0:00:02 > 0:00:06This quarry may not be the kind of sedate location that you're used to on Escape to the Country,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09but the stone it produces has been used to shape and craft a region's identity.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12And it's world renowned.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Where am I? Keep watching to find out.
0:00:27 > 0:00:33In today's show, we take a look back at his selection of favourite stone-built houses,
0:00:33 > 0:00:38where a Cotswold stone property nearly brings a grown man to tears.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- I want my mum. - Why? Are you going to cry?
0:00:43 > 0:00:46A Bath stone house has a couple chomping at the bit.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- Tell us how much it is! - How much do you think it is?
0:00:49 > 0:00:53And an old Cornish stone post office reveals its wares.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Wow! What a room.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58This is magnificent. Isn't it fantastic?
0:00:58 > 0:01:05Plus I get to grips with what it takes to turn this rubble into residential riches.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Today, we're celebrating stone-built properties.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15And where better to start than in the Cotswolds!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17This is the celebrated Cotswold limestone
0:01:17 > 0:01:21that has been making its mark on the area since the 16th century.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24This quarry has been going for over 300 years.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29And it's still responsible for many of the properties being built in the area. Isn't that right?
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Quite right. Good morning.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Good morning. So, what's so special about this stone?
0:01:34 > 0:01:36The warmth, the colour, the durability.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39How long will a house last once it's been built with Cotswold stone?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41500 years, no problems.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Who would want a house built of this stone?
0:01:43 > 0:01:47It's as popular as ever. We're supplying abroad.
0:01:47 > 0:01:54- We're exporting to places like Brazil, Japan, America. It's very very popular.- Brilliant.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Thank you very much. If you're looking for more local stone-built property, then keep watching.
0:01:58 > 0:02:05As we leave no stone unturned and go in search of some of the most fabulous, sturdy,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08solid stone-built properties that we've featured on the show.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Although the Cotswolds is internationally renowned for its wonderful uniformity of
0:02:13 > 0:02:15limestone architecture,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18it certainly isn't the only place to use locally-quarried stone.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23In fact, stone has been used in buildings for over 2,000 years.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28But until the 17th century, it was mostly a symbol of wealth and used for luxury buildings.
0:02:28 > 0:02:34Stone became more commonly accessible as communities tapped into their local quarries,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38which have enabled different areas to retain their unique identity.
0:02:38 > 0:02:45As the UK's geology is so wide and varied, its stone houses differ enormously.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49From the dark sandstone slabs of the Pennines or the blue black slate of mid Wales,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53through to the grey stone of Bath and warm limestone of the Cotswolds.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Ultimately, a wonderfully rich tapestry that reveals
0:02:57 > 0:03:01a glimpse of what lies beneath our doorstep.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06We've seen some stunning locally sourced
0:03:06 > 0:03:09stone-built properties of all shapes and sizes.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12So it's been no easy feat choosing some favourites.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But, for our first offering, we're off to Somerset,
0:03:15 > 0:03:21where Sue and Georgina from Orpington in Kent were looking to escape to.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23They had a budget of around £370,000.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27For that, they wanted a light and airy
0:03:27 > 0:03:32three-bed property with a small garden, a kitchen-diner and off-road parking.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37And as they'd already sold their house, I think the pressure was really on for Jules.
0:03:37 > 0:03:43But with this beautiful stone property, I think he hit the back of the net.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47The village he's taken them to for this gem was Dundry,
0:03:47 > 0:03:5016 miles from Bath and sitting in the Dundry hills.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53With a well-regarded pub and picturesque village setting,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56it offered the change of lifestyle they were after.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59But did the house meet expectations?
0:04:02 > 0:04:04So, overlooked by the church.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07But this is what I want you to look at.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- Which bit?- All of it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- Really?- Impressive. - Garage, all sorts of things come with this property.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- I think you're going to like it. - I've got a tingle of excitement.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Very good. Come on.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Come and have a look.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29Just squeeze through the door into here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Nice kitchen.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34I like!
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Now, a bit bigger
0:04:38 > 0:04:40than what you've got, certainly.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Nice floors, too.- Really nice. We could keep our massive fridge.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Yeah. I love the exposed brick.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51The size of the stove is brilliant.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- That's exactly the sort of cooker that you want. - Yeah, it's got a nice feel.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- Really nice.- Show us more! - Come on, then. Let's go!
0:05:01 > 0:05:07Now, off the kitchen, you've got this utility area, which you can do what you like with.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- Yeah.- Mmm-hmm.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Into here, the dining room.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- Really nice.- Cracking size. - Good size.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- It's got quite a nice contemporary feel to it.- It has.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27This house is arranged over three floors. This is one of them. Two more to go.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Lead on through there. Let's go and find some stairs.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31These stairs I love.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34It just suggests history.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37You can see where they've been worn.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39They're the real thing. It's really pretty.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44It brings you up to this landing area which is the middle of the house.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Through here you've got this.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50If you are thinking of working from home, I think that could be a really useful space.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53This is ideal. Just right.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Good.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- I like these doors. - These doors are wicked as well.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03Relaxing-wise, come here. We've got a living room.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11- Very nice.- Yeah?- Yeah.- Ooh la la!
0:06:11 > 0:06:18- Girls, what do you think?- Lovely. - Nice. Big window.- I'm smiling.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I think you guys would be happy here.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- This is lovely.- If the bathroom's a goer, this could be interesting.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- It's ticking all boxes so far. - OK. This is great.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31I love it when I get this sort of reaction.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, but first I want to show off the bathroom.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Is this a deal-breaker?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Definitely not a deal-breaker.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It's a deal-winner.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46What about the slopey ceiling thing.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Is that all right?- It is for me.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52It's not a problem.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56I mean, it's not massive. This is fine. Totally. Fine.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58It's brilliant, isn't it?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00OK, so bathroom's OK.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Bedrooms next.- Yes, please. - Go through there, turn left.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Next door is a very good-sized double guest room.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10And then there is a small single bedroom.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13This room could be your master bedroom.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19It's a mirror image of what's next door. So, again, take your pick.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24It delivers everything that we're looking for, certainly from the living space.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28I'd like to see what's outside, other than the front drive.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30If there is anything.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Oh, dear. Could I be in trouble?
0:07:32 > 0:07:37The only garden is what they saw earlier at the front, plus an extra bit around the side.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- There is no lawn here.- Bonus.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Bonus is there's no lawnmower to have to run or to store.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Downside is no lawn.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48But you have got a kind of mature-ish garden.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Could be vegetables, could be herbs, could be flowers.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56It's essential to have some outdoor space and we've got it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59It's up to you what you want to do with this bit.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05Yeah. It's not a major factor, the outside space.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08That is. Off-street parking.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13That's really valuable. You can get at least two cars in there. You've got the garage.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18If you want to keep it as a garage, fine. Or the garage could, of course, become something else.
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- It works.- Any more points? - Nowhere to play Swingball. - What do you want?
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- Hampton Court. Come on! - Tell us how much it is!
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- How much do you think it is? - Too much.- You've 380 top whack.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38I would think this is the top end of the budget. 375.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43379.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48379... OK. Here's the good news.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52It's inside your budget.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- But it is near the top end. It's 370.- Ooh.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01Of course, like everything else, open to offers.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06So you may find that you will achieve a lower price than that,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08if you negotiate it. Have a look around inside.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12See what you get for your money. And see if this really is you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- After you.- Go on! And don't you dare lock me out.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18You'll have to knock a bit hard.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25This room is just lovely.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30I think this kind of sets it off. The bathroom, is it an issue?
0:09:30 > 0:09:34It isn't massive, but it's certainly not a problem.
0:09:34 > 0:09:42It's workable. The living accommodation, it's quirky because it's split over so many floors.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46And it's not truly conventional, but I kind of really dig that.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It's very cool.
0:09:49 > 0:09:55I don't think either of us are totally conventional, so it kind of suits our personalities.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00When you've got a lot of people staying, it's always such a bonus
0:10:00 > 0:10:03if you have two places where people can get showered and ready.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06So this is an unexpected bonus, I think.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It just didn't disappoint when we walked in.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Straight away, the kitchen was really nice.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14The floor. All the finishing with the stone and everything.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18All the rooms, they've all had a high standard.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20There isn't a room that's been a let-down.
0:10:26 > 0:10:32Here in the Cotswolds, you only have to look to see the reason it has such a strong identity
0:10:32 > 0:10:36is because of the unique Cotswold stone from which all of these homes have been built.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39So I'm off to get the low-down on what makes this stone so special.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47And where better than back at Stanleys Quarry set deep in the North Cotswold countryside.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Here they've been producing Cotswold stone for generations.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And manager Keith Miller has agreed to show me round.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Even though the quarry has been in use since the 16th century,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00there is still hundreds of years' worth of limestone left to dig.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06Keith is a Cotswold stone expert and has a passion for this natural resource,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09which is used to build such beautiful stone houses.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13People don't realise that stone is a living product.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Very similar to timber.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20Therefore, you cannot use something like a cement or concrete
0:11:20 > 0:11:25because that is not a living product. You have to use something like a lime mortar.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30It will then attract the algae, the moss, the lichen, and give it that
0:11:30 > 0:11:32lovely tone and colour, basically.
0:11:37 > 0:11:44It's sedimentary rock. It was laid down when the seas were this high 135 million years ago.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Basically, if you work from the top, you've got soil,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51then you have subsoil, then you have very thin layers of stone.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55And it gradually gets larger and larger then.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58As you come lower and lower, the stone gets deeper and deeper.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01So the next layer of stone you have is the thick walling stone.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05That's generally the stone that houses are made from that you'll see in the local villages.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11From thereon down, you'll get the large block. The people less well-off
0:12:11 > 0:12:14had the top of the stone, the very thin stone, to build their properties.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17And the lord of the manor had the very large block.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21That was much more expensive to take out and to work,
0:12:21 > 0:12:26so that's how it was then and, to be honest with you, that's how it is now.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30So, you can tell the status of someone by the size of the stone at the front of their house.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32That's quite right.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38Today, powerful modern machinery is able to lever buckets under the horizontal planes
0:12:38 > 0:12:44and scoop up the once hard to reach blocks of limestone with relative ease.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45But this wasn't always the case.
0:12:45 > 0:12:52It's so easy now. We take it from there into our stockyard and then the main process starts.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- I ought to show you. - Good idea. After you.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06After selecting the stone, the next stage is to carve up the blocks using
0:13:06 > 0:13:12computer-controlled stone-cutting technology to maximise efficiency.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19- What's going on here?- We slice the block up like sliced bread.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24Depending on the thickness of the slice, depending on what part of the house we're building.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Whether it's a windowsill, a chimney, whatever.
0:13:28 > 0:13:35But to transform the sliced blocks into a beautiful worked cornerstone for a house
0:13:35 > 0:13:39or a Cotswold stone fireplace involves swapping state-of-the-art technology
0:13:39 > 0:13:42for one of the oldest known crafts - stonemasonry.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Now the really intricate work is going on here.- Quite right.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48It's a sill for a window.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53How long would it take to work on this piece and get it into a finished product?
0:13:53 > 0:13:55An hour, an hour-and-a-half.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- So how long did it take you to train?- Three years apprenticeship.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Well, I've been doing it ever since.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07You have to be quite gentle. Is this why you do it by hand and not use a machine?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10That's right. The art of knowing how much to take at a time.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12You spoil the product by taking too much.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Too little, you'll be there forever and a day.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19Dean, our stonemason, suggests I have a go.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Even though I'm worried one bad chip might ruin his work.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26A bit like that and a little tap with the mallet.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Nibble it away.- That's a good way of thinking of it.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32This is quite therapeutic! Although...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Not if you're doing it day in, day out!
0:14:34 > 0:14:37As you said, I could be here for a while, couldn't I?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- I think you would.- It might take me longer than three or four hours.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I don't think they'll pay you by the hour!
0:14:44 > 0:14:47'Mmm. I think I'd better stick to the day job.'
0:14:50 > 0:14:55One of the interesting things about Cotswold stone is how it changes colour
0:14:55 > 0:15:01from a warm honey in the north in areas like South Warwickshire to a colder grey further south in Bath.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's all just because of the underlying rock.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09For our next offering, although Ian and Beryl weren't specifically looking for a stone-built property,
0:15:09 > 0:15:15they did want three beds, lots of character and a nice big kitchen - all for about £400,000.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21But when they clapped eyes on a traditional Cotswold-stone property in Gloucestershire,
0:15:21 > 0:15:22it set their hearts racing.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Jules took our intrepid couple to Whiteshill for this property,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30just a stone's throw north of Stroud.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35The village sits amongst the Cotswold hills, a far cry from the urban lifestyle
0:15:35 > 0:15:40Ian and Beryl had been used to and offered the beautiful views they were hankering after.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44The house was on the edge of the village down a private road.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Wow! Hey!- Hey!- Look at that!
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Just take a look at that.- You like?
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Yes.- We do.- Ha! Hooray!
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- We do. - And look at the view it gives you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00I want my mum.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Why?! - THEY LAUGH
0:16:03 > 0:16:04Are you going to cry?
0:16:04 > 0:16:11If you think you're going to cry now, wait till you see inside. I think it's absolutely charming.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Come on.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23We'll start through this kind of sun room area,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27which in some ways, your eye will tell you, it does need a bit of work.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33- When the weather's not good enough to sit outside, you could sit out here when it is raining.- Exactly.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35You can sit in your kitchen.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Come through here.- OK.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Now, Beryl...- Aha!
0:16:42 > 0:16:46This is looking good.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49That is a sized kitchen-diner.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I'm a huge fan of what I would call free-standing kitchens.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- That's what you've got. It's not all fitted.- Very nice.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00Pretty windows and the sink that you can look out of the window.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01It makes a huge difference.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03The size is impressive.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04- Yes!- It's comfortable.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07And you've got that thing in the corner, which is terrific.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- That Aga does all your hot water as well.- Oh!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Let's continue through here.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Now this is, I suppose, the main reception room.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Lovely.- I think it's gorgeous.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28It's cosy.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- You're the builder. You want a downstairs bathroom?- We do. - Come with me.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- This is currently set up as a study. - OK.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44But it is all plumbed.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- Ah.- Are you with me?- Yes.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50So if you did want to go down the route of a downstairs loo, shower room etc...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53This would not take a lot of converting.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I don't think it would take much at all.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01But you have got a proper family bathroom upstairs with the bedrooms. Shall we check those out?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- Yes, please.- After you, sir. Lead on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09'I'm not sure Ian's looking for jobs in his retirement but it's something to think about.'
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Have a look in there.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Oh, yeah. Very nice.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Very nice and bright.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- That's so light and airy.- Yeah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- You can pretty much lie in the bath and you've got the view. - And see Stroud!
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Everywhere you go, you've got this wonderful view.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- This is currently the master bedroom.- OK.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- Right.- Big enough.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Plenty big enough.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45And you would wake up...
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- Just with that, it's just... - ..to the view again.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50It's outrageously beautiful, isn't it?
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Outrageously beautiful!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I get the feeling this place is really making an impression!
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- It is, most certainly.- Oh, yeah.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- I could get up and make sure you're cutting the lawn.- Absolutely.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I like your style, Beryl! Come on.
0:19:02 > 0:19:08'Next door there are two more bedrooms which are roughly the same size,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'and there's another floor to explore.'
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- This space...- My goodness me!
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Isn't that crazy?
0:19:21 > 0:19:26That feature there are the two chimney breasts coming up to meet in the middle of the house
0:19:26 > 0:19:30and they've turned it into this play space. Grandchildren, I'm thinking.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- Or an office.- What an incredible use of a loft space.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Lovely and light with these roof lights.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Let's finish it off and go outside.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Let's enjoy the sunshine.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46After you, Beryl. Well, that does seem to have done the trick.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50I think this house really has taken their fancy.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Now then,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55you've seen the house.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58The garden -
0:19:58 > 0:20:00more than enough to keep you busy.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- More than enough.- And you've got a few fruit trees and things.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- A bit of interest there. - Well planted.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11And you've got that carport arrangement for the MG. Is that going to work?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14That would certainly work. Perfect.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18OK. Let's bring it down to earth and think about how much it's going to cost you.
0:20:18 > 0:20:25I like it so much, I'm frightened that it will be way, way above our budget.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- OK.- I've said before, the budget's 400,000, Jules.
0:20:33 > 0:20:39- For what we see, I'm going to go above 450.- Above 450, OK.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42I'll stick at 450.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46OK, 450 would be fair enough, I suppose.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51If I told you this was on the market for 525,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53that's the bad news.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57The really, really, really good news is that it's been reduced.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59To?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02395.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05You are joking!
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- I'm not!- Really? You didn't just make that up?
0:21:07 > 0:21:16No, I didn't! £395,000 for a quick sale, you could be in here.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17Where's the chequebook?
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- That's the most amazing and satisfying...- Surprise.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27..piece of news we've had,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30because that ticks the majority of the boxes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Don't jump just yet. Go and have a good look around
0:21:33 > 0:21:37and see what you'd do with your five grand change.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- This is a nice-sized room. - It is, isn't it.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Pretty fireplace.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48It's such a nice space.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50It's cosy down that end.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- Absolutely fine.- And a bit of space at the end there for a small table.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58The roof space was a complete surprise, yes.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Certainly see maybe all of the grandchildren one day playing
0:22:02 > 0:22:06up there with Ian with the train sets and that would be grand.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12When Jules came up with the 395,000,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15I think I was nearly gobsmacked.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20It's a lot of money to come down, 395,000, but it's something
0:22:20 > 0:22:22we will seriously consider now.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32For my personal favourite and our final stone-built building, we're returning to Ruan Minor,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36a small fishing village in Cornwall, where Rob and Di were looking for
0:22:36 > 0:22:40a secluded property with an open garden to attract lots of wildlife.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45They had a budget of £450,000 and for that, Di, in particular, wanted
0:22:45 > 0:22:50space in the house to devote to her passion for sewing and thankfully,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54with this detached property that was made from Cornish serpentine rock,
0:22:54 > 0:22:55they found what they were after.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00The coastal village of Ruan Minor
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I took them to is just a half-mile stroll up the hill
0:23:03 > 0:23:04from Cadgwith Cove,
0:23:04 > 0:23:10a tiny fishing village with pretty houses that conjure up that typical image of Cornwall.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13The scenery is dramatic and the coastal path was perfect
0:23:13 > 0:23:16for nature-lovers Rob and Di to admire the wildlife.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Back up the hill, the house I want to show them is in the heart of the village.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Right here,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26you have a Grade II listed property.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Fantastic.- It's lovely, isn't it.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34You're only a stone's throw away from the local shops, the local pub and of course these lovely windows,
0:23:34 > 0:23:40you could probably guess, this was the village shop, built in 1872 so a lot of history here.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Shall we take a look? - Yes.- Let's go, yeah!
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Come this way.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54What a gorgeous room! SHE GASPS
0:23:54 > 0:23:58That was a big intake of breath!
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- Yes, it's stately, isn't it?- It's lovely, look at that window, Rob.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Looks right out into your back garden.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- It's delightful. - A lot of space.- Yeah. Beautiful.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- I presume you could do with a bit more space.- Oh, yes.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16- Never have enough. Do you want to have a look through there? - Right, let's go!
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Wow! What a room!
0:24:18 > 0:24:22This is magnificent, isn't it fantastic?
0:24:22 > 0:24:27It's a huge room. Low ceiling. Lovely beam.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32Lovely beam. And the window, it's such a light room.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Those windows are impressive partly because it was a shop.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- Where the shelves are, that's where you'd serve from.- Really?
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Let's go this way.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Bit of a low ceiling. Come through!
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- Lovely kitchen.- Sweet, isn't it?- Yes.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Sweet, little? Is it big enough for you?
0:24:53 > 0:24:58It's smaller than I would've chosen but workable with. They have a little breakfast bar.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02And it's such a nice shape.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03An interesting room.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Lovely aspects out into the garden. - Mmm, both sides.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Just through there, there's a little bit more.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- A utility area.- Have a look.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- That's a good space. - That's fine, isn't it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16Right, time to see the upstairs.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- Yep, sure.- Let's go.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27'This house pretty much offers the space they're looking for.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30'Upstairs there are three bedrooms.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35'And rather generously, a bathroom and a shower room, but we're heading for the master.'
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Oh!
0:25:37 > 0:25:40This is a long bedroom, isn't it?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- It is.- Yeah. Lots of storage.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Again, these beautiful windows. This time you're looking
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- right out onto the front of the house into the heart of the village.- Mmm!
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It's nice to be in the village but I don't know how much
0:25:53 > 0:25:56we'll get the birds and animals coming up to the door.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58We'll have to see what it joins onto.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02That's still a big consideration for you, isn't it?
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Yes. But it's also very nice to be able to just nip across to the shop.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- I guess that means we should see the outside. OK. Let's go down. - Thank you.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15'Rob and Di's wish to attract wildlife into their garden is a major consideration
0:26:15 > 0:26:19'and although this property is in the middle of the village,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21'you would never believe it when in the garden.'
0:26:21 > 0:26:23So, this is private.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- There's a lot more to this garden. - This is lovely.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- Good parking area.- Yep.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- You wanted plenty of room for parking.- We did.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34But there's more.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35- OK!- This way.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Oh, this is so nice.- There's more! You've got all of this space as well.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- It's a good space. - It's a very good space. Certainly a lovely space for a pond.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55So a beautiful, traditional cottage with lots of space. All of this land all the way round.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57How much do you think it's worth?
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Very definitely over the top end of our budget.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Can I pin you down on a figure?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05460.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10- And you, Rob?- I think about 473,000.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11So beyond your budget?
0:27:11 > 0:27:17- I think so, yeah.- What about this - it's on the market at £450,000.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Really? That's very interesting.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- That's a nice surprise.- That's good.
0:27:23 > 0:27:29- It's such a nice house. It's such a nice, solid, honest house.- Traditionally Cornish.- Yeah.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30It's right on the budget.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- I think you should have another look and we'll talk about it later on.- OK!
0:27:34 > 0:27:40It's a really nice, traditional, solid house with plenty of space inside.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44I think Di has fallen in love with it. She really is taken with it.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46I think she could be very happy here.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48It really has a "wow" factor.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50It's got character.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55It feels warm and very homely. Home.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56The garden is lovely.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01There's plenty of opportunity for us to put our own stamp on it
0:28:01 > 0:28:06but it's enclosed, it's private, it certainly would bring wildlife into the garden.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Superb, in a beautiful setting.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17I think Di fell in love with that house and it had space
0:28:17 > 0:28:22for her beloved sewing room, all framed by that sturdy local stone.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Sadly, that's all we've got time to show you
0:28:24 > 0:28:27but hopefully, these stone-built properties
0:28:27 > 0:28:30have inspired you to go in search of your own rural dream.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:42 > 0:28:45E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk