0:00:02 > 0:00:05It was on this seven-mile stretch of sand 100 years ago
0:00:05 > 0:00:09that one of the stages of the first British motor rally took place.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13The speeds and times of the cars were neither recorded nor published,
0:00:13 > 0:00:17in order to, and I quote from the 1909 rally itinerary,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20"avoid the vulgarity of advertisement."
0:00:20 > 0:00:21How wonderful.
0:00:21 > 0:00:28Find out where I am in a moment, as we start our engines in Escape To The Country.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44'Today, we're helping a couple retire to the country in grand style.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It's actually got six reception rooms downstairs.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Six?- Six?- Six reception...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53'In fact, it's a case of the bigger, the better.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:56These properties have 30 acres.
0:00:56 > 0:00:5830! OK.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02'But will we be able to find them their dream pad for the right price?'
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- I just can't believe it. - I don't believe it.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07I am just over the moon, I really am.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14This is Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, Wales,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17where on the 25th September 1924,
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the first of his nine land speed records,
0:01:22 > 0:01:28reaching a speed in his Sunbeam car of 146.16 miles per hour.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Sir Malcolm went to break a further two records here,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35the last on the 4th February 1927,
0:01:35 > 0:01:41in Bluebird II, with a speed of 174.88 miles per hour.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45We, too, will have to move fast today, because there's a lot of ground to cover.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49We are taking in two counties for the price of one,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55which make up the majority of the south-west peninsula in Wales.
0:01:55 > 0:02:01Whilst Carmarthenshire's green, fertile landscape has earned it the nickname the Garden Of Wales,
0:02:01 > 0:02:08Pembrokeshire's 186-mile coastline is undoubtedly the jewel in its crown.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Home to the only coastal national park in the UK, visitors have 50 beaches to choose from.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17Whilst tourism is a booming industry for both counties,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20farming is still a major player,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25so, escaping the hordes to find a slice of the quiet country life isn't a problem.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29English home-buyers have long been attracted by Pembrokeshire's charms,
0:02:29 > 0:02:36and the average price for a detached property is £23,000 above that of Carmarthenshire.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39However, with both counties coming in at just under 50%
0:02:39 > 0:02:41of the national average for a detached property,
0:02:41 > 0:02:47it's a good choice if you want your pounds and pennies to stretch to a country mile.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Large swathes of south Wales have been designated specific regeneration areas,
0:02:53 > 0:03:00which means £185 million is being ploughed into the redevelopment of Swansea's waterfront,
0:03:00 > 0:03:06and another £120 million has been spent on the Millennium coastal park in south Carmarthenshire.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Good news for property hunters,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12as investment in the area makes living here more attractive,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and property prices are likely to increase.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17So, if you're tempted, here's a selection
0:03:17 > 0:03:21of some great properties currently on the market.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Head to Carmarthenshire,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27and you'll find this 1920s seven-bedroomed manor house
0:03:27 > 0:03:31in the stunning countryside just outside the county town of Carmarthen.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35A bespoke oak kitchen and four reception rooms should impress.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39If that fails, the indoor swimming pool will surely make a splash.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43It's on the market for a cool £1.3 million.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49Sticking with Carmarthenshire but coming down in price, for £695,000,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52how about this substantial country property near Lampeter?
0:03:52 > 0:03:59Built in 1988, it has a galleried reception room, a quaint country kitchen and five bedrooms.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04Adjoining the property is a very colourful two-bedroomed self-contained annexe,
0:04:04 > 0:04:09and it's all set in an impressive seven acres of land.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14If you prefer Pembrokeshire, just outside Haverfordwest is this four-bedroomed modernised cottage.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17The interior is snug and cosy,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20but there's no shortage of space outside,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22with nearly five acres of land.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27It could be yours for just under £390,000.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Well, we've lined up some great properties.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33All that's left is to meet this week's house hunters.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39Philip, a finance director and Julia, housewife, have been married for 31 years.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44For the last seven, they've lived in this five-bedroomed estate house in Watford,
0:04:44 > 0:04:49with their pug, Boris, their three cats and some of their five grown-up sons.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51But now the last of the boys has moved out,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and Philip has retired, they've decided to make a break for the country.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- We've been looking to move, probably, for two years. - Yeah. About that.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01What set it off was when we went to Stow-On-The-Wold.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Yeah, when we went to Stow, we had a short break in Stow-On-The-Wold,
0:05:06 > 0:05:13and I was really excited about being in the country, which was amazing, because I'm a town mouse.
0:05:13 > 0:05:20And Julia's turnabout has been 100%, as she now wants to go the whole hog.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Ideally, I would like to live somewhere really, really, rural,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27with open fields around us, with lots and lots of space.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30They've set their hearts on South Wales.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34However, so far, their house search has been confined to the internet.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38What kind of property has been grabbing their attention?
0:05:38 > 0:05:44'We would like to have an old-style house. We don't want a modern executive home.'
0:05:44 > 0:05:48We would like somewhere that's sprawling and rambling.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Sprawling and rambling. Yes. - Rather than enclosed.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54That doesn't sound like a downsize.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Just how much house are they looking for?
0:05:56 > 0:05:58'Six bedrooms, at least.'
0:05:58 > 0:06:05Two or three reception rooms, a lot of space, a large kitchen, a good-sized garden,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07at least half an acre.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13We would like to keep animals on it, and we thought of all sorts, getting some donkeys, sheep.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17So that's the must-haves. What about the no-nos?
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Beams are another thing. Everyone seems to love beams.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24What's to love about a beam? It's just a piece of wood on the roof.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31It's already a substantial wish list, so I'm reticent to ask, anything else?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35We'd like to be within driving distance of the coast, because Julia loves the seaside.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I do love the seaside.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Philip and Julia's location and property requirements are considerable,
0:06:41 > 0:06:46so are they willing to put some work in to create the dream home?
0:06:46 > 0:06:50We're both very keen to move into the right sort of property,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52and it will be one that we have to do things to.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We like to stamp our own mark on the house.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- We enjoy DIY, so it'll be really exciting to do that.- Oh yeah, I can't wait for that, yeah.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Well, before we can find them their rural, coastal, mammoth, period home,
0:07:04 > 0:07:09Philip and Julia need to know how much money they'll have to spend,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11so we've invited a local agent to value their house.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14This is a well-presented five-bedroomed family home,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18in a sought-after area, located close to Watford Met line station,
0:07:18 > 0:07:23so it's good for commuters, therefore I'd recommend an asking price of £725,000.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29With that in mind, what's the final spend for South Wales?
0:07:29 > 0:07:34Our budget is £650,000. If the house is perfect, we would spend that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40If it's needing work doing, then we would spend up to that with whatever we did to it.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty unusual for a retired couple to be upscaling,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52from a five-bedroomed house to a six-bedroomed one.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Add to the fact that Julia and Philip are seriously considering
0:07:56 > 0:07:59keeping cows, sheep, goats and chickens,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02they're certainly not going to have a quiet retirement.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06I'm very keen to find out whether their dream matches the reality.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10To maximise their chances of finding the dream home,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Philip and Julia have asked us
0:08:12 > 0:08:14to cast the property net far and wide,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16from the countryside surrounding Carmarthen,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18to Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22In today's show, we'll be viewing three choice character homes,
0:08:22 > 0:08:28but, as always, I won't reveal the asking prices until they've had a good look around.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31The last of the three is the mystery house, which today might just have them all at sea.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Philip and Julia, great to meet you. Are you looking forward to the next few days?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Very much so. Really excited.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45We've got some great properties lined up. But first of all, let's talk money.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48What's your top, top budget, is it the same?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Yes, £650,000 is our maximum budget.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Now, you want six bedrooms.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Yes, six bedrooms. Got to be six bedrooms.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Who's going to come to stay, all the family?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Yes. That's why there has got to be six bedrooms.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- And what about grandchildren? - Well, they're not here yet, but hopefully on the horizon.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10The third one is married now, so it's increased the probability.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14So you've got to have lots of bedrooms for the whole family to come to stay?
