0:25:38 > 0:25:40hoping to be the voice of reason.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Tula is a very, very friendly, genuine sort of person.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46She is always there to listen when I'm upset...
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Pat's friendship means a lot to me.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51We have always been like sisters.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54With her heart set on a rural lifestyle and
0:25:54 > 0:25:55retirement on the horizon,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58she wanted to be closer to her son and grandchildren.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01I'm looking to move to the East Midlands area.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Within about 15 miles of my son Stephen, who's in Nottingham.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Possibly towards the Peak District area.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10My greatest joy will be to be able to visit Stephen
0:26:10 > 0:26:12and the grandchildren, Katie, Charlie.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Pat's husband was suffering from Alzheimer's and had recently
0:26:16 > 0:26:17gone into care.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Arranging for him to be close by was also part of the move.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25As was finding enough space for much-loved springer spaniel, Jack.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Jack is my friend, my mate.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31He is an absolute character, he's a joy.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Very good dog, cheeky little fella.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35With a budget of £300,000,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39she was after a characterful home with a minimum of two bedrooms.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43A large dog-friendly garden for Jack was a must.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45And she wanted easy access to a village community.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49We started our search in the Derbyshire hamlet of Woolley Moor,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53where I showed Pat and Tula a terraced stone cottage built
0:26:53 > 0:26:55in the mid-1800s.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Ah, that is lovely. That is really, really nice.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- You wanted a cottage, didn't you? - I did, I did.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- Obviously, end of terrace... - Fine.- Are you fine about that?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Absolutely.- It's quite nice to have some neighbours, as well.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- Exactly.- A nice streety feel.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12The front garden looks like your front garden.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14We will buy and go now, shall we?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16See? This is why Tula is here.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- You are ready to sign on the dotted line.- I am.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- You like the outside.- I do. - Let see if the inside fits then.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23That's great.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Pat appeared already sold and there was plenty more to see.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31So, I don't know whether you would use this entrance all the time.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Love it. I love the stone floor.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Fireplace. Plenty of room. Perfect. Cosy!
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- It is.- What a good first choice.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- Well, let's go and see the rest of it.- Yeah.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46The kitchen was on the cosy side,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50but a new extension which was currently used as a dining room
0:27:50 > 0:27:54had the potential to be a larger kitchen-diner.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57It could be more than a dining room, do you not think?
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- You could make it a kitchen-diner, dining table...- Yeah, absolutely.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- We can do that. The stained glass is a bit of a feature.- Exactly.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07I do think there is a lot of potential, isn't there?
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Yeah.- Really, really nice. - Potential.- You like it?
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I like it. I like it, it's cosy.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Upstairs, there were three bedrooms arranged over two floors,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21including a room in the loft and one I had earmarked for Pat.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24I think this would make a really lovely master
0:28:24 > 0:28:26because of the amazing views.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Ah, wow! Look at that. The view is amazing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Gosh, that is amazing. That's fantastic.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- Lay in bed, tea in the morning. - Mm-hm.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The garden had plenty of nooks and crannies for Jack the spaniel
0:28:38 > 0:28:42to play around in, as well as the visiting grandchildren.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44It was clear we had got off to a good start,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47would the price be the icing on the cake?
0:28:47 > 0:28:52It's now on the market for 249,950.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- No!- So just under £250,000. - That's fantastic.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- That is good. - I can see me living here.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01£50,000 below budget, the end of terrace cottage
0:29:01 > 0:29:05located in a rural setting would be hard to beat.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- You've moved in, haven't you, already?- I have! I have. It's lovely.- It's very nice.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Our next offering was in the village of Crich,
0:29:12 > 0:29:17where I showed Pat and Tula another pretty cottage built in 1912,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19and despite the weather, spirits were high.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23As they say, if you like a house in the rain...
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- Exactly.- So...
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- Looks very good.- Here it is.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30And look, Pat, here is
0:29:30 > 0:29:33what you wanted. It's already there!
0:29:33 > 0:29:34It's there. Yeah.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37A new summerhouse, whatever.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39As happy as you were before seeing the first house?
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Not sure yet. I'll see inside.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44But, yeah, no... It's a good feeling.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Although Pat was reserving judgment for now,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51I was hopeful that the beautifully finished interior would impress.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Very nice.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- It is, isn't it? - Very nice. I like it.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I love the open stove in the fireplace.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Oh, yeah. Absolutely gorgeous, love it.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03I'm glad you love this room,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- because it's certainly not the best room downstairs.- Really?- Follow me.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- Oh, this is stunning. - What are you going to say?
0:30:14 > 0:30:15Oh...!
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Sorry.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- Tears...!- Stunning.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22It looks amazing.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24So tasteful. Look at that fireplace, look at the fire!
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Ooh...- Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Well, you're warming up, aren't you?!- Oh...!
0:30:29 > 0:30:30I'm moving in.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Upstairs, there were three bedrooms,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36all served by a well-fitted family bathroom.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Two of the bedrooms overlooked the front,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42with Pat's potential master at the rear.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Very tasteful, isn't it?
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Yes. So how are you feeling about the house?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51I really, really like it.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Really like it.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54It is impeccably done.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- It really is.- The finish is amazing.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- Wow...- I would move in tomorrow. - Would you?- Yes, I would.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05Outside, the garden to the front was fully enclosed, but the patio garden
0:31:05 > 0:31:08at the back was smaller than Pat had asked for.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Oh. It's cute, isn't it?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Are you OK
0:31:13 > 0:31:14about only this much garden?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17You said that was the one thing you wouldn't compromise on.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Yes...- It's funny how you...sort of change!
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Oh, you've changed, have you?- Er, no...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- I've got a nice front garden... - Yes.- ..which is nice and easy to look after,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31there's room for Jack to run around. I think I could live with it.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34That's great news, because otherwise the house is ideal.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35But how much will it cost you?
0:31:37 > 0:31:38I would say 300,000.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- You're going on budget?- Yes.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44I think you might have gone slightly over. I'll go 310.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47It's actually currently on the market for...
0:31:47 > 0:31:50..just under 270,000.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- Wow!- It's within your budget.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Gosh!
0:31:55 > 0:31:57We'll have money for holidays!
0:31:57 > 0:31:59£30,000 under budget,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02the house, garden and village setting
0:32:02 > 0:32:04had gone down a treat.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Very, very pleased. Very pleased.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07Excellent place.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Excellent place. Excellent end to the day.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17I couldn't have asked for a better start to our property journey
0:32:17 > 0:32:19with Pat and her friend Tula.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24Two houses that Pat loved, both under her budget of £300,000.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26But, not one to rest on my laurels,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30I still had one more fantastic property to show.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33And with the Mystery House, I wanted Pat to focus on what she wanted
0:32:33 > 0:32:35but also what she didn't want.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Our final offering was in the small settlement of Pleasley Vale
0:32:39 > 0:32:41on the Nottinghamshire border,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and our Mystery House was part of a former mill building.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Wow!
0:32:47 > 0:32:48God...
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- It's beautiful.- Despite the rain? - I absolutely love it.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- I loved the drive in... - Don't like the rain!
0:32:55 > 0:32:58No. Well, shall we get out of the rain and head in?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Yes, please.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Laid out over three levels, we started in the main reception room.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08We're giving you the rural setting of house number one,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11but with the polished interiors of house number two.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- You've done that.- To make you really think,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16"What's going to be right for me?"
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Mm-hm.- "And what do I really want?" - Mm.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22You know what you are really doing, you are trying to confuse us.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- I'm causing trouble, am I?- Mm.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27You've absolutely cracked it, it's just stunning.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29And who doesn't love a fireplace?
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Love the fireplace. Never had one, always wanted one.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- There you go, this is an actual log burner.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35It's beautiful.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Well, let's see where you'd entertain the family.- Really? OK.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44It's an amazing kitchen!
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Oh, it's a definite.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Look at that light through here.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52They've done an amazing job, haven't they?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55I think this is almost better than yesterday's one.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00Yet again, the Mystery House seemed to be working its magic.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04Upstairs, there were three bedrooms over two floors.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06The master overlooked the front of the property.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It's perfect. It's a good family house, visitors' house.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13How did you feel about the staircase, which was fairly steep?
0:34:13 > 0:34:18- Too steep.- That is a slight worry, as...getting older as well.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Is it a deal-breaker?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It's something I'd have to seriously think about.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Outside, the home came with a private front garden,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28as well as generous communal grounds,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31with the option of renting allotment space.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Sheltering from the rain, we discussed the financials.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40It's actually currently on the market for...
0:34:41 > 0:34:42..offers in excess of 270,000.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45- Oh, no!- Yes.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48So it's still 30,000 under your budget.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Yes. Yes. - Good.- Oh, dear.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52- Yes.- You've got a bit to discuss.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Yeah. A lot to think about.- Yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Pat and Tula were captivated
0:34:56 > 0:34:57by the Mystery House,
0:34:57 > 0:35:01leaving Pat with a big decision to make.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03All three have been
0:35:03 > 0:35:05fantastic finds.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07It's going to be hard.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Pat was clearly charmed by our first property,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13but her reactions to the second house were even more positive.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And then of course, there was the Mystery House,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19which left Pat truly spoilt for choice.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21So which one did she pick?
0:35:23 > 0:35:27It's rare on this show to have a buyer love all three of our houses
0:35:27 > 0:35:31equally, as Pat did when we toured the East Midlands last summer.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35And that made the decision of which one to buy even harder.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39After weighing up all three, Pat decided to go for our second property,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41the end of terrace cottage,
0:35:41 > 0:35:43and I'm back here in the village of Crich,
0:35:43 > 0:35:45to find out how she's settled in.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49And six months on from moving in,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52it seems Pat has already put her own stamp
0:35:52 > 0:35:54on the outside of the property,
0:35:54 > 0:35:56with a view to making larger changes in the near future.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- Oh, hi, Sonali.- Hello, Pat.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Hi, Jack!- So lovely to see you. - Really nice to see you.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- On a sunny day as well.- I know. We saw the house
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- on a really rainy day.- We did.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13What's happened to the cabin?
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Yeah, that's gone. We tried to use it for the children's playroom,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19and they preferred upstairs and their own room.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23So we decided we're going to build, like, an orangery or a conservatory,
0:36:23 > 0:36:24with a downstairs toilet.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- Got lots of plans, haven't you? - Lots of plans.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- I want to see what you've done in there as well.- Come in.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- You look well.- I AM well!
0:36:32 > 0:36:33Yeah.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Pat moved to Derbyshire to be closer to her son and grandchildren.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43The plan was for her husband, who was suffering from Alzheimer's,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45to move into a care home nearby.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- You will remember this room, won't you?- Oh, yes!
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- You kept the wallpaper.- I love the wallpaper.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52And you bought some of their furniture.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54I bought quite a lot of their furniture actually.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- Did your husband end up moving with you?- Came up, yeah.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- Unfortunately it was about three weeks before I moved...- Oh.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- ..and then he passed away. - Yeah.- So...
0:37:02 > 0:37:03But...
0:37:03 > 0:37:06We sort of expected it, but... you know, it was tough.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- Yes, of course.- Especially moving as well, but...
0:37:08 > 0:37:12So that's Maurice's bookcase. Remembrance of Maurice.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15And Jack seems to be loving it here.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Jack loves it. Lots of amazing walks,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- makes himself at home as you can see.- Yes.- That's his little spot.
0:37:21 > 0:37:22And erm...
0:37:22 > 0:37:25we walk twice a day, probably an hour, two hours...
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Wow.- ..through loads of woods and canals and rivers,
0:37:28 > 0:37:30so it's perfect. Perfect.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32With Pat prioritising the family,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36she hasn't had time to ring any major changes inside.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Although her master bedroom has been given a makeover.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I'm interested to see the kitchen,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48where Pat's reaction was so overwhelming
0:37:48 > 0:37:50during our original tour.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Would you like tea or coffee?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- Ooh, I never say no to a strong cup of tea.- Strong cup of tea.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58It looks... It looks pretty much the same in here, doesn't it?
0:37:58 > 0:38:00It is, really.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- I've just replaced the cooker with a dishwasher. - SONALI GASPS
0:38:03 > 0:38:05I'm remembering the tears.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06I don't. No, I don't.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- We haven't changed a lot because there's no need.- No.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- It was near enough perfect when you walked in.- Yeah, yeah.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14The kitchen has already hosted a family Christmas,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16with ten people sat around the table.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Another piece of furniture bought from the previous owner.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22And that was the motivation for the move, wasn't it?
0:38:22 > 0:38:26That this would be the heart of your family household...
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Yes.- ..you were moving closer to your grandchildren.- Yes.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30- You wanted to spend more time with them.- Yeah.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- And has that happened?- Oh, yeah, definitely. Definitely.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36We spend a lot of time together. We walk a lot together.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38They come for their weekends here.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- As their holiday weekends.- Mm.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43So, it's, you know, it's real countryside.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45How's Tula? She knew this was the house for you.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Tula's great. She did.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48She did. Yeah, she's great.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- I go and see her every month. - Do you?
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- Yeah, we sit there like a couple of old biddies. Yeah. - SONALI LAUGHS
0:38:54 > 0:38:56It's unusual that people like
0:38:56 > 0:38:59all three of the houses that I show them,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01but, actually, you did.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02How did this become your kitchen?
0:39:02 > 0:39:05A-ha. Well, first house...
0:39:05 > 0:39:08was a nice little cottage, wasn't it?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- It was really nice. A lot to do. - Mm.- Not big enough.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- This house was an instant family feel to it.- Mm.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17You'd given me a budget of £300,000,
0:39:17 > 0:39:21and this was on for just under £270,000.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Did you pay that much for it? - I did.- Mm.- I did.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Plus about six for furniture.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- Yes.- Yes.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31So, yeah, I think it's a fair price.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34You put the offer in on this place
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- while we were viewing houses... - I did.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39..so how soon was it until you moved in?
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- It was October.- Yeah. So that's...
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Which was fine because it gave me time to sort Maurice out,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46and find him a nice home.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48And you did end up finding somewhere close by?
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Found a really nice home.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- Yeah. Brought him up and they were really good to him.- Mm.- Yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Well, it's a shame - he hadn't got to see how beautiful it is up here.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Although Pat might have retired, she's keeping herself busy.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04She regularly volunteers in the gift shop at Cromford Canal,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08a waterway built at the end of the 18th century, and now run
0:40:08 > 0:40:10as a charitable trust.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Actually, I'll take one of these for the children as well.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- Oh, excellent.- So, and keep the change.- Oh, thank you.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20The tow path is also a great place to walk her companion,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22springer spaniel Jack.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Pat also picks up her grandchildren from school
0:40:25 > 0:40:26a couple of times a week.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30And I'm joining them on a trip to the Tramway Museum in Crich,
0:40:30 > 0:40:34a collection of working vintage carriages dating to the 1900s.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39It's a place that ten-year-old Katie and 12-year-old Charlie often visit
0:40:39 > 0:40:41with their grandmother.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42BELL CHIMES
0:40:42 > 0:40:44And while they take in the views upfront,
0:40:44 > 0:40:49it gives me the opportunity to catch up with Pat's son Stephen.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Thank you very much.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55So, what's it like having Mum so close?
0:40:55 > 0:40:58It's great. As before, with travelling down south,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- we only really got a day and a half together over the weekend.- Mm.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04So, now, I get to pop over for a cup of tea,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and Mum can pick the kids up from school
0:41:06 > 0:41:08and we can have a chat and that sort of stuff.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10So, we get a lot more time together. It's brilliant.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- Yes, I hear she's a great baby-sitter.- She is.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13She is very, very good!
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Very willing!- Very handy.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20There are so many people that think,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22"It would be great to move to the country,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24"get away from the busyness of where we currently live."
0:41:24 > 0:41:27But they never quite make the jump.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- No.- Would you encourage people to do it?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31I would.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Do their homework a bit. Make sure they've got things to do.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Otherwise, they may well not settle.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40But, yeah, I would encourage them to do it. It's beautiful. Fresh air.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Loads of stars at night, no pollution.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44What more do you want?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46As a family, you've learnt, in many ways, the hard way
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- how time is so precious.- Yes, definitely.- Very.- Life is too short.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51You've got to make the most of it while you can.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- I'd encourage anyone to retire now.- Yeah.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56And I was the worst one for working, wasn't I?
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Yes.- Six days a week. - Three jobs, here and there.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Well, it's certainly suiting you. - Yeah.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04It's really nice to see you surrounded by the family, as well.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05Yeah. Oh, absolutely.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07There they are, look.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12It's been an emotional time for Pat,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14but the family has helped her through,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16and she can now look forward to spending
0:42:16 > 0:42:18more quality time with Stephen and the kids
0:42:18 > 0:42:22in the beautiful surroundings of the Derbyshire countryside.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Lisa, Jim and Pat all trusted their instinct when choosing
0:42:31 > 0:42:33which one of our houses to buy.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36They've all shown that love at first sight can be just as powerful
0:42:36 > 0:42:39with property as it is in many relationships.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Sometimes, you just know that that house is the one,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45and it's been great to see how, by following their heart,
0:42:45 > 0:42:49they've all settled into happy new lives here in the country.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51See you next time.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55If you dream of escaping to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58England or Northern Ireland, and would also like our help,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00why not apply online at...