0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today I'm in a country famous for its mountains, its mines,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07its murky weather and its wonderful ancient monuments.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Surely, armed with clues like that, you must have a pretty good idea of where I am.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15But if you're not, stay with us for a special edition of Escape To The Country
0:00:15 > 0:00:17as we take a trip down memory lane.
0:00:29 > 0:00:35Yes, today we're in Wales, taking a look back at some of the best Welsh properties we've visited.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- I've never seen anything like this. - No!
0:00:37 > 0:00:41We discover views that leave our buyers stunned.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Wow!
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Fantastic!
0:00:44 > 0:00:48And hold tight for some explosive action in a Welsh slate mine.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51EXPLOSION
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Well, you wanted Wales. There it is.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01Yes, today we're in Wales, one of my favourite parts of the country.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06Where better place to start a review of the best properties we've seen in this part of the world
0:01:06 > 0:01:10than in the shadow of one of Wales's most imposing ancient monuments, Harlech Castle?
0:01:10 > 0:01:16Of course, castles like this never come on the market, but we have had some wonderful properties that have.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Now we have a chance to look back at some of the best of the best.
0:01:21 > 0:01:28The Welsh countryside is diverse, from the high peaks of Snowdonia to the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34With 750 miles of coastline, there are some beautiful locations to escape to.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Of course, Wales is also well-known for its castles,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and if it's grandeur you're after,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43then a Welsh castle is sure to impress.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46There are 641 of them still standing in Wales, which, if you work it out,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50averages one castle for every 34 square miles.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53But don't worry if castles aren't your thing -
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Wales has a rich diversity of housing stock,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00from small workers' cottages to large, flamboyant estates.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Property aside though, it's the dramatic landscapes of this country
0:02:04 > 0:02:07that gave it a reputation as a land of myth and legend.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12We start down in Carmarthenshire in Rhoshill.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Sue and Alan were looking for a lovely Welsh hideaway
0:02:15 > 0:02:16but had two main concerns.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18They wanted a master with an en suite
0:02:18 > 0:02:23and a house that had high enough ceilings so that the tall Alan wouldn't keep banging his head.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25They had a modest budget of £300,000,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28but the great thing about the house I showed them
0:02:28 > 0:02:31is that its main asset came for free.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36I was taking Sue and Alan to Rhoshill in Carmarthenshire,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40just 15 minutes from Cardigan.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43The nearest pub and shop were only a mile away in Boncath.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47There it is. That's what I want to show you.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- Wow!- It's a nice, spacious, period property.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Take a hand each. Shut your eyes.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Trust me, cos I want to show you something really exciting.- OK.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00You want us to trust you, George?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Trust me! Never trust a man who says trust me!
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'Now I think they're going to like what they're about to see.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'Land, accommodation, it's all here,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12'but take a look at this for a bonus.'
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Right, open your eyes.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- Wow!- Fantastic!
0:03:20 > 0:03:22That's the whole of Wales, isn't it? I can see the sea.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Well, you wanted Wales. There it is.- We've got the sea.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30You got the sea over there, Cardigan just nestling down there.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Talk about king of the castle!
0:03:31 > 0:03:36Churchill famously said when he bought his house, he bought the view and the house came with it.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39I think you're getting a bit more of a house, actually,
0:03:39 > 0:03:40so let's have a look at that.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I can't wait!
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Now, Sue,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- have a look at this one. - This is huge.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49What do you think? Go through.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I love this. It's really nicely done, I think.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57A real good family kitchen.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59It looks quite new as well.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04It is pretty new. Nice new, I think, quite stylish units.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- You got your high ceilings. - Yep, I have.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I've had you in mind throughout this search, Alan.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14I wouldn't do it to you. We've given you high ceilings where we can. But there's more.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21This is so cosy, George. You've done us proud!
0:04:21 > 0:04:25I think I could settle down for a cup of tea right now.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26This is lovely.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- It is nice, isn't it?- So pretty.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- Right, go through there.- OK.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Have a look at reception room number two, really.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I think this is quite cosy. A sort of a snug, really.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I know what this would be used for.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- I think it would make a fantastic study.- Yep.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45You can still be part of the living space.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48You could see what's going on in front of the computer.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52'I think this house would be perfect for them. It's even got a room where
0:04:52 > 0:04:56'they can bask in the sun together and put their feet up.'
0:04:56 > 0:04:58There we are.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59My mum would love this!
0:04:59 > 0:05:01HE LAUGHS
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Mum, if you're watching, you would love this!
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- She would absolutely adore this. - Papers, Sunday morning, coffee.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10The views, George, are just wonderful.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15The thing about the aspect of this place, notice how the ground slopes away from the house,
0:05:15 > 0:05:20so wherever you are on these two main sides, you are blessed with the view.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I'm really impressed so far.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Downstairs is good?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- Garden, good. Downstairs, good.- Yes.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- Study, good.- Yes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Let's have a look upstairs.- OK.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36'I'm going to give my buyers a whistle-stop tour of the first-floor,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39'as I want to concentrate on finding out
0:05:39 > 0:05:41'where they would prefer to have their master bedroom,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43'because, yep, there's a choice.'
0:05:43 > 0:05:44A bedroom.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49In here, a lovely family bathroom.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- It's big.- Shower etc.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Bedroom two.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Again, another good size.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00And then in here,
0:06:00 > 0:06:01the principal bedroom.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- A good size.- Yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10Now, I know on your list was an en suite, preferred en suite.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Of course, none of these bedrooms on the first-floor have an en suite.
0:06:14 > 0:06:20- But upstairs there's something quite exciting I want to show you.- OK.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Let's go. Follow me.- Lead the way.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27'Apart from the fact that Alan may have to face some DIY,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31'this attic space could make a spectacular master bedroom.'
0:06:31 > 0:06:34It does offer, this room, a huge amount of potential.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Go over there towards the window.
0:06:38 > 0:06:45- You could either see this as a room for the kids, which, to be honest, would be a bit of a waste.- No.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Or it could be your master bedroom.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51I think it's a master bedroom, don't you? I'll bagsy this as a master bedroom.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I'd even put up with the beams.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55THEY LAUGH
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Just walk down the middle, you'll be all right!
0:06:57 > 0:07:01I think this makes a fantastic study area. I could see us all up here.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- Really?- Yeah.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05It's got so much potential.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08I think Sue has hit spot on the money there.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- I'm normally right!- Thank you, dear! Of course you are, dear!
0:07:13 > 0:07:16'Well, Alan, you were a bit of a pushover there,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20'but full marks to Sue for her study sales pitch,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23'but the bonus features of this property just keep coming.'
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Wow, fantastic!- How about that?
0:07:28 > 0:07:33If the view wasn't good enough, they also put a balcony on for you to enjoy it even more.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Now then,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38now then, now then, of course the million-dollar question.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Are you going to put us on the spot now?- I am. And on the balcony!
0:07:41 > 0:07:47I'm going to ask you what that is worth to you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I think this is over our budget.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56£330,000, maybe up to £350,000.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58It's a difficult one.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00I think, because of the work that needs doing,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03I'm going to be really cheeky and say £315,000.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Very cheeky but not bad, actually.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11This house is on the market for a fiver short of £320,000.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Oh...- So not bad, actually.
0:08:16 > 0:08:22Now, it's often said, perhaps correctly, that it's Wales that keeps the rest of Britain dry.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24And this is what it's all about.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Classic, good old-fashioned Welsh roofing slate.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30For 200 years or so, the mining of slate in North Wales
0:08:30 > 0:08:33has been one of the most important industries going,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36but what I want to know is how do you turn Welsh mountain into this?
0:08:36 > 0:08:41I've come to one of the oldest slate mining quarries in North Wales to find out.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45The Welsh slate industry was at its peak in the 1890s
0:08:45 > 0:08:49when 92% of all Britain's slate came from these Welsh mountains.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55The slate mines employed over 17,000 men in North Wales by the end of the 19th century.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59During the 20th century, however, the industry went into heavy decline.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01I'm here at Llechwedd mines,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03one of the only working mines left in the area,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07to meet Eirwen Jones, one of the few remaining slate miners.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Eirwen! - Jules, how are you?- Nice to see you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Not bad at all.- A nice day for it.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16You picked the right day!
0:09:16 > 0:09:22What I want to know is, how do we get this lovely Welsh roofing slate from the rock we can see behind us?
0:09:22 > 0:09:26It starts off on the rock face. We'll do a bit of blasting.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- A bit of blasting?- Blasting, yeah, and sawing and splitting.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32We'll arrive at that.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- We'll show you a bit of history first, if you'd like.- Absolutely.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36Come on, then.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41'Before I see how Eirwen mines for slate today, he's going to show me
0:09:41 > 0:09:45'how the Victorians did it when the slate industry was at its zenith.'
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Are with both going to get in it? - Yeah, why not, we're not that big(!)
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Right.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53Great stuff.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57'The maze of caverns and tunnels created by Victorian slate mining
0:09:57 > 0:09:59'are now open to the public
0:09:59 > 0:10:01'and accessible via this electric tramway.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07'Although now part tourist attraction, Eirwen is all too aware
0:10:07 > 0:10:11'of slate mining's importance to the local community.'
0:10:11 > 0:10:14You come from a family of miners, don't you?
0:10:14 > 0:10:19Yeah, three generations of us have worked in this quarry and the quarry up the road.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- There's a feeling of belonging there definitely.- So you're a slate man?
0:10:23 > 0:10:24Definitely.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30'Two minutes later, we're deep into the hand-cut Victorian cavern.'
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- OK, Jules, this is the chamber.- Wow!
0:10:33 > 0:10:36This is amazing. Is this all hand-cut?
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Hand-cut, yeah.- This would have been a Victorian working?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Victorian era, definitely, yeah. - That's fantastic.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I know you have this set up for visitors to the mine today,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47but what's that guy doing on the ladder?
0:10:47 > 0:10:53He's the danger man inspecting the roof basically to make sure it's safe for the lads working underneath him.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- I bet you're glad you not a Victorian miner. - Yeah, you wouldn't catch me up there!
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Let's leave the 19th century and take a step into the 21st.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10This is equally dramatic compared to that Victorian mine,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13but we're not just above ground, we're on top of the mountain.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16But you've removed most of it. The mountain's gone.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21Yeah, Alwyn here is just drilling a few holes here, ready for blasting.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- This is the bit that I've really been looking forward to.- Yes...
0:11:25 > 0:11:27I do love fireworks.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30So, he's drilling a number of holes and then what?
0:11:30 > 0:11:34And then I'll be staying down here to light the fuse and...
0:11:34 > 0:11:36bang!
0:11:36 > 0:11:39"I'm going to stay down here and light the fuse"?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42It's the 21st century! I thought you'd have some sort of a button?
0:11:42 > 0:11:46The fuse is the preferred way for black powder and works just as well.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- So you just light that?- Yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50How long have you got before it goes bang?
0:11:50 > 0:11:54This fuse is about a metre long, and that gives me three minutes.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- So you got three minutes to get out of here?- Yeah.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Good luck! I'll meet you at the top!- Yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03EXPLOSION
0:12:05 > 0:12:10Well, that was very, very, dramatic.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Well, what a contrast.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17The beautiful mountains of Snowdonia and then broken mountains?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Yeah, the broken mountains, the slates.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23This is the raw material which we have just blasted from the rock face.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It gets sent up to our mill, everything happens here,
0:12:26 > 0:12:30where we turn the raw material into a finished product, the roofing slate.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- So it all happens in there? - In there, if you'd like to... - Absolutely.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36What a place, I love it!
0:12:39 > 0:12:42'These enormous pieces of broken Welsh mountain
0:12:42 > 0:12:47'are then cut into a more manageable size by these huge industrial saws.'
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- What's all that?- This is this slate ready to be worked.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54We use slate to keep the rain out.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56We need them wet to work.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01A dry slate is like trying to slice a cream cracker.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- So it just shatters?- Yeah. - What have we got going on here?
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- This is Errol. - Hi, Errol, nice to see you.- And you.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13I see you've still got a way to go with this. With a hammer and chisel?
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Yeah, the old-fashioned way.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20The old-fashioned way - that's a method hasn't changed presumably since the day slate was first used?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Yeah, correct.- So what are you going to do now, Errol?
0:13:23 > 0:13:26I'm just going to cut it down into a small, manageable block.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Take it away, sir!
0:13:29 > 0:13:33'Amazingly, it takes just a few taps from Errol's chisel,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'and the slate splits clean in two.'
0:13:36 > 0:13:40For such a big, heavy, tough material,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42I'm surprised at how workable it really is.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47It's the best stuff we've got here, basically. Best in Wales, best in the world.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Hey, look at that. That's what I was looking for.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- The finished product. - That lovely bevelled edge.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59All from that very simple machine.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- The whole process is an incredibly simple thing, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I think it's absolutely fantastic.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10Next time I look at my slate roof, I won't take it for granted, I promise you.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13If I get a leak, I know where to come!
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Thanks very much for showing me round.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30For our next property, we're off to Powys, the biggest county in Wales.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36Alison and Richard were looking for a rural lifestyle that would be in some ways more self-sufficient.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39They had £310,000, and for that, they wanted a house that would
0:14:39 > 0:14:42accommodate Richard's beekeeping ambitions
0:14:42 > 0:14:44and his candle-making skills.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I thought this property would fit them down to the ground,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51but, as ever, it's that my buyers think that really counts.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I was taking Alison and Richard to Llanfyllin,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00an 11-mile drive from Welshpool in Powys.
0:15:00 > 0:15:07The village rests in a deep valley surrounded by gently rolling hills so typical of mid-Wales.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Llanfyllin has two well-known landmarks,
0:15:09 > 0:15:15St Myllin's Well, which was used for early baptisms in the sixth century
0:15:15 > 0:15:16by the town's local saint,
0:15:16 > 0:15:22and the Lonely Tree, where folklore has it you must trek up the hill and give the tree a hug.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27The real question was, however, would there be any hugging after I'd shown them the property?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- We are somewhere very rural here, as you can see.- Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- And that is the property I want you to have a look at.- Yeah.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39What do you think? What are your first impressions?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I think it looks really nice.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I like the location as well, really peaceful,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46open aspect here at the front.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Right, let's start in the hallway, appropriately enough.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Now, this is the new extension, the latest edition, so this is only about eight years old.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Come in and have a look at kitchen.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Oh, yeah.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- I like this.- This is a real sort of country kitchen.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08It's a real country kitchen. And the floor looks like flagstones, doesn't it?
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Actually, these are huge heavy roofing slates
0:16:11 > 0:16:13reclaimed from an old barn.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17It's the sort of kitchen I envisaged. You can imagine people being in.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- I do most of the cooking. - So he does most of the cooking? - I do, yes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26Can't cook, won't cook, so I can imagine Richard in here,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28he would be in his element.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29This is a turn-up for the books!
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- So I need to refer all the kitchen issues to you.- I'm afraid so, yes.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38Well, have a look through here. It is a kitchen/diner, snug.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42It's not as light as I would like it, but it's cosy,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45so I suppose that does compensate for it,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- but it is a nice cosy little room. - It is.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52It is very cosy and it gets cosier through here. Have a look at this.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Now, what about this?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Oh, this is cosy, yes. It is, yeah.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I like the way they've decorated with the carpets and everything.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Yeah, it's very tasteful. - Made it homely.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Is this the kind of thing you had in mind, lying back with the fire going?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Oh, yes, yes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- Now, we have seen the kitchen. - Yeah.- But there is another kitchen. - Another?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20There is another one. All will make sense in a moment.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24This is the second kitchen,
0:17:24 > 0:17:29which is kind of a glorified utility room, is effectively what it is,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32but it does mean that in the summer, when the oil range is off,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35you've got the emersion heater for hot water and the oven.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39This would be a useful room for candle-making and honey-extracting.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- A bit of a craft area. - That's a good idea.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Right, let's go upstairs and have a look.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Not a bad-sized room.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Not exactly the decor that we would choose.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Known in the trade as a feature wall.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Becoming increasingly popular, it has to be said.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- But easily sorted. - Easily sorted.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Yes.- Two great big windows giving you views all around.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Good. Right, that's up here. We've seen downstairs.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Let's go outside and get some fresh air.- Good idea.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17'Next door is some land which they have the option to buy,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20'but most of the grounds are to the side of the property
0:18:20 > 0:18:22'with an impressive rock garden feature.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26'There is also a shed which could come in handy for their craftwork,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29'but will they see the land as a clean slate?'
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Right, the top of the garden.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36And what a garden. Very unusual, it has to be said.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Yeah. And nice views across the fields here. It has a nice aspect.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- What do you think of it? - Well, it is a nice house, isn't it?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Yes.- They have obviously done a lot of work to it
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and they have worked very hard in the garden to achieve all this.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52You can tell that.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54So the question is, how much do you want it?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57How much money do you think it's going to cost you?
0:18:57 > 0:19:02You've 300 or so, 310-ish to spend.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Go on, Richard, make me an offer.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09I'm always hopeless at these things, I really am.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14I would guess without the land, between 310 and 300, 310 maximum.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15OK. Alison?
0:19:15 > 0:19:20I was thinking because there had been a lot of work done to the house, I think 320.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22OK. Right, I'm going to put you out of your misery.
0:19:22 > 0:19:28- It is on the market for 50 quid short of £290,000.- Oh, right.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- Comfortably under budget.- Yeah.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Now, the land still to be negotiated, but I would think within
0:19:34 > 0:19:37the change you would have left over, you would probably achieve that.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Right.- Subject to negotiation.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42As it is starting to rain, you might as well get inside
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and see what you get for 290 or thereabouts,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47and I will catch up with you later.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48- Thank you.- Go on. Off you go.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Run away! The rain is coming - will it dampen their spirits?
0:19:51 > 0:19:55£290,000, comfortably under budget, and I'm going to get wet!
0:19:58 > 0:19:59It is nice. It is.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04And it has got potential for the garden area and with the extra land,
0:20:04 > 0:20:09but the actual living space for me is just a bit too cramped.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10I do like that garden,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14and even though it's probably not quite what we're looking for,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17to have a productive vegetable garden,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20but I do like that bit of rock face out there.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22I think it's a good feature.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24For our final offering,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28we're heading to mid-Wales, just outside the town of Builth Wells.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Hugh and Lyris had grown up in the area
0:20:30 > 0:20:32but were now looking to retire.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36They were armed with a very handsome budget of £750,000.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Now, the house we showed them was the mystery house,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and in a country littered with numerous converted chapels,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45it was tempting to offer them something along those lines,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48but you know what? That would have been a little too obvious,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52and I have no doubt they weren't expecting the property we showed them.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Lyris and Hugh's mystery house was just outside Builth Wells in Powys.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Builth is a pleasant town with a busy high street,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06but in the 19th century, it was a Victorian boom town.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09The discovery of healthy springs transformed Builth
0:21:09 > 0:21:12into a centre for early tourism with tourists flocking here,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14keen to take the waters,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17but would Hugh and Lyris be as excited about this house?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Now, this little lot,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30come on in...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32this little lot is the mystery house.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Wow, and a mystery it is!
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Any idea what we're looking at?
0:21:37 > 0:21:42Well, because of the veranda on this building,
0:21:42 > 0:21:43I'm going to go really wild
0:21:43 > 0:21:47and speculate that it was for drinking the waters.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- Yes, you're right!- We have seen this type of architecture.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56We are outside Builth Wells, a great Victorian spa town,
0:21:56 > 0:22:02and what we've got is an 1890 house with associated outbuildings,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04not least of which is that,
0:22:04 > 0:22:11- which was a pump house and a well house...- Ah right, yes. - ..combined, for taking the waters
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- when everybody thought these things were good for you. - I think it's wonderfully quirky.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It's very, very quirky. Let's see what you make of the inside.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21Come on.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Let's start in here.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- The hallway, as you can see. - It's a grand hallway.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It is very well-proportioned, that's the striking thing about this house,
0:22:34 > 0:22:35and this panelling...
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- I love the wood finish. - It is gorgeous. I love that.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- The panelling is everywhere, so if you like this...- I do like it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- It is the right colour, isn't it? - Yes.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49That's important. If somebody is going to do this sort of thing.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I think it is original, isn't it?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54You know what, I'm not sure. I won't put my hand up to that.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58It feels very at home here. Come into the living room. Look at this.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's getting warm. Tell me what you make of this.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03SHE LAUGHS
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Well, you said there was plenty of panelling.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- There is plenty of panelling. - There is.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Now, there's the hatch.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- Ah, yes.- That comes through from the dining room, and this is your kitchen.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Come through here.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- I mean, obviously a later addition. - Yes.- Yes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Bringing in a lot of light. What do you think of this so far?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32This is going to sound as if I'd buy any house on the market,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34but I really like it - it sounds silly -
0:23:34 > 0:23:39but the kitchen is a very workable kitchen and I love that gas cooker.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Now, this is currently set up as the main living room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- Yes.- I find this large room more attractive than the other one
0:23:47 > 0:23:51because of the panelling. There is no panelling here.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53You have that lovely fire surround.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- That's gorgeous.- And pretty new. - And the room is a lovely size.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- There are huge possibilities, aren't there? - Ooh, are the wheels turning?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Oh, they are, they're turning like mad. Do you hear them?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- I can! I was wondering what the noise is. - We're in trouble now, girl.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- We are in trouble. - Why are we in trouble?
0:24:10 > 0:24:12This is just not...
0:24:12 > 0:24:17It's not something we'd ever thought about, something like this.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20'Well, there could be more trouble ahead, then,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24'as upstairs, there are plenty of rooms for Lyris to consider.'
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Now, this is currently set up as a guest room.
0:24:29 > 0:24:35- It is a good-sized room. It's nice. - There is also a shower tucked away behind that curtain.- Oh!
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I'm not sure I would really call it en suite as such...
0:24:40 > 0:24:43..but the point is, I suppose, is that you've got all the plumbing there,
0:24:43 > 0:24:49- so if you did want to do something different...- A bit more solid. - ..it would be possible.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57'There's another matching room at the other end of the house
0:24:57 > 0:24:59'which could be used as the master bedroom.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02'In all, there are six bedrooms here, but only one bathroom.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'There's also space for a gym and there is a sauna to relax in
0:25:09 > 0:25:12'after a hard day.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16'And outside, well, there's money-making potential.'
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Come out through here, and we'll start...
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- ..with the old pump house, shall we?- Yeah.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24'The converted pump house has been renovated
0:25:24 > 0:25:28'into split-level accommodation - perfect for visitors.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:34Big enough... It could be rented out on a holiday let basis.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Would you consider that?
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- Oh, yes, yes, yes, definitely. - One of the things we have discussed.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42We have discussed any way of making money, really.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Well, it's a nice supplement, isn't it? And it's away from the house,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50so you haven't got B&Bs in your house.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51No, no.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55'This could be an enjoyable challenge as a money-spinning venture,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58'but I wonder if Hugh and Lyris are really up for it.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02'Next door is the well house that caught Lyris's eye earlier.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05'It too could have commercial possibilities.'
0:26:05 > 0:26:10Now, this extraordinary building, it's Grade II listed, this.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- Oh, yes. Grade II listed rings alarm bells in my head.- Yeah?
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I think "money".
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Well, I mean, this is one of the issues -
0:26:19 > 0:26:24you get something which is historic and characterful,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28but it comes with the burden of responsibility in some ways.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32- Plenty of buildings. Shall we have a look at some land? - Oh, yes, please.
0:26:34 > 0:26:40- Last, but not least, the duck pond. - That's nice, too.- It is sweet. - And I do like ducks.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44So all in all - buildings, house, etc -
0:26:44 > 0:26:47you've got about nine acres.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Has the mystery house gripped you, I wonder?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53It has gripped me. There's certainly a project in this,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57and I still have scope for keeping some animals.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Make me an offer.- 600.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02£600,000, says Lyris. Hugh?
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I'd like to go higher.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06I loved the wackiness of the place.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I would say probably 650.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11650,000, yeah.
0:27:11 > 0:27:19Suppose I told you this was on the market for...£795,000?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22That probably makes up our mind. We can't afford it.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26It is over budget, but you do get a lot of history with it.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Oh, fantastic history, fantastic place.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I think, before we leave, you should take another look around,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- because it is incredibly unique, this.- Yes.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46It's an amazing place with several fairly quirky buildings.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49That's all ready to go, is it, the holiday let?
0:27:49 > 0:27:51And it's converted to a high standard.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It's beautiful. I'd rent it as a holiday let.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58There are bound to be business opportunities on this property.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Well, yes, I was thinking tea rooms.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03This would have been where they drank the waters.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06It takes us out of our comfort zone and makes us think a little more
0:28:06 > 0:28:09about what we're going to do with the next ten years of our life.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13There is potential here to be a little bit more adventurous.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18I have to say, I really enjoyed showing Hugh and Lyris around that property,
0:28:18 > 0:28:22and it is a lovely way to end this show as we've reviewed
0:28:22 > 0:28:25some of the best properties that we've had in Wales,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28and where better to wrap it up than here on the beach
0:28:28 > 0:28:31on the edge of Wales with a setting sun over the Irish Sea?
0:28:31 > 0:28:33I've certainly enjoyed our trip down memory lane.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36I hope you have too. I'll see you next time.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:47 > 0:28:50E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk