0:00:02 > 0:00:05For some, there is nothing more satisfying
0:00:05 > 0:00:09than tucking in to a plate of food from your very own garden.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11You've got your chickens clucking around in the backyard,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13fresh eggs every morning
0:00:13 > 0:00:15and veggies at your disposal whenever you want them.
0:00:15 > 0:00:21I think there's no other word for it than the good life. You intrigued?
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Well, keep watching for a very special Escape To The Country.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Here, chick-chicks.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44In today's show, we'll be taking a look back at the cream of the crop,
0:00:44 > 0:00:48as we revisit some of our favourite farmhouses from previous series,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50where a dream farmhouse kitchen hits the spot.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- Oh, wow.- Yes.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Yes.- Yeah?- Yeah.- Bingo.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59A couple from Woking find their cosy country corner.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- Love the fireplace.- What a fireplace.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Got my woodburning stove I asked for.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05That's ticked that box, hasn't it?
0:01:05 > 0:01:08A smallholding in Wales brings out the inner child.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10What would you do in here?
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- We'd play about.- OK.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17'And I end up getting on someone else's goat.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:19No, no, no, no!
0:01:19 > 0:01:22You have to be quicker to stop it going in the bucket!
0:01:26 > 0:01:28There's many a weary urbanite
0:01:28 > 0:01:32who often dreams of owning their own farmhouse with a smallholding,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34so they can raise chickens and pigs
0:01:34 > 0:01:36and grow their own veggies
0:01:36 > 0:01:39and of course, cook up a feast in that beloved country kitchen.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43So today's show is all about the traditional farmhouse
0:01:43 > 0:01:44and the people who want to live in them.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Built for purpose and functionality,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52farmhouses are the most prolific structures in the countryside.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Over the ages, a variety of different styles have dressed the landscape.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59One of the more common builds are the two-up, two-down,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01where farmer and animal slept under the same roof.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04As wars and threats of invasion swept the country,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06farmhouses became fortified,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10defending not only the farmer but his biggest asset, the animals.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Amazing examples of these can still be seen today,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18from the Devonshire Long House to the Northumbrian Bastille.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21As time passed, animals have been moved to sheds and stables
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and the quintessential farmhouse was born,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27firing up images of woodburning stoves,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30tiled flooring and of course, the hearty range oven.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36With such a great variety of farmhouses
0:02:36 > 0:02:38that we featured on the show over the years,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42it's been really tricky just choosing a few select favourites,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44but to get us going, we're off to Devon
0:02:44 > 0:02:49where I was showing Aldo and Amanda some £1 million farmhouses.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Now, at 6'4", ceiling height was definitely a concern for Aldo,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57and for Amanda, it was all about finding the perfect country kitchen.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00They both agreed, however, that land was essential
0:03:00 > 0:03:03because they wanted to raise chickens and pigs.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07So I took them to the outskirts of the village of Warkleigh,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10where I showed them a 17-century dairy farmhouse.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13And while the ceiling height wasn't an issue,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15the kitchen definitely was.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Warkleigh sits just 12 miles from Barnstaple
0:03:21 > 0:03:23in the lush green landscape of Devon.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Four miles away, the village of Umberleigh has a tearoom
0:03:27 > 0:03:30which is always a great place for meeting new friends.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32And the train station gives access to the Tarka Line,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36a scenic journey through North Devon's unspoilt countryside.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39The farm also came with holiday lets,
0:03:39 > 0:03:40which was ideal for Aldo and Amanda,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43who wanted to start a business from home.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Oh, wow. That's nice.- Gorgeous.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Well, this is property number one,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and one of the things you said you wanted was a period property.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52I think we've done pretty well.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54It was originally built in about the 1620s,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57so it's featured in the Domesday Book.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58I don't think you can get much older.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I'm pretty good on the history.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04It was a working dairy farm up until about the 1950s.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06It's been well modernised.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07Two cottages brought together.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Inside, has kept the character, but it's modern and fresh.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14And you've got a couple of holiday lets either side. Let's go inside,
0:04:14 > 0:04:15take a look.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20So, from the outside, is this kind of what you were expecting?
0:04:20 > 0:04:25I don't know what we were expecting, but yes, it's the countryside we're looking for.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26- It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32In we come...to room number one.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- That's pretty.- It's pretty. - Lovely beams.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- As long as you can fit underneath. - Wonderful.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Original features. Come through. Can you fit through there, Aldo?
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Yeah. Just about. - Skimming underneath.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Nice short haircut. Pretty good.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Such wonderful character.- It's really cosy.- Just about habitable.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Yeah?- That's fine. - It's a lovely cosy room.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Good. That's what I wanted to hear.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Let's hope it continues.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- So, we have the living area.- Yeah.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Love the fireplace. It's got my woodburning stove.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- That's ticked that box, hasn't it? - Yeah.- Definitely.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- I love the wooden flooring. Beautiful.- Yeah.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10They've laid all of this pine flooring throughout.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It's right the way through the property.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- How are you doing with the ceilings? - Fine.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16You don't really notice it.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- So the Aldo factor's not becoming a factor.- Not at the moment.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Not at the moment. He's fine. He can fit under those.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24So far so good. Is this a good space for entertaining?
0:05:24 > 0:05:26It is. It is a nice-sized room.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Yeah. We'd fit our furniture in here cos we've got a couple of sofas and things.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- Shall we keep wandering? - Sounds good.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35This house is full of surprises. Let's see what's round the corner.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This is the dining area.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Love the flooring. - Again, really good flooring.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- We've got the beams. We're starting to increase the height now.- Yes.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46They are going up, aren't they? Yep.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48This is more like it.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Have a look over there. - The Aga over there.- Got your Aga.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Yeah.- And then through here to the kitchen.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58That's pretty.
0:05:58 > 0:06:04- So is that the only cooker?- Yes. - Ah. Yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- You're seeing one of the quirks with this property.- Yeah.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08They've got the separate kitchen
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- and what they're using as a preparation area.- Yeah.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14So the family will do all the preparation here
0:06:14 > 0:06:16and they go through to the dining area. That's where they cook.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- That's where they do the cooking.- Yeah.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21And they say it's great cos it's straight from cooker to table -
0:06:21 > 0:06:23nice hot, hearty meals.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- So, that's the idea of it.- OK.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Different to how you...- It is.- Yes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31I think we're used to a much bigger open space, aren't we?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35We've got the kitchen, the breakfast area, sort of a family area.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38That's one of the challenges of this property -
0:06:38 > 0:06:40to be a bit different.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Let's move on and maybe take a look upstairs.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Yep.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The kitchen may not be the best set-up, but they could knock through
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and make one big kitchen-diner.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Upstairs, there are three good-sized bedrooms for friends and family,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58and also a charming country-style family bathroom.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02But it's the master that I want Amanda and Aldo to see.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04It's a nice-sized room.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05- It's not a bad-sized room.- Yeah.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It's big enough. Yeah. - Yeah. I think so.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- And an en suite. - A nice-sized shower.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- That's nice.- Important to you.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Yeah.- Yeah.- It's nice. Nice upstairs, isn't it?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Nice colours.- Lovely flooring. - Some boxes being ticked!
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Oh, yeah. Ticking some boxes. Yeah. - Let's go.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Good. Good. Let's hope the outside matches up.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29All this sits in nine acres of Devon and if that's not enough,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31I have something else up my sleeve.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34A lake. It's fairly new.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Yeah.- It's only been going a year and a bit.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39There are lots of trees planted. It will develop.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- You'll see it blossom over the next couple of years.- OK. Yeah.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- You've given us your budget, starting between 800 and up to possibly 1.2 million.- Yeah.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And then you gave us that lovely checklist.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52I think we haven't done too badly.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54How much do you think that's all worth?
0:07:54 > 0:07:58I'd guess 1,050,000.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02I'd have said a little bit under. Say 980.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05You two are pretty good guessers.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10Congratulations. This one is on the market for 995,000.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- OK.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- No. That's good. Very good start. - Good start.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19I think this is a really great house, but what are their thoughts?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21It's a beautiful property.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I love all the quirky features of it and things like the bread ovens
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and the little doors and shutters.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Think the biggest problem for me is the kitchen.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31If we actually took this out by about six foot,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34it would make a lovely kitchen-breakfast area.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36The house itself was beautiful.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38It's ticked most of the boxes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42The only downside house was the kitchen where the cooking facilities
0:08:42 > 0:08:43are actually in the dining area.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Now, another couple who were looking for a similar change
0:08:51 > 0:08:54are Mandy and Gary, from Balsall Common in the West Midlands.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58With their two children, they were looking for a farmhouse in East Devon
0:08:58 > 0:09:00and they enlisted the help of Jules Hudson.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03They had a budget of about £600,000,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and for that, they wanted a three-bedroom character property,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09close to a village, with plenty of space so they could keep donkeys.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14So Jules took them to Upottery,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18a ten-minute drive north of Honiton.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Lying in the Otter Valley in the Blackdown Hills,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24the village consists of a collection of pretty thatched and painted cottages,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27with the River Otter running through its heart.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33Gary and Mandy were chomping at the bit when Jules showed them a five-bedroom Victorian farmhouse.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Now, then.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42Wow. That's lovely.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Isn't that special?- Yeah.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Absolutely. Like your Devonshire farmhouse, isn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50It absolutely is a Devonshire farmhouse.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53There's a plaque up there that says 1902. That's when it was built.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- Do you like it?- Love it.- Good start. Wait till you see inside.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Come on.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Right. Let's start in here.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Oh, I say. Lovely.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Yeah?- Absolutely lovely.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Open fireplace, so big logs in there. Very cosy in here.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Remember I mentioned that extension. What it does, it pushes out that way,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- and that's the new bit, and it goes up another storey. - So that could make an office.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- Great place to work, wouldn't it? - Yeah.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Come with me.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30'The lounge has gone down well, but there's plenty more to see.'
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Right.- Oh, wow.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Yes.- Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- Yeah.- Bingo.- I've been dying to show you this room, above all others,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- cos I think this is what you're after.- Definitely.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Nail on the head.- And it goes on.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49There's a bit more down here.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Come down here to this area, which is kind of a snug, really.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55You've got a lovely great big open fire there, again.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- It's just really good family space. - It is.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01OK. So, we like this so far.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Very much.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Good. I thought you would. OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Let's go upstairs, cos there's loads of accommodation.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Come with me through here.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11This I think you'll really like.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17'The kitchen is clearly a winner, but upstairs there are five bedrooms.'
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Now, I know Mandy and Gary only asked for three,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23but the first two are fairly compact
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and could be knocked through if they wished.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28The third bedroom is slightly bigger
0:11:28 > 0:11:31and great for occasional visits from daughter Hayley.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33And then there's a fourth.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Now then, there are so many rooms to choose from up here,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I'm thinking one could be a study.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- Instead of downstairs. That's a good option.- You've got so many choices.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- That's three choices.- Yeah. - Yeah.- Right. Let's continue. There's plenty more.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- Now.- Wow. Didn't expect this.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- How sweet. It's beautiful.- Yeah. - Yeah.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Really charming. A bit of a surprise, isn't it?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- It is, actually.- Nice big size and quite different, really.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02You've got an airing cupboard, with the immersion tank.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07And a lovely view.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11'They seem to love this property, but the piece de resistance has to be the master bedroom.'
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Ah, this is beautiful. Lovely size.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- Perfect size. Yeah. - Yeah.- Very pretty. Yeah.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20I think this is really terrific.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Is that a drinks cupboard there?
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Kind of. It's certainly got running water in it. How about that?
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- That's a bonus.- Very similar style to the family bathroom in the way it's been fitted out.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Beautifully done en suite, isn't it, Gary?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Ideal. Absolutely perfect.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Now, you've seen pretty much all of the inside of this property.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41How's it faring, do you think?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44This is, by far, my favourite.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Yeah.- Yeah. So far.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49'I certainly get the feeling that Mandy is mentally moving in
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'and as we head outside, there's plenty more to impress her.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Now, what you get is that enormous barn, as well.- Fantastic.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- The whole thing?- Yeah.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- So, next question... - How much land, do you think?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Well, I'd settle for none, just for the house.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08That's a good start. But it does come with a bit of land.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Come through here.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14This is all with the property?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It's all with the property. That's what I want you to look at.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- Can you see that paddock up there? - Yeah.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22You get that paddock, the bit beyond the posting rail and the gate,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- up to the tree line.- Really?- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- In all, the whole thing is about two acres.- It's not bad.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Great. Well, OK, let's go and see how much it's all going to cost you.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'I think both of them are suitably impressed with this place
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'and it certainly has everything they've asked for and more.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41'So let's see what they think of the price.'
0:13:41 > 0:13:45So, we're back where we started, in the more formal garden,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47looking at the back of the property.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50So, the million dollar question.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55You've got 600 grand or so. How much would you want to spend on this?
0:13:55 > 0:13:59This property's just got so much going for it,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02I think it is going to be 595, 600, if not more.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- Top end of the budget. Gary?- 650. - 650.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11If I saw it on the market for 650, I wouldn't be surprised.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14However, I would be delighted if it was on the market for 595.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- No.- Yeah.- Wow.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Yeah. A lot to think about, Gary.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Go and have a good look around. I can see this place has really, really grabbed you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25£595,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- It has got it all, hasn't it? - It definitely has.- Go on, then.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Thank you.- Go and have a look.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36These barns have got so much potential for whatever you want.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39I love the way there's a little community here...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Oh, I like that, too. Wouldn't feel alone, would you?
0:14:42 > 0:14:46No. You've always got neighbours around, so I think it's just superb.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Though it's in the heart of the country,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51you're only two minutes away from civilisation,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55whereas other houses we've looked at, I felt a little bit cut off.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57My favourite room is the kitchen.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It's just a wow factor to it.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Exactly what we wanted in a country kitchen.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03This room's so special, isn't it?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I think it's set off by this splendid fireplace, do you?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08I love it. Absolutely love it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12It has everything that we were looking for. And more, really.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It's something we've really got to consider.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19When setting up a smallholding,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21the most common animals to start with
0:15:21 > 0:15:24are chickens, pigs, sheep and goats.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Did you know that the goat is believed to be
0:15:26 > 0:15:29amongst one of the earliest domesticated animals,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31dating back around 10,000 years.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34So today I'm here to meet Tiff and Judith Hall,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and they've got over 30 goats on their smallholding.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39I'm going to find out a little bit more
0:15:39 > 0:15:41about what it takes to raise the herd.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43The farm can be found
0:15:43 > 0:15:46in the heart of the Fens near Wisbech,
0:15:46 > 0:15:50and makes the perfect home for Tiff, Judith and their handsome herd.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Good morning. Hello, Tiff.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- How are you? All right? - Fine, thanks. Hi, Judith.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- You've got an impressive herd here, haven't you?- We certainly have.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Of all the animals you could keep, why go for goats?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07I just became interested in them when I went to agricultural shows.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09I thought they were just interesting animals
0:16:09 > 0:16:13and they have turned out to be extremely interesting to keep.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15And you've got a nice bit of land here for them.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Yeah. Five acres in total.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18Five acres. And the farmhouse.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- And the farmhouse.- That's right.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23They've been building their stock for 13 years
0:16:23 > 0:16:26and supply the local community with everything from organic goat burgers
0:16:26 > 0:16:30to dairy products, all milked in the traditional way -
0:16:30 > 0:16:31by hand.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Is it easy to master?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Relatively. Yeah. Do you want a go?
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Shall we have a look?- Let's have a go.- Come on.- All right.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42'With half the herd as milkers, this is no hobby farm.'
0:16:42 > 0:16:44They're all in here. Hello.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50The goats need regular attention and milking twice a day, 365 days a year.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Oh, that was very quick.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55She's not giving me a lot, this one.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57How much milk would you expect to get out of them?
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Daisy's giving me about half a gallon a day.- Half a gallon.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07And she was kidded two years ago, so they're what they call run through.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Yeah. Does it hurt her? - No. Not if you do it properly.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- OK.- If you go too high, then you'll pinch the udder.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- She'll kick the bucket over or put a foot in the bucket.- Right!
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Sounds tricky, but to make life easier for me,
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Judith brought out one of her best milkers, Ray.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Sharp squeeze, run your finger down.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29OK. There.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Sharp squeeze. Oh, milk came out!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Don't pull.- Don't pull.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Push up.- There was a trickle.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40There we go.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Yay.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43I'm doing it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- Now get your other hand working on the other one.- Oh, yeah!
0:17:47 > 0:17:50It's a two-handed job. Be here all day if you wait for me.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53That requires another level of skill.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Oh, she's a good milker, isn't she?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57She is. She's excellent.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58I usually teach people on Ray.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Can you drink this milk from the bucket?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03You can if you want to drink it with a few hairs in it.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05And when would you pasteurise it?
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I'd pasteurise it for the children, the grandchildren. They drink it.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Oh, no, no, no, no!
0:18:10 > 0:18:15You have to be quicker to stop it going in the bucket.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17I can't believe it.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- A bucket of good... - You were doing so well.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23I'm OK with it, Ray.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25But could you move your foot, please?
0:18:25 > 0:18:27'Well, I think before Ray gets my goat,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30'I'll leave this to the professionals.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32'A clean bucket and an experienced pair of hands
0:18:32 > 0:18:34'should ensure we have enough milk for our tea.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37'But first, it needs to be pasteurised.'
0:18:37 > 0:18:40You said you drink the milk without pasteurising, necessarily.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43But why is it important for the younger ones?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Because of the bacteria that could be in the milk
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- that it could have picked up from a bucket, or anywhere, really. This is a home pasteuriser.- Right.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55It's nothing like the commercial people would use,
0:18:55 > 0:18:56but it works for me.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58OK. Well, let's put this together,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- cos we've got a fair amount of milk here.- Like a big funnel.- Yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Holey bit goes in. Filter paper.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06And then another holey bit.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And a spring to hold it all together.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Wonderful.- And then you can just pour it through.- I pour in.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15It should take all of that, quite easily.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- Here we go.- That's as much as my grandchildren need.- Aw.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23And that's the milk from lovely Ray.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- And Daisy.- And Daisy, as well.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- Brilliant.- Well...
0:19:28 > 0:19:31minus the little bit that was spilt.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Yeah. Of course. Minus the bit with a hoof in it.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35So we take that off.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Then I need to connect this up to the outlet.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44Just run the hot water, so it doesn't take quite so long to heat up.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It seems like a lot of effort just to get some milk. Is it rewarding?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Well, it is, but yes, I mean, I've got the goats,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52I like keeping the goats.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56It's a hobby that's progressed into something a bit more.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00And I don't like the goats not to be useful.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04If they're producing milk and meat for us, then they're useful.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Just switch the electric on and that's it.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09We leave it until it buzzes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13In rural areas during the war, many infants were brought up on goats' milk,
0:20:13 > 0:20:18as due to rationing, powdered milk was often the only alternative.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19So how does it compare in a cup of tea?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23That's a lovely cup of tea.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26And I can't taste the difference.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30I was thinking I'd taste it and there would be a very strong taste
0:20:30 > 0:20:32of something that would say, "There's goat's milk in there."
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- No.- But there's nothing. It's just a good cup of tea.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'I'm not kidding. This really is lovely.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41'And do you know, much like their stubborn goats,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45'I can see how Judith and Tiff are really set in to this farming life.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I can't see us moving, at all. Nothing, I don't think, can make us move.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51At this rate, I can't see me moving, either.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56So I'll leave you lot to move on while I sit back for a lovely cup of tea with some goat's milk.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- You have got a spare room, haven't you?- Yeah.- Great.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09And so we come to our final farmhouse
0:21:09 > 0:21:12and I have to admit, it really is something quite special.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15This house was in Powys, in mid-Wales,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19and looking around the property with Jules Hudson were Hugh and Lyriss,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21a retired couple from Reigate in Surrey.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Now, they had a fantastic budget of £750,000
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and for that they were looking for a four-bedroom detached property
0:21:28 > 0:21:33with a large kitchen and enough land to raise some sheep and chickens.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37So when Jules showed them their dream farmhouse in Pengenffordd
0:21:37 > 0:21:40there were smiles all round.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46The hamlet of Pengenffordd is a fairly remote area
0:21:46 > 0:21:48two miles north of Cwmdu.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51One of the most attractive villages in the Brecknock Valley,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Cwmdu is popular with hikers and tourists
0:21:53 > 0:21:54and is only 20 minutes' drive
0:21:54 > 0:21:57from the Brecon Beacons.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59This beautiful village is full of rustic charm,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03but did it have enough to seduce Hugh and Lyriss
0:22:03 > 0:22:04into moving nearby?
0:22:04 > 0:22:05Now, then...
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- ..what about that? - That's a real farmhouse.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11It's a real farmhouse. Cos I think,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- at heart, you want to be real farmers.- We do.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- Your brother says we want to be hobby farmers.- Well, OK.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Hobby farmers.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Plenty of hobbies you can undertake here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25It's absolutely enormous. It has loads of scope
0:22:25 > 0:22:30and has that real farmhouse feel to it because...
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- it is a real farmhouse.- Yes.- Yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Now... Come in here.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39What do you think?
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Yep. Pretty authentic looking.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- Pretty authentic, isn't it?- Yes. Yes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Yeah?- This is a nice size, too, isn't it?
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Yeah. You're smiling a lot, which suggests this is all rather good.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Yes, it is. - There's a traditional fireplace.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Yes.- It's a large room.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Now, this is not the only reception room here.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Really?- There is another one.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00They call it a snug.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It's quite a big snug, though.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Come and have a look at this one.- OK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Now...
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Not exactly a small snug.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- As snugs go...- It's quite big.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15I think it's great.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It's a mixture of dining room, I suppose,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and cosy fire, etc.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Yeah. What would you do in here?
0:23:22 > 0:23:26We'd play about.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- OK.- Well, it's suited to having...
0:23:29 > 0:23:34it being a sort of an everyday sitting room, isn't it?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36So that you've got the settees and the fire.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I love that fireplace.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Yes, that is. That must be an original.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Now, does this work for you, Lyriss?
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- Oh, yes. Yes. This is pretty farmhousey, isn't it?- Yes.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Yeah. Nice oil-fired range for you.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Oh, yes.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Oil-fired.- Expensive.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Well, but that does your hot water, as well.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- Yes. So it has to be kept in. - I would suggest so.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02'It's all good, so far.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07'Upstairs, there are only three bedrooms, which might be a stumbling block,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09'but I'm hoping that the cottage feel will win them over.'
0:24:09 > 0:24:13Oh, yes. This is absolutely right for the house, isn't it?
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Little windows. Deep sills. Just absolutely as it should be.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19I love all the quirky ceilings and wonky doors.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22This is exactly authentic, isn't it?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'There's a spacious bathroom, and dressing room with a shower,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28but what will they make of the master bedroom?'
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Now...- Oh, yes. It's very nice.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- This is the master bedroom. - This is the master bedroom.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- So we like?- We like.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40- We like.- A lot?
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Yes. Yes. It moves us.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45It moves us. Good.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46The royal we. Great, isn't it?
0:24:46 > 0:24:50'Royal palaces have estates, and as ever, it's the grounds here
0:24:50 > 0:24:53'that will have to impress Queen Lyriss.'
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- Let's start here, shall we?- Yep.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57In the old farmyard,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59cos this could all be yours, too.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03You've got a lovely old barn here, with a granary above it.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06All the stalls are in there. The old cattle stalls, etc.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09The really interesting thing is that area at the top
0:25:09 > 0:25:13has planning permission to be converted for domestic use.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15But this isn't all of it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18This is just the start. There's some land through here.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23'This used to be a working farm and more recently a stud
0:25:23 > 0:25:26'so all the useful outbuildings are in great condition.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29'And with a sizeable 16 acres of land,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32'this place could be perfect for when Hugh and Lyriss start up
0:25:32 > 0:25:33'their hobby farm.'
0:25:35 > 0:25:40You've got what you can see here, running from those trees on my left, up...
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- See the telegraph pole?- Yes.- Across where those sheep are grazing.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Yes.- And the field beyond.- Ah!
0:25:46 > 0:25:47That hedge, as well.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I think it's enough to make your eyes sparkle, isn't it?
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Yeah, yeah, yeah. Could make me happy.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57'It all looks very promising,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01'but now it's time to play the trump card.'
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Well, we've seen quite a bit of land the other side of the farm,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08but there is also plenty of land this side of the road.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Yes.- And at the bottom of that is a stream.- Oh, really?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13A really, really pretty one.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Oh, wonderful.- With access for the stock?- Yeah.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Now, to give you an idea, if you want to look at this plan I've got.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Let's just turn it round. There we are.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25There's the farm, there. We're here.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29There's the acreage at the top of the farm. The two paddocks.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31All the outbuildings. And all of this -
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- quite a lot of land and quite a lot of farm, as well.- And the house.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38So £750,000 is in your pocket.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Make me an offer on this place.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Well, with 750 in my pocket, I'd pay 750 for it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46I'm sure you would.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49But would you get it, I wonder. Hugh?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52I guess it's got to be at least 760.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57- 760. If it was 750, would you consider it?- Yes.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- So you would definitely take it for 695?- Yes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03We'd snap their hands off.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Go and snap them off, then.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Cos that's it. £695,000 gets you this lot.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11- Well, that's it, then.- Wow.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Yes. Yes. No. We'll have that. When we can afford to change the boiler.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Are you telling me that it's over?
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- It's a farmer's delight.- There you go.- It's a hobby farmer's delight.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- Off you go.- See you sometime.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Yes. I can see I'm going to have to prise you away.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Yes, you are.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37The thought of actually living here just...makes me so happy.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39This is a fabulous house, isn't it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Yes. And this is a lovely room.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44All the features that we were looking for are there.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48There's the spacious kitchen, a snug, lovely fireplaces.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It would just be so wonderful
0:27:51 > 0:27:54to be able to walk around these fields
0:27:54 > 0:27:58and say, "These are my animals and this is my land."
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Well, I think Hugh and Lyriss absolutely love that farmhouse.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12And who could blame them?
0:28:12 > 0:28:15It has fantastic views and its very own stream.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Now, unfortunately, that's all we've got time for
0:28:18 > 0:28:22in today's Escape To The Country, but do join me again next time.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25I'm observing the first country rule and shutting the gate.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28And now, I'm off to warm my hands on the range.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:45 > 0:28:48E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk