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0:00:20 > 0:00:24- This week, three houses - in three different countries.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- We'll visit a chateau - in the Charente valley, France.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- We'll also see a contemporary flat - near Zurich, in Switzerland.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- Our journey begins - in a Welsh cottage in Pembrokeshire.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- It's full of colour - and artistic treasures.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Welcome to 04Wal.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- Few people venture off the A40 - between Haverfordwest and Fishguard.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- This has not always been true.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- The area is linked with Welsh heroes - like St David, Owain Glyndwr and me!
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- This is an old farmhouse.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- It proves it is possible to preserve - precious, ancient features...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..and create a modern, - 21st century home at the same time.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- The room itself is quite square.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- The table - replicates the shape of the room.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- The floor - is made of old, flat bricks.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- They're worn in places.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- Many pairs of feet have walked - on this floor over the centuries.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- The top layer has worn away and - the gravel has come to the surface.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Look at the fireplace.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- There's something luxurious...
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- ..about having - such a wide fireplace as this.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- The fire itself - is relatively small...
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- ..but it produces plenty of heat.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- The beam - looks like it's carved from stone.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- It's smooth, - it's angular and it's shiny.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26- It looks like stone.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- It feels old but it's also modern.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Megan Crofton lives here, - in St Dogwells farmhouse.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- She ran a statue casting business - in London for years...
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- ..before moving back to Wales.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- The house reflects her close links - with the arts' world.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- The cottage - is in the parish of St Dogwells...
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- ..or Llantydewi, - as it's known locally.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- Legend has it - that Owain Glyndwr was born here...
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- ..and was buried - in nearby Allt-y-Blaidd.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- It's also believed that St David...
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- ..has links with a well on the farm.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- From the dining room - in the west wing of the house...
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- ..you walk a few steps and - you're in what was once the parlour.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- It is now a lounge - - a blue lounge...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- ..in stark contrast - to the white dining room.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- This is a wonderful room - for exhibiting paintings.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Megan has inherited these - over the years.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- There are pieces - by Elizabeth Frink...
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- ..and other works, reflecting - Megan's artistic background.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- These tiles are more modern - than the others.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- The layout is traditional - a room - on either side of the front door.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- The house rises step by step, - from one room to the next.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13- The hall is up this step.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- Artwork adorns the hall walls - and there's a beautiful vase here.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Actually, art is displayed - in every corner of the house.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- There's art in the lounge - at the top end of the house.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- This is the kitchen at the back - of the house, under this lean-to.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- This is - what's called a catslide roof.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- It comes from the apex, - right to the bottom here.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- You'll find everything you'd - expect to see in a kitchen here...
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- ..including a large - and varied collection of crockery.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- Having walked from west to east - within the walls of this house...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..we depart facing north.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- In Switzerland, - everything runs like clockwork.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Be it watches, - public services or transport...
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- ..efficiency is the target.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- The same is true - when it comes to architecture.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- The village of Horgen, - 15 miles outside Zurich...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..is home to Nia Joynson-Romanzina, - her husband and their children...
0:06:35 > 0:06:36- ..Catarina and Rebecca.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Nia lived in Rome for years, where - she worked for the United Nations.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- She now works from home, - as a web designer.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- What do you like about this house?
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- I like the views and the acres - of glass in this house...
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- ..but I hated it at first.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- I was used to living - in a dark flat in Rome.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- The flats there are small - with small windows.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- They're tall buildings in narrow - streets which let in little light.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- When we moved here, I felt - as if I was in a goldfish bowl.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- I hated it - and I'd close all the curtains.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- I'm used to it now - and I've come to appreciate it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- I'd definitely say it's - my favourite feature of the house.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- When I wake up in the morning, - the first thing I see is the lake.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Dawn breaking over the lake.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- What about your taste in furniture?
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- What about your taste in furniture?- - I like a combination of styles.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- I like to put ultramodern furniture - alongside antiques.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- I like a mixture of things - which come from different countries.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- I'm fond of natural materials, - such as wood and stone.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Wood is warm.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Yes. This is teak - and it comes from Indonesia.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- It was a wall in a house.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08- This is reclaimed wood.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- I wanted either an old table - or a table made of old wood.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- I managed to find this - and I was very fortunate.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- Tell me about the colour scheme.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22- This room is very white.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- Was that intentional?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Yes. We opted for neutral colours - and wood.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- We like natural colours - which we find relaxing.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- The eye isn't too distracted.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- We strive to create a Zen ambience.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- When I come home, I feel happy...
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- ..and I feel I can breathe here.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- This is the main room of the house.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- I take it - you spend most of your time in here.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- Yes, we read in here - and we listen to music in here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- We chat as a family in here, - and we talk to friends in here.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- We love this room with its view, - which is like a picture on the wall.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- The way the room is set out - and the colours we've chosen...
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- ..help us to enjoy what we're doing.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Some of this furniture - obviously came from the Far East.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- Yes. The coffee table - is an antique door from India.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- I fell in love with this table - which I bought in Rome.
0:09:39 > 0:09:45- My husband thought it was horrible. - He didn't want us to bring it here.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- He wanted me to sell it but I said, - "No coffee table, no Nia"!
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- He had no choice - but to live with it.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- The first thing visitors say is, - "Wow! What a lovely table!"
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- My husband likes it now, too.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- I'm glad I put my foot down.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- The staircase is open to the roof.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- The black and white bathroom - is at the top of the stairs.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- That's one of those baths - which produces jets of water.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Framed perfectly above it - is a picture of the lake!
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- If you work 12 hours a day, - which is common in Switzerland...
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- ..you don't want colours and frills - in the bedroom.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- After a hard day's work, - you need simplicity and tranquility.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- This is part and parcel - of this Japanese design.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- If you need further proof...
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- ..that the shoreline of Lake Zurich - is the perfect place to live...
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- ..just step out onto the balcony.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- The view almost takes in - glistening snow on the Alps.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Well! - Do you spend a lot of time out here?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Yes, - we're out here when the sun shines.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Is alfresco living - part of Swiss culture?
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- Yes, in the summer - cafes - and restaurants put tables outside.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Everyone sits out on the streets.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- This has only happened - for the past ten years, mind you.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- It's great. I love it here.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- It's very Mediterranean. - It's fantastic.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- Nia and her husband, Peter, - are building a new house...
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- ..to a contemporary - and highly ambitious design.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- Martin Spuhler is the architect. - He also designed Zurich Airport.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- What sort of house will it be?
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- It will be ultramodern...
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- ..an open-plan house - with spacious rooms.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- ..with high ceilings - and lots of light.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- The kitchen will be - the heart of the home.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- It will be a large room and it will - be the centrepiece of the house.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- In the coming year, - we'll move in to the new house.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- That's very exciting - and I can't wait to get there.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- That means - I'll spend more time at home.
0:12:55 > 0:13:01- I hope to start - my own web design business...
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- ..and I shall work from home.
0:13:10 > 0:13:10- 888
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0:13:27 > 0:13:31- This is Chateau de Messignac, - in the Charente valley...
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- ..between Bordeaux and Limoges, - in France.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Peter Grey-Hughes lives here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- He is the former owner - of the Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- He was also an interior designer.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- Peter has put his unique stamp - on this splendid property.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- It had been my ambition - to move to France...
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- ..since I came on holiday - as a teenager.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- The opportunity presented itself - for me to move to France...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- ..in the early part of 2002.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- I went back and forth, between Wales - and the Toulouse area...
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- ..but my three month search - for a property was fruitless.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- I couldn't find anything I liked.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- I became a bit disenchanted - and I let the idea slide a little.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- I was surfing the net in May 2002 - and I saw a photo of this house.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- Just one look at the photo - sparked my interest.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- A fortnight later, I'd viewed - the property and agreed to buy it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- What attracted you to this house?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Its simplicity appealed to me.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- It's an old house.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- It doesn't have too many rooms.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- There are four rooms - on the ground floor...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- ..with a similar plan - on the first floor.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24- It's very spacious.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26- I like big rooms.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- As a single man, - I don't need too many rooms.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- That's what appealed to me.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- The ambience is wonderful.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- I love the fact I can - see the Charente valley from here.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- I can see and hear the river.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- I love being out - in the countryside...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- ..and enjoy this very tranquil area.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- We're standing in the hallway, - with the front door behind us.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- What impression - do you want to create?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- I didn't want to create - any particular impression.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- I wanted to keep the hallway - quite simple...
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- ..and I wanted to use - strong colours.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- I've picked up some paintings - which are very colourful.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- I used a special colour - half way up the stairs.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- I chose colourful rugs on the floor.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I introduced strong colours - but I kept it simple.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- It's simple, - luxurious and colourful.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- These curtains - are made from needlepoint carpet.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- They pick out - the colour of the stone...
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- ..and the black areas - give the colour real depth.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- It contrasts with the stone - which is quite light.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- I used colours that blend together - in this area.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Here, we have various items - with gold as their main colour.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- The lamps, the picture frames - and the table are gold.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- You also see some black there.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- The side door leads - to the other side of the house.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- It takes you out to the terrace - on the west side.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57- Colour is introduced by the trees - and the flowers on the terrace.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- What's in there?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- What's in there?- - This is the living room.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- As you can see, - it's quite a large room.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- For me, one of the main attractions - of this property...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..was the size of the rooms.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- There aren't many rooms here...
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- ..but there's enough space - for all my furniture.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- It is spacious.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Yes, I think opening the windows - improved the room.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- The windows were replaced - with French doors...
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- ..so we can easily step outside, - in spring and in summer.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- It must have lightened the room.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- Yes, its much lighter now.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- The thing that caught my eye - was that beam.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- I've never seen such a large - slab of wood in my life.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- No, neither had I.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- There's one here - and another in the dining room.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- There are two towers here, - one at either end of the house.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- It must be awkward - to fit furniture into curved rooms.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- They're round, on the outside, - but they're square, on the inside.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- The study is this end - and the kitchen is at the other end.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- Off the hall - is this wonderful dining room.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Central to it is this huge table.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- There's room - for eight people at this table.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- The antique pictures on the walls - fit in well with the furniture.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- If you fell a 200-year-old tree, - or even a 300-year-old tree...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..you want to make sure - it stays put for a couple of weeks.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- That's been there - since the 17th century!
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- That proves this house not only - has a past but also a future.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- When you've finished - your food and your wine...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- ..it's port and cigar time, - out on the terrace.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- The master bedroom's en suite - is in one of the towers.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- The colours change - but the level of luxury does not.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- There's another huge room - on the other side of the stairs.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- This room demands huge statements - such as this four-poster bed.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- In truth, - it isn't a real four-poster bed.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Take a closer look and you'll see - there isn't a post there!
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- The canopy hangs from the ceiling.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- This wonderful wardrobe - dates back to the 17th century.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- The triangular panels - catch the light from all angles.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- It's a work of art, not a wardrobe.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- This room is so large...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- ..there's space to step back - and appreciate the furniture.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- That sums up this house.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- All that has been done here - has been done well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- You may not like the style - but it is undeniably stylish.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Over here in the tower, - there's a single bedroom.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- How do you feel about - living in this part of France?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- I'm very comfortable.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- Life is very pleasant here.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- I didn't think I'd settle here - as well as I have.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- I was lucky to find this house...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- ..and fortunate - to discover this area.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- Every aspect of life here...
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- ..suits me down to the ground.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- Unless my hand is forced, - I'll spend the rest of my days here.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones