0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I'm part of the country as popular with tourists
0:00:04 > 0:00:07as with house-hunters, spanning no less than six counties.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13And this big fella here, Claudius, he's one of the main reasons why this area of England is so coveted.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16With his forefathers' wool providing the foundations
0:00:16 > 0:00:23for remarkable architectural legacy, his backyard is one of the most sought after escapes to the country.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40In today's show I'll be helping an interior designer and her partner escape London life for
0:00:40 > 0:00:45a breath of fresh air in the country, and immediately practical concerns emerge.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I'm just thinking how expensive it's going to be in curtains!
0:00:49 > 0:00:54And I'll be showing them some fantastic country homes with a few surprises.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58That is just the icing on the cake.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00And, of course, there's the mystery house,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04but will any of the properties match their country dream?
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Today, I'm in the Cotswolds and, in medieval times,
0:01:09 > 0:01:16this fella's ancestors were well known throughout Europe for their heavy fleeces and high quality wool.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21With Cotswold wool commanding the very best prices, wealthy traders were able to invest in
0:01:21 > 0:01:28the local area, building beautiful houses and stunning churches, known as wool churches, made from Cotswold
0:01:28 > 0:01:35limestone, another characteristic of this area nearly as much as my four-legged friend here.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39The largest of the 40 areas of outstanding natural beauty
0:01:39 > 0:01:43in England and Wales, the Cotswolds lie across several counties.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49On the western outskirts is the Cotswold's edge, a steep slope leading down to the Severn Valley.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54It's one of the most desirable places to live in the country with property prices to match.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56From modest cottages to grand houses,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00it's the honey-coloured limestone that defines the local architecture.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03But discerning residents are well served by the plentiful selection
0:02:03 > 0:02:09of enticing shops and eateries spread across the attractive small towns and villages.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14It's also a hot spot on the tourist map, bringing in millions of visitors every year.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27As the new playground for celebrities such as Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Moss and Kate Winslet,
0:02:27 > 0:02:33you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Cotswolds was out of the financial reach of mere mortals,
0:02:33 > 0:02:38but although this is a very expensive part of the country, the good news is there's never been
0:02:38 > 0:02:47a better time to move here, with house prices dropping 19% since they peaked in the summer of 2007.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50To you and me that means a country cottage would
0:02:50 > 0:02:57cost around £440,000 at the peak, and has now dropped to around 350.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59So, what should you buy?
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Have a look at some of these.
0:03:03 > 0:03:10If your budget is £1.95 million you could be viewing this three bedroom converted dovecote in South Rock.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13The stylish refurbishment has been sympathetic to the original
0:03:13 > 0:03:16building, retaining many of its appealing features.
0:03:16 > 0:03:23Alternatively, this typical Cotswold stone cottage in Temple Guiting is up for grabs at £550,000.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26The heart of the three-bedroom home is 18th-century with all
0:03:26 > 0:03:32the features you might expect, and the modern extension provides extra space for family living.
0:03:32 > 0:03:39And, finally, how about this two bedroom cottage in Bourton-on-the- Hill on the market at £396,000?
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The interior incorporates a mix of modern design with more traditional
0:03:42 > 0:03:48features and the garden was certainly no afterthought.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Today's buyers may well be house-hunting here at the right time,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56but will their budget match their expectations? Let's find out.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Our buyers today are interior designer Karen and accountant Gary,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04who live in a three-bedroom maisonette in London's Little Venice.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09When they bought the property seven years ago the layout didn't work for them so, with a keen eye for design,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13they undertook a mammoth renovation project.
0:04:13 > 0:04:20It was a six-month project and Gary tried to keep me away from the flat because it was such a hellhole.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Six months later, it was the home of their dreams.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27We have the big through lounge upstairs, which is our lounge and
0:04:27 > 0:04:34kitchen and dining area, and the downstairs area has three bedrooms which leads out on to our garden.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39Originally, it was £400,000. The refurbishment cost was what?
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- 70,000.- 70,000. - It's been a labour of love.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43We've loved really doing it.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48But like anything in life, you know, sometimes it reaches a point where you've got to move on.
0:04:48 > 0:04:54I would hope in the current market a realistic valuation would probably be about £850,000 to £900,000.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58But, for Karen, the move may be harder than she thinks.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I have lived in this road for 26 years.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Two of my best friends live in this road and it's very much a community.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I have very mixed emotions.
0:05:06 > 0:05:12As much as I love London, I'm finding it too fast now and too polluted.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I want to be able to open up my doors and just breathe the country air.
0:05:16 > 0:05:22This escape to the country is driven by Karen's growing interior design business.
0:05:22 > 0:05:29This is currently what I'm using as an office base-stroke-studio, come work room, and an office for Gary.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35I need to be able to have shelving floor to ceiling, bales of fabric, wallpaper banks.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I've so outgrown this.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39I'm desperate for a big space.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42And Gary has designs all of its own.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Yeah, as you can see, it's a nice-sized garden, but we've got neighbours
0:05:45 > 0:05:50either side and whilst they're very nice and we get on with them, you know, it is nice to come out
0:05:50 > 0:05:54and sit down and just hear nothing and we're hoping that that's what a country house is going to give us.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57So, what does their shortlist comprise of?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I think it's a minimum of three bedrooms, a nice-sized living room,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03kitchen or kitchen and dining room, it doesn't really matter.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Something with character.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- The only modern build we would look is...- Lots of glass.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11A big unusual building with lots of glass and lots of light.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13We haven't really done too much research.
0:06:13 > 0:06:1618 months ago we went to visit some friends that were staying
0:06:16 > 0:06:19in the Cotswolds and we both really loved it.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23We thought it was a really, you know, quite special place, really.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Karen and Gary have put their heart and soul into their maisonette,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29now it's time to find out if it's paid off.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31I think this flat's in an enviable position.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36It's white stucco, it's right on Little Venice, it's a garden maisonette which everybody wants.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I would value this property at £900,000.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It's a very decent valuation.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44We're happy, very happy.
0:06:44 > 0:06:51Yeah, our budget for looking for this property is going to be in and around between £700,000 to £800,000.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01As Karen and Gary are looking for a house to replace the home they've spent the last seven years
0:07:01 > 0:07:05pouring their love into, I think they're going to be quite difficult to please.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10However, they're both the creative type, so hopefully they're going to be quite flexible.
0:07:10 > 0:07:17Essentially what they're after is a detached house with bags of character and three bedrooms,
0:07:17 > 0:07:22bright, airy reception rooms with high ceilings and definitely no beams, enough
0:07:22 > 0:07:27space for their beautiful furniture and the knick-knacks they've collected from around the world,
0:07:27 > 0:07:33and ideally an outbuilding which they can convert into an office, keeping work and play separate.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Karen and Gary are flexible regarding location so we're
0:07:39 > 0:07:42concentrating our search close to Stroud.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Over two days, I'll be taking them on a tour of three desirable homes, but, as ever, I'll be leaving them
0:07:47 > 0:07:51in the dark as to the prices until after the viewings.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55The last of the three will be the mystery house, which always aims
0:07:55 > 0:07:58to offer something a little bit unusual.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Hi, Karen and Gary.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Hi, Nikki.- Pleased to meet you. - Hi, Nikki. Nice to meet you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Welcome to the Cotswolds!- Thank you.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07So, are you looking forward to it?
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Really excited.- Really excited.- You don't want chocolate box, do you?
0:08:12 > 0:08:16And the Cotswolds is known for its chocolate-box beauty.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Then we need to find the other side of the Cotswolds.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23I'm sure there's lots of other beautiful houses that are not too chocolate box.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And ideally, Karen, you want to use it as your office, as well?
0:08:26 > 0:08:29It would be great to have either garages that I could
0:08:29 > 0:08:35potentially convert or an outhouse or a granny annexe, anything like that that I could use for a studio.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Now, Gary, I hear you're quite laid back.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Are you going to be getting excited about these properties?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Let's hope so! I'm not going to say I'm going to jump up and down
0:08:44 > 0:08:49and wave my arms in the air, but you will see some emotion and if I like it you'll know I like it.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54And who's going to make the final decision if we find your ideal dream property in the country?
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- We both do.- Oh, we both will, yeah.- I like to think I wear the pants, but
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- in truth...- It's a joint effort?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- It is.- It is, yeah. - Yeah, it has to be.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08That's good. We've got some amazing properties for you to see over the next few days and,
0:09:08 > 0:09:15- of course, we've got the mystery property, so lots to consider, all on a budget of £800,000?- Yes.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Correct.- OK, so, shall we get started?- Great.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Let's get started.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26Armed with a generous budget of £800,000, Karen and Gary are looking for a property with
0:09:26 > 0:09:32plenty of period character, although a typical Cotswold cottage is definitely not on their wish list.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36They would like a good sized living room, a minimum of three bedrooms
0:09:36 > 0:09:40and an outbuilding to house Karen's growing interior design business.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46So, both of you, especially Karen, over 25 years living in the same road.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Surely making this move is going to be a huge wrench?- It's...
0:09:49 > 0:09:54It's going to be a very big wrench and it's a decision that we've been
0:09:54 > 0:10:03mulling over for quite some time now and the reality of it is that my business is growing and I need space.
0:10:03 > 0:10:10We're starting our property search in Chalford, a small village four miles from Stroud.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12This beautiful village is typical of the area with
0:10:12 > 0:10:16many houses built in the warm honey tones of the local stone.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20The village lies beside the Thames & Severn Canal, which dates back
0:10:20 > 0:10:24to 1789 and played an important role in the local cloth trade.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Today, the paths offer the perfect place for a relaxing stroll.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33So, here is your first property.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37This is a house and a half! This is absolutely beautiful.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Very nice, very nice.- Really?- I said I wasn't going to use that word.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- That's the last time you're going to use nice. - The first and last time.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Are you a big fan of the sash windows, the original sash windows?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50I love the sash windows. I'm just thinking how expensive it's going to be in curtains!
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Practical, I like that!
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Yes, but you're the perfect... - You see, I'm normally the practical person.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59That's the first time she's been practical in years!
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Are you intrigued to have a look inside?- Oh, can't wait.- Absolutely.- Let's go.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So, here's the entrance hall.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19For such an imposing front, I didn't expect stairs to be right here and quite a small staircase,
0:11:19 > 0:11:26so immediately I feel everything is kind of closing down once you get inside, but I want an open mind.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Well, let me take you through to the main reception room.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Well, lovely neutral colours.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- I love that.- A good size.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- It makes it bright and, you know, airy. I love the fireplace.- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37The fireplace is lovely. It's big.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39It gives it space, which is really nice.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41I like the feel in this room.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I feel I could sit down, have a cup of tea and relax. It's homely.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46You can sit down and have a cup of tea anywhere!
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Well, I suppose.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52Great, and things are getting better, but Gary's going to need somewhere to make the tea,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56so will that homely feel continue in the kitchen?
0:11:56 > 0:12:01Instinctively, I feel a bit let down by the kitchen. It's quite small.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03And what do you think of the splash backs?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05They're funky. I like them.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- It just feels small.- It seems
0:12:08 > 0:12:13not quite big enough for a dining table and the kitchen as one here.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16I like a really big refectory table.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18It will be interesting to see if there's any other workable space
0:12:18 > 0:12:22in here that we could actually use as a dining room.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Before we leave, there's an extra pocket of space at the end of the kitchen which is currently used
0:12:27 > 0:12:32as the utility room and just next door off the hall is the second of the three reception rooms.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36It might be a bit of a squeeze for their dining table, but it's light
0:12:36 > 0:12:42and bright, so could make a good study. And there's more to come.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- You've got a downstairs cloakroom there.- OK.
0:12:45 > 0:12:51- But through here this might answer your problem.- Oh, I love this room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Oh, this is... This is... Yeah.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56This is... This is so far, I think, my favourite room, yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- That's a fabulous bay window, isn't it?- Gorgeous.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Potentially, you could have this as a dining room.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05We could. I think it would work really well as a dining room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11I think the lovely thing here is that you could move in, for me, and I could just put down
0:13:11 > 0:13:16my furniture without putting paint on the wall and getting rid of carpets.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's all really neutral, it's all liveable.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24Overall, that's quite a positive response for the downstairs and there's two more floors to go.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28At the top of the stairs is the family bathroom and then
0:13:28 > 0:13:33there are three double bedrooms of various sizes, enough to accommodate their visiting friends and family,
0:13:33 > 0:13:38but I'm hoping they'll like the fourth bedroom I've saved for them.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41So, here's your master bedroom.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44It's a very nice space, a very good space.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- And high ceilings.- Yes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I noticed that as we came in. And you've got the views.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- That is a fantastic view to wake up to every morning. - Yeah.- That's beautiful.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- And then just through that door, take a look, Gary.- Oh, a secret.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Go on.- Go on, it won't bite.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Yay!- The en suite.- The en suite.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07So, again, not the largest en suite in the world, but workable.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Yeah, functionable. It's got everything you need up here.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16I mean, you've got good light, you've got a great-sized room. I'm happy.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Good.- I like it.- Excellent.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21All that remains, then, is space for Karen's business.
0:14:23 > 0:14:30- So, although this isn't an outbuilding, it is quite separate to the rest of the house.- Wow!
0:14:30 > 0:14:32And just look at that space.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38I'm thinking that could be an office, but this is what I'm excited about, because if you want room
0:14:38 > 0:14:42for swatches and samples of cloth you've got this room, and then
0:14:42 > 0:14:45through there you've got an identical room the same size.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Oh, my goodness! That is a big space.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Cor, and it's light again. They do like their windows, but
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- it's good.- It's a fantastic space. It's exactly what I need.
0:14:56 > 0:15:03The only downside for me is that I so desperately wanted to have it away from the main house.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Is that for a mindset...- It is. - So you can separate the two?- Yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09I feel that I definitely need that dividing line.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12That's a fair point, but to get everything
0:15:12 > 0:15:16they want, they may need to make some compromises along the way.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19All that's left is the outdoor space.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Who's the gardener in the relationship?- Me.- Are you?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26This is about probably as much as I... I would manage.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31And you still have that wonderful panoramic view, which is spectacular.
0:15:31 > 0:15:38We couldn't do an outbuilding for you for your business, but we have got you a little cave in there.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40That's as much as we could muster!
0:15:40 > 0:15:45And you've also got the garage there, which is big enough for a small car.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46You've got the space above it.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- You could build up.- So, you could have a studio there, in fact.- Yeah.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- It has loads of options, actually. - Yeah.- It certainly does.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Let's look from the vantage point
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- looking back at the house, because that's all food for thought. - It is.
0:15:59 > 0:16:08So, all is not lost with this house, but how much will a property like this cost? It's now crunch time.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:16:10 > 0:16:15Well, I had a thought earlier on and I'm going to stick with my original thought. I'm going to say 750.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18750,000. Karen?
0:16:18 > 0:16:22I would say slightly lower. No outhouses, 695.
0:16:22 > 0:16:29- You're going to say a lot more. - I'm going to slightly disappoint you on this one, I think.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It's actually on the market for 800,000.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- Is it?- Really?
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I'm slightly surprised it's that much, I have to be honest.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Do you fancy having one last look around the property?
0:16:39 > 0:16:44That would be really good, if we could just, on our own, just have a little mooch around.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Have a good explore and I'll catch up with you in a minute.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Lovely, thank you.- Thanks.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54Karen may be shocked by the £800,000 price tag, which is at the top of their budget, but this
0:16:54 > 0:17:01handsome property does have three reception rooms, four bedrooms, three attic rooms and a garage
0:17:01 > 0:17:06that could be converted or extended to accommodate the business.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10I like the kitchen. I think there's certainly enough work space.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I just envisaged having a big refectory table like we have at home.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16I suppose there's nothing to stop us using the room there,
0:17:16 > 0:17:21as I think that would be... the room next door would be the best one to have as a dining room.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Where the house is situated is really lovely. It's...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28It's peaceful, it's tranquil, I'm surrounded by greenery,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30it's all the things that I'm looking for in the country.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33It is very much, I think, what we're looking for.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36It's got character, it's got some space inside.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41I suppose the only thing is for us, obviously, was a bit more space around the whole house would
0:17:41 > 0:17:45have been really nice, but you can't always have everything in life.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I love this room. This is probably one of my favourite rooms.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52I love the way the light streams in and the views.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56The downside for me is you put everything in here that you need to use, you're going to crowd
0:17:56 > 0:17:59the room in and spoil the lovely feel and space that you've got now.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03There are options within the house if we wanted to change a few things around.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The rooms were a good size.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I think it's a very good first property.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Yes, I think Nikki's definitely on the right track.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Have you seen enough?- We have.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18We had a really good look around and, yeah.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19- Food for thought.- Excellent.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Well, there's plenty more beautiful properties to see in the Cotswolds, so let's keep going. Great.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Karen and Gary are looking forward to the slower pace of life in
0:18:34 > 0:18:37the Cotswolds and are keen to soak up as much of this area as possible.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42So during their visit they took a trip to Bourton-on-the-Water.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Regarded as one of the prettiest villages in England,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48it straddles the River Windrush, and with its series of attractive
0:18:48 > 0:18:52low bridges and neat riverbank, it's certainly the picture of elegance.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56This is beautiful, we wouldn't miss the water at Little Venice.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59We'd have our own Little Venice in the country.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- It is like a mini Venice in the Cotswolds.- It is.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- And all the ducks as well. - Really pretty.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The Cotswolds enjoy an architectural style all of its own,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15noted for its characteristic steeply pitched roofs and dormer windows.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20Many of the pristine buildings in the distinctive yellow stone date back 300 years.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24It's an affluent, stylish area, and the well-heeled residents, including
0:19:24 > 0:19:28some famous faces, could provide Karen with a new customer base.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30I think it's absolutely stunning.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33I don't know if it's viable for us to have a business here.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35We just need to investigate it a bit more.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39But I could certainly, certainly, certainly, 100% live here.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45We continue our journey,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49heading towards the outskirts of Nailsworth, four miles from Stroud.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The town grew up around the 18th-century cloth trade.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Today, it's a thriving hub with a wide selection of shops,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59cafes and pubs, popular with the locals and the tourist trade.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Our next property is grade-II listed,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05so let's see what they make of it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Let's go up onto the patio,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10cos I think this is the way to see this impressive house.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15It's lovely. Gorgeous windows. Lovely stonework.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- It's got lots of character, bags of character.- Nice first impressions.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21And this is all south facing,
0:20:21 > 0:20:26so you get all the light in the afternoon and the evening as well.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- This could be a good entertaining space.- Definitely.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Keen to look inside?- Really!- Very. - Let's take a look.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38The exterior has grabbed their attention,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41but how will the entrance hall fare this time?
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Come on in.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52I'm looking at your face, but I'm not sure I'm reading it right!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Karen, talk to me.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Um, straightaway, instinctively dark.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03I just would have expected a wider, bigger space here with more light.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- Gary?- At this stage, I'd say, let's look around and see what it's got to offer.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11If you said to me now, let's go, and not look around the house,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13I'd be off.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- I've got my work cut out. - I'm not, I'm going to be positive.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19I'd like to see the rest of the house.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25Stay with me, Karen, because this property does have lots to offer.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- So you want quite a large kitchen/diner.- Yes. Good space.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Nice, through, open, entertaining, cooking. Lovely.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Nice floor.- Gorgeous. The parquet floor.- Yes, lovely.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- You've got the range there for your cooking. A double butler sink.- Hmm.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Size wise and layout, it's lovely.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47You've got nice big windows which is good.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49This is better, this is much lighter
0:21:49 > 0:21:51and I feel like I'm no longer in a basement.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53That's a relief.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56At the back of the kitchen there's a utility room
0:21:56 > 0:21:58and a cloakroom with the bonus of a shower.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Next for us is the sitting room.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I love the room. It's a good size.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10- It's a airy feel in here. - You have the oak floor.- Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12I like a bit of natural flooring.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15That actually is a Georgian grate in the fireplace.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- I don't actually like the surround of that fireplace...- Busy.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- It's too busy, but I love the inside of it.- You like the grate.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I do, just for detail in the room.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Let me take you to the other reception room through here.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It's currently being used as a den.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It seems strange to have this room off the main lounge.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38It's not really working for me, it's not one thing or another.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41One thing you could consider, obviously you'd need planning
0:22:41 > 0:22:44permission because it's grade II listed,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47is actually take that wall down and have all
0:22:47 > 0:22:49of this as a huge reception space.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Then it would be really impressive.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53You'd get all that light coming through.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55And the other windows, that would be beautiful.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58So there are ways to improve this space.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Back off the hall is access to a wine cellar,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04but I'm not sure it comes fully stocked!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Upstairs there are six bedroom over two floors.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11On the first floor there are three doubles each with fabulous
0:23:11 > 0:23:15large windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood in.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19So this is the largest of the three double bedrooms on this floor.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Lovely proportions because it is Georgian.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Lovely double aspect window.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28There isn't an en suite in this bedroom,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31I know you really wanted one.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- That door is a cupboard space. - You know I'm not jumping up and down.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- You're very good at letting me know straightaway.- It's body language.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39I can see it straightaway.
0:23:39 > 0:23:45I think it's just, so far, the house doesn't flow for me,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49I can't imagine us, our things, our friends, our family in this house.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53I'm getting the idea they want a character property
0:23:53 > 0:23:55but with a more urban interior.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58I wonder what they'll make of the bathroom across the landing.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- I love the old-fashioned roll-top bath.- Love it, free standing.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06For me, it's the nicest room so far, which is a bit bizarre to say that of a bathroom.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I'd second that. I would say this would be my favourite room.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Well, that's great news! I've found a room that you really like.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15It is the bathroom.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19All we need is a telly on the wall and a fridge down there and we could live in here.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22That would be one way of living, Gary,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25but there are three more bedrooms on the next floor.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28One of them is a double and there are two singles,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31one of which has an en suite.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Finally, on our tour is the outdoor space.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41So the property stands in about an acre. So this is all your land here.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43You do have views of the factory,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47but in the summer those trees would probably cover it up.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51But the one thing you can't get away from is the main road down there.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53What's that? The what?!
0:24:53 > 0:24:58That road and the factory over here has clinched it for me really.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- Doesn't quite work. OK. There's one more thing I want to show you.- OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Which I think you're going to like.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09- I now have my doubts, but I'm going to show you anyway.- I love you!
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Karen seems to have made up her mind but I still want to show them
0:25:13 > 0:25:15the space I had in mind for the business.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Come on through.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23So as an office space does this actually work for you?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26This as the concept of what we said is spot on.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Stand alone, it's fantastic. I think you've got this exactly right.
0:25:30 > 0:25:36The huge downside is that we are not in love with that house.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38I really thought this beautiful,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42well-proportioned house with its large windows would do the trick,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46but nevertheless, we need to talk price.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49How much do you think a house like this is currently on the market for?
0:25:49 > 0:25:55- I would say 749.- 749. OK, Gary?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59I think it's going to be more like...785.
0:26:01 > 0:26:08- Gary, you are closer, it's £1 under £800,000.- Really?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I know it's not the house of your dreams,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12but take a final wander round
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and I'll catch up with you in a minute.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- Sure.- We'll have a quick look. - Off you go.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25At just under 800,000, this house is a pound shy of their maximum budget.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29It has three reception rooms, six bedrooms
0:26:29 > 0:26:33and a double garage with office space for the business.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- For somebody looking for a B&B this would be absolutely perfect.- Perfect.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38All the rooms and the sizes,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- you could probably lose one or two rooms, they'd be en suite.- Sure.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44It does have lots of pluses, the flagstone floor,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48the original Georgian fireplace was exquisite.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51For the right person it will be a wonderful house.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55First impressions of the property were really positive.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57I liked the facade, I loved the Georgian windows
0:26:57 > 0:26:59and the fact it was a Georgian building.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03The disappointment came as we walked through the front door.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I expected something perhaps a bit grander.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09The configuration of the house means you need to use this as your lounge.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12To me the two options are the wall there comes down
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and makes one big, long lounge this way.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Or you knock the wall through from the kitchen
0:27:18 > 0:27:19into the other small lounge area.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23The outbuildings were very good. You have the office space,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27which is a separate entrance which is really good.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30The room that lit my fire was the bathroom.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I'd be quite happy sitting in there, glass of champagne,
0:27:33 > 0:27:34whiling away the hours.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40OK, ready? Save it for later.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43We'll discuss this in more detail,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- but now let's continue our search. - OK.
0:27:51 > 0:27:58Visitors flock to the Cotswolds for its architecture and landscape, but Bourton-on-the-Water is
0:27:58 > 0:28:02also home to a perfumery that has created fragrances for the Queen.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Owner John Stevens is hoping to appeal to our creative nature
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and is going to show us how to make our own scent.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- His aromatic garden is the place to get in touch with our sense of smell.- Have a smell of this.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Try to ignore what it looks like.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Does that remind you of anything that's...- Peppery.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Close.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- I'd say curry it smells like to me. - You're right.- Really?- It's curry.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29When you said pepper, I could smell peppery, definitely, but now you say curry...
0:28:29 > 0:28:33So, how many fragrances do think there is in this courtyard garden?
0:28:33 > 0:28:36There's quite a few smells here, of course, depending
0:28:36 > 0:28:40on the time of year, but we've got over 1,000 materials in the lab.
0:28:40 > 0:28:431,000! Cor! That's a lot of smells for us to consider.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Do you fancy making your own personal aftershave?
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- Yeah, it would be quite interesting. - Well, we'd love to have a go.- OK.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Great. Shall we follow you? Thank you.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56Only the highest quality ingredients make it into John's lab.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01It can take three tonnes of rose petals to make just over a litre of rose oil and it's the quality
0:29:01 > 0:29:04of these oils that are key to creating a fine fragrance.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08We split it up into base, middle and top notes.
0:29:08 > 0:29:14So, the top notes evaporate fastest, base notes evaporate slowest and perfume is a blend
0:29:14 > 0:29:18of those three types of notes and that makes the perfume balanced.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23After a quick demonstration, we set to work to create our own unique blend.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's all a bit of trial and error, getting the balance of notes right
0:29:26 > 0:29:30is a question of skill, creativity and judgement.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- That one's really nice. - I think I'll try them two.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42That final drop, that was orange oil.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46So, hopefully, that's the perfect fragrance for me.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49But what will John's expert nose make of our attempts?
0:29:49 > 0:29:53I haven't named it yet. I might call it Escape To.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56That's very nice. Quite subtle.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I like the wood notes coming out through well. Very nice.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01So, how has Karen done?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Geranium and the lavender
0:30:03 > 0:30:09- are clashing a bit. - Yes.- I think if you took those out, I think the rest is OK.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10And, finally, Gary.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12That's subtle again.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Yeah, I tried to keep it a bit subtle.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Yes. And a good citrus topnote.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20That's a close one between you. I think probably Gary's just got it.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Nicely blended, a well-balanced fragrance.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- There we are. Congratulations! - Thank you.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Thank you. Can we keep this as a memento?
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- You can.- Thank you very much.- OK.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- Cheers. Bye-bye. - Thank you, it's been great.
0:30:38 > 0:30:44As the afternoon sun dips away, Karen and Gary take stock of the property search so far.
0:30:48 > 0:30:54Chalford house that we saw, lovely, flowed nicely, light airy rooms.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Obviously the negative side was not having...
0:30:57 > 0:31:00No outbuildings. I don't think the space in the loft
0:31:00 > 0:31:02would be sufficient for what we want.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05We definitely need an outbuilding.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Just to be away from the house,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11to feel like you're going somewhere else to work.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15OK, what about the Nailsworth house? The outbuilding was great.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19That was great to have the garage separate, that was perfect,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21that was ideal.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23But the house, I have to say,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27really didn't work for me from just walking in.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31It was nice having the eaves upstairs and that bathroom was really nice,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34that was my favourite room in the whole house.
0:31:34 > 0:31:41So the ideal scenario would be to take the house from Chalford
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and the out space from...
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Nailsworth.- And put them together somewhere else.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51With a bit of space of land, a nice garden with that, that would be perfect.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01Karen and Gary from London are looking to escape the Big Smoke
0:32:01 > 0:32:06and find a new home in the Cotswolds with an outbuilding for Karen's interior design business.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12They renovated their flat to their exacting standards and Karen has lived in the same road for 26 years,
0:32:12 > 0:32:16so there's a good reason why this search is proving to be a challenge.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20So far they've viewed two properties but having not done much research
0:32:20 > 0:32:24before they're beginning to realise just how expensive this area of the country is.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26And coming up:
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Looking around this garden, it's really... It's just breathtaking.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32We also find a space perfect for Gary.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35I just want to sit down and have a drink and watch the world go by.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42It's a new day on our house hunt here in the Cotswolds and I think
0:32:42 > 0:32:46it's fair to say that Gary and Karen have very exacting demands.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Nevertheless, I'm going to be showing them
0:32:48 > 0:32:52two very different properties today, both oozing character,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55so hopefully one of them's going to hit the spot.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Our first house this morning is in Selsley, two miles south of Stroud.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05The village lies in beautiful countryside
0:33:05 > 0:33:07where the pace of life is slow.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12Nearby Stroud would offer Karen and Gary a greater range of independent shops and cafes.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15The next house is approached via a long gravel drive.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19It's much more contemporary, so fingers crossed they're going to like it.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24So, here's your property. What's your immediate reaction?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It's just different. It's sort of a Cotswold stone
0:33:27 > 0:33:29with a contemporary twist.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33That's exactly what it is. I couldn't have put it better myself!
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I'm loving that wall. It really is very me.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39No, I like it. I'm intrigued to get inside, actually.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45Yeah? A new day has brought a fresh start, so let's hope this positivity continues inside.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Come on in.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51I like this entrance.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Yeah, it feels open. It feels light.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56I like the fact that you can see the garden.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- I like the floor.- And it's a bit...
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- It's nice to have something unexpected. You don't expect to see the garden.- Yes.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- That's a nice little feature. - I can't tell you how happy I am!
0:34:07 > 0:34:09I literally had my fingers crossed.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- We're on a winner so far. - We're on a winner.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16On that note, we're going to keep moving forward into the kitchen...
0:34:18 > 0:34:21..which is an impressive size, I think you'll agree.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Oh! And look at that view. Wow!
0:34:25 > 0:34:26That is beautiful.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It's got everything you want. How could you not like this kitchen?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33And I've noticed behind us, a sneaky look...
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Yes.- Somewhere for our big refectory table.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38So you've got plenty of space there.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42It's a nice practical island in the middle, not just for the sake of it being there.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- So, you'd happily sit on these stools for breakfast?- Gosh, yes.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- Could you imagine that? - A few croissants, a cup of tea.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Yeah.- I don't think I'd ever get up and go to work.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57That's it, I would just sit there for the whole day just staring out at that view.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59It would just be absolutely fantastic.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Jackpot! A kitchen they like! In addition there's a utility room to
0:35:03 > 0:35:08hide away the white goods and, next, something a little bit unusual.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12So, it's not often you can say come through to the music room,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14but today, come through to your music room.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18You've got, like, 180 degree view of your gardens.
0:35:18 > 0:35:24- It's like a conservatory. I mean, I'm presuming this is not the lounge lounge?- No, no.- OK.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29I've got another reception room to show you but I think you're right, it is like a conservatory,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32although it's incorporated into the main body of the house.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34So, you could...
0:35:34 > 0:35:38have a dining table or something and have this actually has an entertaining space.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- I think it would work fantastically well. - It would look wicked.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44I really do like this space. I love all the glass.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46It really works for me.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Great. Well, you want to know where the sitting room is, it's actually
0:35:50 > 0:35:53on another level and I know you like your stairs so follow me.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59To the left there's a small study office and in here.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Here's your sitting room.
0:36:01 > 0:36:07Our sofas and big pieces of furniture would work really well.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- I really like that fireplace. - Working fireplace.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- That's local stone, as well.- OK.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15I like that. It's really simple but very elegant. I'm just not sure...
0:36:15 > 0:36:17I don't know what it is, I just...
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It's my... My immediate reaction is just that there's something to do
0:36:20 > 0:36:24just with that wall that's just sort of bothering me slightly.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27It almost feels that it's sort of coming down on you.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Oppressive for you?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31A little bit but it could be my claustrophobia.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35I probably need to go in and out a few times just to see if I...
0:36:35 > 0:36:37if I feel the same.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Moving swiftly on, it's time to start the tour of the five bedrooms in this house.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47So, up here you have the guest bedroom and it's also an en suite.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- OK.- Just through there. And through here is the master bedroom.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56You've got a little en suite there, which works well.
0:36:56 > 0:37:03- So, this would be yours. - My initial reaction is I think this ceiling's too low...
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- OK.- For me.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- Yeah.- I quite like the shape of this section here.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13You've got some storage there and I've got to mention the shutters,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17I mean, beautifully done all the way around.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I like that sort of colonial feel up here.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Well, the shutters are approved but the ceiling is too low.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Will the rest of the house be able to win Karen over?
0:37:27 > 0:37:33The quirky nature of this property means the remaining three bedrooms are on the lower ground floor.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36So, we're now in the lower part of the house.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38You've got a family bathroom there,
0:37:38 > 0:37:44another bedroom, but what I was originally thinking was this part could actually be
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- converted into your office stroke storage room but having seen the negativity upstairs...- Yes.
0:37:49 > 0:37:56You could actually convert this part into a master bedroom and put your guests upstairs.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00It would be nice to go out from your bedroom into a little patio area.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01That could be a nice feature.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05So, there are options and it doesn't end there.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Outside, the carport and garage could be converted
0:38:08 > 0:38:12for a large office and storage area for all Karen's materials.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Round the corner, the walled garden has been beautifully landscaped.
0:38:16 > 0:38:23There's a manicured carpet of grass, a patio for alfresco dining and a little water feature too.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Looking around this garden, it's really...
0:38:26 > 0:38:31It's just breathtaking and it's very rare that you see a garden of this standard.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36The garden is quite magnificent and it is a stunning house,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40which leads me to ask you how much is currently on the market for?
0:38:40 > 0:38:45I'm going to take a flyer and say it's on at about...
0:38:46 > 0:38:51- ..825.- I'll stick, I'll say about 820.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Well, Gary, you're closer
0:38:54 > 0:38:59but it is actually on the market for £795,000.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01so £5,000 under budget.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- OK.- I'm surprised.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- Are you, why?- I am.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10I think because of the garden, because of...
0:39:10 > 0:39:13The driveway's fantastic. It's got lots of unique features.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17And the space, there's an awful lot of space outside.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Do you want to go and have another look and I'll catch up with you in a minute?
0:39:21 > 0:39:22- Great.- OK.- Thank you.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27This time, Karen and Gary over estimated the £795,000 price tag
0:39:27 > 0:39:31that accompanies this immaculate house.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36It has a large kitchen/diner, five bedrooms, a carport and garage
0:39:36 > 0:39:42that could be converted into a business premises and a beautifully maintained landscaped garden.
0:39:42 > 0:39:49I keep coming in and out of this room and that wall is still perturbing me slightly, the way it slopes down.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51It's just not doing it for me.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53The entrance is phenomenal.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56I mean, it's pretty impressive as you drive down with the old wall
0:39:56 > 0:40:00and the long drive, so first impressions are very, very good.
0:40:00 > 0:40:06When I walked into the house, I noticed the light just flooding in from all the windows.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14I think the kitchen is wow and obviously the sort of conservatory/room.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17That will make a great dining room.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I absolutely love this space.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21It brings the garden inside almost.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24It does. I think this is by far my favourite space.
0:40:24 > 0:40:31There's a double garage and the space next to the garage that hasn't actually been developed at the moment
0:40:31 > 0:40:36and I could just see a really stunning glass fronted studio
0:40:36 > 0:40:41with all my fabrics and wallpapers and paints and, yeah, I was very excited about that space.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- So, have you seen enough of the house?- We have, yeah.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48We've had a good look round.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51I've got more to show you, so let's get back on the road.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- Great.- OK.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01With Karen and Gary's passion for design we couldn't let their trip
0:41:01 > 0:41:04to the Cotswolds pass without visiting the Kelmscott summer house
0:41:04 > 0:41:10of William Morris, the father figure of the arts and crafts movement.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13So earlier in the week they took a guided tour
0:41:13 > 0:41:15with property manager Tristan Molloy.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Arts and Crafts artists rejected the opulence of the Victorian era
0:41:19 > 0:41:22and urged a return to medieval design and craftsmanship.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26This house contains an outstanding collection of Morris's
0:41:26 > 0:41:30possessions and works, including furniture, textiles and ceramics.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Here we are straight in to the old hall or the dining room, and
0:41:34 > 0:41:37the dining room which the Morrises would have eaten in as well.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39I don't think Morris himself would have sat
0:41:39 > 0:41:42on these delicate chairs, which were a Sussex chair,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44designed and produced by Morris and co.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47These fabrics, are they all William Morris fabrics?
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Yes, this is the Strawberry Thief design.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It's said that on one occasion staying here
0:41:52 > 0:41:55he was waiting his turn to use the three-seater privy.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58On the ground around him were the strawberry plants and he saw
0:41:58 > 0:42:01a thrush come down and nick a strawberry in its beak and fly off.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Apparently, he was inspired to run in
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and pencil out the design for Strawberry Thief.
0:42:06 > 0:42:11- It's amazing what ideas can come to you in the most unusual places.- Yes!
0:42:11 > 0:42:14The green room has a beautiful fireplace
0:42:14 > 0:42:16complete with Morris's own tiles.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It also holds two of the printing blocks
0:42:19 > 0:42:21he used to produce the kennet chintz design.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24The house is full of treasures close to Morris's heart,
0:42:24 > 0:42:29like the very bed in which he was born in 1834.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33We're now into William Morris's bedroom.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Wow, what a tiny bed, it would make for a very cosy evening.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40William himself loved it so much he wrote a poem about it,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42For The Bed At Kelmscott.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44May, his daughter, in the early 1890s,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47took the text of the poem and embroidered that into the pelmet.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51And then the bedspread is Jane Morris's work.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- Does it appeal to you as an interior designer?- There are aspects.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56I love all the tapestries.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00And for me I can definitely see, over the years,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03I've taken ideas from William Morris.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06The attic rooms hold striking tapestries
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and simple furniture that add to this significant collection.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13This house was dear to William Morris's heart.
0:43:13 > 0:43:18I hope we can find a house that will make Karen and Gary just as happy.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25I feel I've gotten pretty close but so far none of the properties
0:43:25 > 0:43:28I've showed Karen and Gary have quite hit the mark.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31So, I've decided to throw them a curveball.
0:43:31 > 0:43:37Yes, it's the mystery property and knowing their fondness for quirks, I've decided to show them something
0:43:37 > 0:43:42with plenty of Cotswold character and unique features in abundance.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47So, we're on our way to the mystery property.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50- This is where I always get very excited.- Dum dum dum!
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- Dum dum dum!- So do we. - What would you love to see?
0:43:53 > 0:43:57I'd love to see a nice detached property in the middle
0:43:57 > 0:44:00of its own little bit of land, no-one overlooking us.
0:44:00 > 0:44:06- Olympic size swimming pool. George Clooney living on one side, Brad Pitt on the other.- Fabulous!
0:44:06 > 0:44:09It's time to reveal our mystery house.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12It's in Kelmscott, a short drive from Kelmscott Manor.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16Unfortunately, though, I'm not aware of celebrity neighbours.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21It's a quiet, peaceful village where nature sits on the doorstep of the attractive housing stock.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25It couldn't feel more different to their central London location.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30Our mystery property is a converted schoolhouse that is packed to the rafters with quirky features
0:44:30 > 0:44:34that hopefully will appeal to Karen and Gary's sense of fun.
0:44:34 > 0:44:35BELL RINGS
0:44:35 > 0:44:37I love that bell.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39- That's a sound that takes me back. - Yeah.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Well, here is your mystery property.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44What are your first impressions?
0:44:44 > 0:44:46I like the Cotswold stone. It's...
0:44:46 > 0:44:49It doesn't look too big but I've got a feeling
0:44:49 > 0:44:52it's going to be bigger inside than it looks on the outside. One of those houses.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55Yeah, first impressions, not too bad.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- So, you're ready to go inside and have a look?- Yeah, we are. - Yes, definitely.- Come on.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05So, come through into the hallway.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07Thank you.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10- You can hang your coat up there, if you like.- Oh, thank you, yeah.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13So, Gary, what are your first impressions?
0:45:13 > 0:45:18It sort of looks a nice little cottage from outside and that's the feel you get when you come in here.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- Karen?- I don't like the entrance hall at all.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24It feels very small and enclosed and quite dark.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28It is dark. We've got the door open so we're getting a lot of light in
0:45:28 > 0:45:30but normally it would be a lot darker than this.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32And you've got the slate on the floor.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34I love that. I do like that, yes.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36Well, at least that's something.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40Just off the hall to our right is the first of the four bedrooms
0:45:40 > 0:45:42in this house and the family bathroom too.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45Next stop is the lounge diner but what will they make of it?
0:45:47 > 0:45:51Oh, no! No! My worst nightmare! I hate spiral staircases.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53- Oh, do you?- I absolutely hate them.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56So, what does a spiral staircase do for you?
0:45:56 > 0:46:03It's just really... It just breaks up a room in the most unpositive way.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07I'm going to have to hold your hand, aren't I? You're going to be going up there.
0:46:07 > 0:46:12I'm going to take you away from that staircase, shield it with my body,
0:46:12 > 0:46:14so we can look at the rest of this room.
0:46:14 > 0:46:19I mean, it's a good reception room, isn't it? It's a good sitting room this side.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23It's a nice size and, you know, plenty of windows and light coming in.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- Do you like the mullion windows, stone mullion?- I do.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28- Lovely.- Yeah?- Very nice.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30And you've got the wood burner there,
0:46:30 > 0:46:33which is a bit of a feature but it could be a working fireplace
0:46:33 > 0:46:36as well and it's obviously made of local stone.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40I love the hearth. I love the stone around the hearth. I think that's...
0:46:40 > 0:46:43- I'd sooner have it as a working fireplace, personally.- Yeah.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47Immediately off the lounge is another bedroom which has the beauty
0:46:47 > 0:46:52of dual aspect windows but now it's time for Karen to face her fears
0:46:52 > 0:46:55and head up that spiral staircase.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59Now, just mind your head as you come up
0:46:59 > 0:47:03because this is the master bedroom
0:47:03 > 0:47:07and also the en suite.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09So, you've got the master bedroom through there
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- and in here is your bathroom. - I love the bathroom.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14This space is lovely.
0:47:14 > 0:47:20It's a complete contrast to downstairs and this is something that I really like.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22It really does have a lovely feel up here.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- I like the space very much. Great. - It works well.
0:47:25 > 0:47:26Good, let's leave on a high.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29Karen, after you. We'll go down and see the kitchen.
0:47:29 > 0:47:34I thought this room couldn't fail to impress but will it be enough?
0:47:38 > 0:47:43Quite... Quite a generous sized kitchen, no?
0:47:43 > 0:47:45No?
0:47:45 > 0:47:47- OK.- It's...- It's a fair size.
0:47:47 > 0:47:52- It is a fair-sized kitchen, I'm not going to disagree with you. - In proportion to the house.- Yes.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- Yes.- Yeah. This kitchen just needs to be, in my opinion, just reconfigured to be...- Yeah.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01- To be better utilised as a kitchen. - Yeah, I mean, it's not... I agree.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05It's not the biggest kitchen but it's not a small kitchen. It's not that bad a size.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08- Are you going to let me have that one?- I'll let you've that one.
0:48:08 > 0:48:12Thank you. Well, at least Gary is coming round to my way of thinking.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15Off the kitchen is the utility room which has access to the garage
0:48:15 > 0:48:19and just to the side is a second staircase that leads up to the final bedroom.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22Let's see what Karen thinks of it.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26I hate the ceilings, too low, too cramped, too claustrophobic.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29You could probably take this higher, actually, listening to it.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34You've got a little en suite here and I tell you what they have put in which I think is fantastic,
0:48:34 > 0:48:37the marble radiators, so it's a quirky radiator.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40It's quite nice. No, it's quite a nice touch.
0:48:40 > 0:48:45But again, if you have family to come to stay or friends and you wanted to keep them separately.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49- You can hide them away!- You could hide them in here and just make sure they're not very tall.
0:48:49 > 0:48:54And then because we are in the country and you have the most spectacular views,
0:48:54 > 0:48:56they might decide they don't want to go for a walk.
0:48:56 > 0:49:01They might decide they want to just appreciate it practically where they are
0:49:01 > 0:49:04and if they did that they'd just have to go through this door.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07How is that for a view?
0:49:07 > 0:49:10- I love this. Oh, God!- It's lovely.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14Nikki, you've surpassed yourself.
0:49:14 > 0:49:19I mean, it's the perfect area for entertaining, for drinks in the evening.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22No, there was always... I don't know what it is, there's something about
0:49:22 > 0:49:27a balcony or terrace that just makes you want to sit down, have a drink and watch the world go by.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31You've got the farmhouse there, you've got the cottages there and you can actually watch
0:49:31 > 0:49:35the locals tending the vegetable patch there, that's all allotments.
0:49:35 > 0:49:40It's great. When you just turn a corner and you find something in a house that is so unexpected...
0:49:40 > 0:49:42- Yes.- It's just... It's great.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45At last the tide has turned.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49The view from up here is great but it's time to take a closer
0:49:49 > 0:49:53look at the garden as I have a surprise in store for them.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58Anybody for a sauna?
0:49:59 > 0:50:03- No!- Yes! And it's even got a radio and CD player here.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09That is just the icing on the cake.
0:50:09 > 0:50:14- Well, that's put a smile on your face.- Oh, it has.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16So, let's talk money now.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19How much do you think it's currently on the market for?
0:50:19 > 0:50:24I would probably say... 680.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27I'll say 695.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30695. Well, Gary, you're actually closer
0:50:30 > 0:50:36- because this property is on the market for £750,000.- Really?
0:50:36 > 0:50:38That's... Yeah, that's remarkable.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41- It's an expensive part of the world. - Sure.- Yeah.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46- But do you both want to go and have another look around and I'll join you on the way out?- OK.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- Yeah.- OK, I'll see you in a minute.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Karen and Gary substantially underestimated the value
0:50:51 > 0:50:56of this converted schoolhouse, which is on the market for £750,000.
0:50:56 > 0:51:00It has a kitchen-breakfast room, three to four bedrooms with a large
0:51:00 > 0:51:06master en suite, a roof terrace for soaking up the views and a sauna.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09At 50,000 under budget, there's plenty of spare cash
0:51:09 > 0:51:12to move that spiral staircase and perhaps extend the kitchen.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16It's a nice sized room. There's lots of nice little features to it,
0:51:16 > 0:51:20but I know you can't live with the staircase. I don't think I could, in truth.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24The setting is beautiful. I mean, really, really quite stunning.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28The landscape, the countryside, it's quiet, it's tranquil.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32It's everything you want for, you know, living in the country.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36The whole cottage in a way is quite interesting, both in a positive and a negative way.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40The lounge area had some great features with the stone windows.
0:51:40 > 0:51:46I do agree with Karen. I think the spiral staircase spoils what is a lovely room.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49It is such a lovely space and it's so interesting.
0:51:49 > 0:51:54I love the marble radiator, the floor, this bath is fantastic.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57It's a nice-sized garden, nice space, reasonably private
0:51:57 > 0:51:59and you've got the great outlook over the fields.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Oh, Lord!
0:52:01 > 0:52:05What they say about the sauna? Well, what more can anyone ask for?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08- What are you up to? - I found a working pump!
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- You don't get many of these in a garden.- No!
0:52:11 > 0:52:15- So, have you seen enough of the mystery property?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16You've got a lot to think about.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19It's time to head home and you can gather your thoughts.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21- OK.- Let's get a drink.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31Karen and Gary's £800,000 budget isn't stretching as far as they'd
0:52:31 > 0:52:35imagined, so there are big decisions to be made.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39Well, it's certainly been a rollercoaster few days with Karen and Gary.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41Now, there have been some highs.
0:52:41 > 0:52:46There have also been some spectacular lows but it's time now to find out what they think
0:52:46 > 0:52:52about those properties and whether this part of the country is really going to be right for them.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02So, Karen and Gary, what an entertaining few days we've had.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Now, the first property that we saw was in Chalford.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09It was the Georgian house with the Victorian extension.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13It was stunning. It was everything that you would imagine a house to be in the Cotswolds.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17I think the entrance hall, for me, was a little bit of a letdown.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20I was expecting something a lot grander because of the...
0:53:20 > 0:53:25The front of the house was so wide and the building was so imposing.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30Then you open the front door and it's just such a tiny hallway. It just...
0:53:30 > 0:53:34It didn't seem to fit with the house at all. It flowed nicely, didn't it?
0:53:34 > 0:53:38Yeah, it did flow. It had a feel of being a home, which was a big plus.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41Let's talk about the property in Nailsworth.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44Grade II listed Georgian house. How was that for you?
0:53:44 > 0:53:48I think we both really liked the front of the building
0:53:48 > 0:53:51and there was a very nice outbuilding.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54But when we went through, I think we both felt
0:53:54 > 0:53:58that the inside of the entrance just let the house down.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03I almost have that instant like/dislike.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05I think we got that!
0:54:08 > 0:54:13We've looked at a lot of properties made of that stunning Cotswold stone.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17This time we looked at a new build in Selsley. What did you think about that one?
0:54:17 > 0:54:21Well, that was a new build. The entrance was pretty impressive
0:54:21 > 0:54:26because it had that Grade II listed wall surrounding the whole property and the garden was fantastic.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29- You really liked that house, didn't you?- I liked...
0:54:29 > 0:54:31For a new build they've done a very good job.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35Would it be fair to say that we got close with that property?
0:54:35 > 0:54:37- Oh, gosh, yeah.- Yeah. - Definitely.- I think so, yeah.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39It was beautifully done.
0:54:39 > 0:54:44There was certainly enough space outside to make a very nice studio.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47So, we have to finish with the mystery property in Kelmscott.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51- It was a nice property but just not for us.- The staircase...
0:54:51 > 0:54:54- The staircase!- The staircase!
0:54:54 > 0:54:57The staircase, how can we forget the staircase?
0:54:57 > 0:54:59We can't, really.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01The sun deck was fantastic.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05I loved that. And I also loved the bathroom.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07It just seemed like it belonged somewhere else.
0:55:07 > 0:55:14It would have been nice to have got the property from our perspective and got it in its raw state.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16We have seen some stunning properties.
0:55:16 > 0:55:21For various reasons they haven't been right but what's the next step for you two?
0:55:21 > 0:55:25I think we'll have to go away and perhaps either rethink our budget
0:55:25 > 0:55:29because the outside space is so very important to us.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33Yeah, we've either got to rethink the budget or...
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- Our requirements. - Change our requirements.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39Or a bit of both.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43- I am sorry we didn't manage to find your dream property.- You tried.
0:55:43 > 0:55:48- We did try.- You probably have, it's just that they were all mixed up in different properties.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52If you could have amalgamated two of them you probably would have had our dream house.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- Well, we've certainly got you thinking.- Mm, you have.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58Thank you again and we wish you all the very best with your continued search.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:56:06 > 0:56:13It's been an interesting journey and a real eye-opener with a few surprises along the way.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17Clearly the Cotswolds is where Karen and Gary want to find their new home.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20It's also a smart move for Karen's business.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25Now, to find exactly what they're after I think they may have to up their budget but something tells
0:56:25 > 0:56:30me with their vision they'll eventually find that dream home.
0:56:30 > 0:56:35And the latest from Karen and Gary is that they have decided to stay put in London and rent
0:56:35 > 0:56:39a studio space for Karen's business until they decide their next step.
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