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0:00:20 > 0:00:24- Tonight, I climb a steep hill - to reach a small house...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..with a huge view of Swansea Bay.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- We'll visit Henry and Gwen Hughes's - underground house...
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- ..and a cottage - jam-packed with arts and relics.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38- Welcome to 04Wal.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- This is my little nest.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- I work here and I live here.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- It's quiet. - I'm free to do as I please.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- I fell in love with the house - instantly.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- The garden and the view - sold the house to me.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- The house - is in the middle of town...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..but there's - very little traffic here.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- It feels as if - I'm in the countryside...
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- ..but I'm on the outskirts of town.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- Writer and gardener, Manon Eames...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..has lived in this house in Swansea - for 20 years.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- She carried out much of the - renovation and design work herself.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- How did you go about adapting - the house to suit your needs?
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- I wanted a cosy home - that was also practical.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- I'm not very tidy.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- I like everything to have its place - but I like things to be on display.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04- I'm not a cupboards person, really. - I like to see my personal nicknacks.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- I like to get stuck in.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- I did some of the plumbing, - the wiring and the decorating.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- I think it makes a house - really feel like your home.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- My fingerprints are all over - every inch of this house.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21- In a way.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- The house is a whole, to me, - rather than various rooms.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28- It's one living space.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- I can see the sea - from this house, of course.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- I have introduced a subtle, - maritime theme to the house.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- I can see Mumbles lighthouse - when I lie in the bath.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- I imagine I'm in a beach hut - looking out, across the bay.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- You must have - a seriously vivid imagination!
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- Yes, I have, Aled!
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- You have two sofas - and lots of scatter cushions.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- This suggest you spend a lot of time - in front of the television.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- No, but I want to be comfortable - when I- am- here.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- It's lovely and cosy in here, - in the winter.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- I spend most of my time outside, - in the summer.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- That's a very special picture.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- There's a picture of Kyffin Williams - on the wall.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- It makes me think about my father - and about Snowdonia.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- I'm very fond of it.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- It lifts my spirits.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- There's one splash of colour - in this room.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- It's the biggest splash of colour - in the whole house.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Yes. - It's the centrepiece of the room.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- When I started staining it, - I thought I'd gone over the top.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00- I'm happy with it.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- The colour complements the carpet - and the piano stool cover.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- I like this shade of red.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- It took a while - to get the shade right.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- I wanted a strong, dark red, - rather than a bright red.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- I think there's something - quite rustic about it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- It also makes the glass stand out.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- Yes. I'm very fond of glass. - I'm fond of slate, too.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- I love - the reflective qualities of glass.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- This is a really light room.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- The glass baubles I have throughout - the house reflect the light.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- Are you fond of baubles?
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Are you fond of baubles?- - Yes, I love my baubles!
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Let's go and see the kitchen.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Stepping in here from the - muted colours of the lounge...
0:04:52 > 0:04:53- ..is quite a contrast.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- It's a riot of colours.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- Yes, but I hope - they're fairly subtle.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- This kitchen can be cold, - so I wanted some warm colours.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- When I put the stained glass - in the doors...
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- ..I wanted it to blend in - with the wood.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- There's a lovely, orange tint - to the wood.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Warm colours like orange and yellow - go well with slate.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- This is a great kitchen.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- It's easy to cook here because - two people can work here, together.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- There are two sinks over there...
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- ..and one, here.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- The wood and the slate worktop - look as if they've been recycled.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- This slab of slate - came from a toilet in Cardiff.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- I enjoy recycling things.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Old things have real character.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- Slate worktops cost a fortune.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- This didn't cost a fortune.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I write on it, with special pencils.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- I write notes on it - and I draw pictures on it.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- I treat it like a practical item, - not a decorative touch.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- A place to have a tinkle?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- It has been cleaned - since it was taken from the toilet!
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Upstairs, the design is simple.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- Two bedrooms - and a bathroom - at the back of the house.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- One little gadget - makes this house rather unusual.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- MUSICAL CHIMES
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- # Life is a cabaret, old chum
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- # Dee-dee, dum-dum, tie-to #
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- You can play that when you - enter the bathroom, each morning!
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- There's an old cupboard, - on the landing.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- Manon has created a storage space - for her shoe collection here.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- This ladder leads to what will - eventually become a bedroom.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- Manon enjoys lovely views - of the Mumbles from her bedroom.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- The office is over here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- And what an office!
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Everything is within your reach - when you sit in the chair.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- It's a real seat of power.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- When you're sick of - ruling the world...
0:07:38 > 0:07:39- ..there's a balcony.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- I sometimes ask people if the garden - is an extension of the house.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- Yes, I tried to give the garden - a similar feel to the house...
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- ..by using terracotta and slate.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- You'll see the same materials - and colours in the kitchen.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- I believe the house and the garden - is a partnership.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- The house sits in the garden - and the garden is part of the house.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- When you live somewhere, - study it and work out how to use it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- You can see - how the light works in this garden.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- The sun's going down over the bay.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- You instinctively know where to sit - when you're in the garden.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- React to your surroundings.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- You come from Bangor, originally.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- You've made this area your home.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- No, I'm half and half!
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- A branch of my family - comes from Swansea.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- My mother comes from south Wales, - so I'm a mongrel!
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- I have definitely - settled in this area.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- I'm very fond of the house - and of Swansea, too.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- I've lived here for over 20 years - and this is my home now.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- 888
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- I rarely have a chance to stand - on a roof when I film 04Wal.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Henry Hughes designed this house - with half of it underground.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- This roof will soon become a lawn.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- This unique house, near Llangernyw, - is called Cwrt y Llyn.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Henry and Gwen Hughes are - about to move in to their new home.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- As you can see, the back garden - is still in the development stage.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- The house itself has been completed.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- It was built in the same way - as most new houses.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- It complies with - building regulations.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- This two-foot thick concrete wall - holds back the mounds of earth.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- This means - there are no windows at the rear.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- The views to the front are stunning.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Take a look at this lovely lake.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- What made you decide - to build this house, Henry?
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- We thought it would be a wonderful, - picturesque spot for a house.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- We had to show steely determination.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- We didn't give up...
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- ..and it took three years to gain - planning permission for this house.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Did the fact you intended to build - half the house underground...
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- ..help your application?
0:11:41 > 0:11:42- ..help your application?- - Yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- It's known as an - earth sheltered dwelling.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- Did you learn about the - technical aspects of building work?
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Well, there are certainly - experts out there...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- ..but we didn't seek - anybody's advice, to be honest.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Farmers are capable of anything, - you know!
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- We're jacks of all trades.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- We got there, in the end.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- The two foot wall - is reinforced with steel.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I know - you designed the lake yourself.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Was it always your intention - to build this house?
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- Yes. I think it's a perfect spot.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- I enjoy living near water.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- There's something calming - about living near water.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- You can relax, without feeling - as though you should be working.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Why did you build the house - on two levels?
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- If we'd built a conventional house, - it would be too obtrusive.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- It slopes upwards gently, - with the land.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- There's soil on top of - the first level of the house...
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- ..and it doesn't look like a house - that spoils the countryside.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- We tried to make sure it blended in - with its surroundings.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- We don't want people to notice it.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- The ceiling - is just over 20 feet high.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- This is the gap - between the house's external wall...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..and this amazing, concrete - retaining wall.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- It's two foot thick and it keeps - the garden away from the house.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- It's like being in a catacomb - or in a pyramid.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- It's like - something out of Tomb Raider!
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- There are lots of corners - to negotiate...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..before we find ourselves - back at the front of the house.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- The bedrooms are upstairs.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- This house is set into the land...
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- ..so there will never be any windows - on this side of the building.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- There's a bedroom over there.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02- This is the bathroom.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- This is another bedroom.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- These huge windows capitalise on - the glorious view, over the lake.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- You can see the hills - of Conwy valley.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- You can even see Moel Siabod, - on a clear day.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- How will they get the mower up here?
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- Is this the only room in the house - where you've had your own way, Gwen?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- No. I had my own way - in most of the house!
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- I chose the paint, and so on.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Did you choose the kitchen units?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Did you choose the kitchen units?- - Yes.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- It took time - to get all the colours right.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- Having said that, - this isn't quite what I wanted.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- I'm afraid - they'll have to repaint it.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Have your friends been here?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Have your friends been here?- - Yes, most of them have been here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Everyone seems keen to see it, - because it's unusual.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- It must have created quite a stir.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- It must have created quite a stir.- - Yes, and that surprised me.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- I'll sit in that chair, in the - lounge, and look out of the window.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- I'll watch the swans and look at the - ever-changing colours of the lake.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33- That's my plan, too!
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- I'm going to sit down - and watch the swans.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- I may even do a bit of knitting!
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- It may be old-fashioned, - but I enjoy knitting.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- This is Tremafon, - Betws Gwerful Goch...
0:16:56 > 0:17:02- ..the home of Steffan Jones-Hughes, - Jeanette Orrell, his wife...
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- ..and Honey and Ellie, - their children.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- I was born in Bangor but I didn't - live in Wales until two years ago.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- We moved here from Wigan, - in the north west of England.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- I have strong links - with north Wales.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- My grandmother lived in Porthmadog - for years.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- After we'd moved here...
0:17:51 > 0:17:57- ..I found out my grandfather's - family comes from Gwyddelwern.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- Gwyddelwern is just - over the mountain from here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08- I feel as though - I've come back home, to my roots.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Why did you move - to Betws Gwerful Goch?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- My work brought us here.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- I run the Regional Print Centre - at Yale College, Wrexham.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- It was very important to me - to come home, to Wales.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- One of the first things I did - when we moved here...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- ..was to go to Welsh lessons - at the college.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- It's very important to me.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- The Welsh language - is part of my heritage.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- I have become - a bit of a born-again Welshman!
0:18:53 > 0:18:59- We moved to Betws Gwerful Goch - because it's a beautiful place.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- It's quiet...
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- ..and we felt as though - we'd reached Heaven.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- This used to be two, smaller houses.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- It makes so much more sense - to have it as one house.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- There's a door in the middle, - with a room either side of it.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- There's a very open feel - to the kitchen.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- It's light and airy.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Steffan and Jeanette are artists...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- ..and their work hangs on the walls - of the kitchen.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- The children have also - contributed to the art work.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00- The items in the kitchen reflect the - owners' penchant for quirky things.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- There are wire items everywhere.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Not just wire whisks...
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- ..but items like that egg stand - and the light, over here.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- It adds to the creative atmosphere - in here.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- Their work is creative but so is - what they put in their house.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- Over here, in what was - a separate house, is the lounge.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- What sort of atmosphere is there - in the house, Steffan?
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- We wanted to create - a calm atmosphere in the house.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- We want it to be a cosy place, - where we can think.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- We love the fireplace, - in the living room.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- We also love the view.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- I can sit here for hours, looking at - the weather changing outside.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- What about the colours you've used?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- They're calm colours, aren't they?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- They're calm colours, aren't they?- - Yes. We chose muted colours.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40- We like light blue, grey - and white with a hint of grey.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- They're calming colours.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Which is your favourite room?
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- Which is your favourite room?- - The kitchen is my favourite room.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- The Aga keeps it warm and cosy.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- I can sit at the table - reading, drawing...
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- ..and helping the children - with their homework.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- Sometimes, I just sit here to think - and listen to music.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- There are three bedrooms - and a bathroom, on the first floor.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- There's access to the attic - from the first floor.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- It's a confined space...
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- ..but there's enough room - for Jeanette and Steffan's studios.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- It's really pleasant up here.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- It feels like a home to us - - me and my family.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- I'm very happy.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- S4C subtitles by- Eirlys A Jones
0:23:52 > 0:23:53