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- They insist on high days and holidays, the house is the gathering place.- Oh, nice.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20OK, we'll have to bear that in mind.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23That's a lot of work, isn't it?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25And you want a place that's quite remote?
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Yes. Really remote.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29I want some space round me now.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I'm bored with living in a town. I want...- A complete change?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- I want a complete change of lifestyle.- Great.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Animals and space. - Animals and space.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Do you have any at the moment apart from your beloved dog?
0:09:40 > 0:09:44My beloved dog, and we have three cats, but no other animals.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46So, we've got six bedrooms,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49times the amount of houses to show you,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51divided by the amount of time to do it in.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52I think we'd better get started.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54I think you're right!
0:09:54 > 0:09:59'So, Philip and Julia have a healthy budget of £650,000,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02'but they have a big wish list to go with it.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06'They want a very large period home with at least six bedrooms,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08'so their children can stay,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11'a couple of reception rooms, and a sizable kitchen.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15'With plans to keep animals, half an acre of land is a must.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17'Location-wise, well,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19'the more rural, the better.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Luckily, they're happy to take on a project and get stuck in with the DIY.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30So what's the current situation with your property? Is it on the market?
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Yes, we've got it on the market
0:10:32 > 0:10:36and the estate agents are quite hopeful that it will sell quite quickly.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39They've got a number of people who are interested in the area.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- They think that it will be very marketable.- So feeling optimistic?
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- We are.- We are.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Positive thinking all round, then.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I'm feeling very confident about today's property search,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54which we're kicking off in Pembrokeshire,
0:10:54 > 0:11:00in the very rural outskirts of the ancient county town of Haverfordwest,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02situated six miles from the coast.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Straddling the banks of the western Claddau,
0:11:05 > 0:11:11this thriving country market town is in fact the largest urban centre in the county.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16But when you compare its population of 13,000 to Watford's 70,000,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19it's a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Julia and Philip's home town.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23The high street is lined with fine Georgian and Victorian buildings,
0:11:23 > 0:11:28home to a good mix of independent and national retailers,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31and presiding over it all are the remains of a Norman castle.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Our first property won't be quite such a big renovation job, though.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40It's situated three miles out of town in pristine Pembrokeshire countryside,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43and even has its own woodland.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48It's really rural Julia's asked for, so it's really rural we'll give her!
0:11:50 > 0:11:54So guys, here is your first property. Grade II listed.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Built in 1812 as a gentleman's residence.- OK.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Although they lived here, it was built for hunting and fishing.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It's absolutely lovely. I love it already.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08It has got some age to it and often with properties that have an age,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11there's a bit of a project attached to it as well.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- That's OK.- If there was no project, we'd have nothing to do.
0:12:14 > 0:12:20- We want the project.- Philip, music to my ears. Music to my ears.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'This Georgian lodge will definitely keep them occupied
0:12:23 > 0:12:25'and I don't think I've ever come across a house
0:12:25 > 0:12:30'that more aptly fits the description of rambling and sprawling.'
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- So how's this?- Oh, it's wonderful.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Look at that ceiling, absolutely beautiful.- I love the vaulted...
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- It's grand, it's wonderful. - It is. It's...
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- You'd expect a good entrance and it delivers, doesn't it?- It does.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48For a house of this age, this is perfect. Exactly right.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50You've got three reception rooms.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- You've got the morning room, the dining room and a drawing room. - Excellent.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Shall we start off with the drawing room? - Let's start on the drawing room.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05It's absolutely splendid, I really, really love it. The ceiling height, it's just great.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09This is a proper drawing room, you could put a Christmas tree there.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11You've got the original fireplace, that works.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- That's a working fireplace?- It is. - I love the surrounds.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- I'd recommend you got the fireplaces checked out, though.- Yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'A very warm response to the drawing room,
0:13:21 > 0:13:27'but I can't wait to see what they'll make of the kitchen, which could do with some modernising.'
0:13:28 > 0:13:33So here is your kitchen - I don't think it's changed since 1812!
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- I think that's not an exaggeration. - It just needs a little bit of love.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- A bit of modernising!- Exactly.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44I can just imagine us doing a lot of work in it.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48That is a feature that you are not going to find anywhere else,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50it's lovely.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Look at that, look. We can have servants. We can, we can have servants!
0:13:54 > 0:13:59'Julia can joke, but there is still a servant's wing here.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:04'It's comprised of a former gun room, a living room, a buttery,
0:14:04 > 0:14:09'a dairy, a saddle room and a cellar. How's that for a country house?
0:14:09 > 0:14:15'So more than enough space downstairs for them, their visiting children and future grandchildren.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18'Now let's see if there's enough room upstairs.'
0:14:19 > 0:14:25- Oh, it's wonderful. It really is. The size is perfect, isn't it? - It's good.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28And again, it's got high windows so it creates a lot of light.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32The light is great in here, it really is, really lovely. Love it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Good sized bedroom.- Good. - Probably be the master. - Yeah, I would imagine.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41'There's plenty more space so Philip needn't make up his mind just yet.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44'Off the hallway are two double bedrooms, there's one single
0:14:44 > 0:14:47'and two bathrooms right next door to each other,
0:14:47 > 0:14:53'which are in need of some serious TLC. But they could be knocked through to create a very large one.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:58So here's another of the five bedrooms. It gives you an idea...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- It's huge. It's fine, isn't it? - Lovely size, and this one has got two windows.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- You have dual aspect, which is beautiful. - This could be a master as well.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11It does have the five bedrooms and ideally you were after six.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Yeah, I'm listening.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Remember the servant's wing?- Yes. - Above that is a self-contained flat.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- Is there?- Self-contained flat! - There'll be a fight for that.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27- There will be a fight for that one. - That self-contained flat has three bedrooms.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Eight bedrooms. That's fine! - Now we're getting silly.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32You're both nearly speechless.
0:15:32 > 0:15:38It's not that, we have either got to have more children or more grandchildren.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Off we go! Thank you.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47The flat is currently rented out to tenants and therefore has its own access.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50It comes with a kitchen, three bedrooms and a living room.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Believe it or not, this was built in the early 1800s as well, this section.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Same sort of time as the original.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Unbelievable! It just shows you what you can do, really.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03It gives you a great deal of flexibility as well.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Whether we would keep it self-contained or whether we would knock it through...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- Open it up, yes.- Food for thought. - It certainly is.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16This house delivers over and above their requirements inside.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18It's most certainly the project they wanted
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and with two acres of land,
0:16:20 > 0:16:25there's no shortage of space for pugs, cats and all the chickens and goats they could want.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28So I've brought you to the front of the property
0:16:28 > 0:16:31so you can see all your land.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- Indeed.- And behind you, if you can look, it's been laid to lawn.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- That originally was a tennis court. - Wow!
0:16:37 > 0:16:39So if you don't fancy taking up the sport,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43you can put your animals on there, and if you fancy it, you can easily reinstate it.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Probably leave it for the animals at the moment.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- Yeah, stick with the animals. - Put the old goat on there. Good enough for him.- That's right.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55So it is time, having seen this wonderful property, to talk money.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Who wants to go first? - Well, I'll have a go.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- I mean, it's a fabulous house. - It is.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03How much do you think the current price is?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Our budget is 650, there's a lot of work, so I'm going to say...
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- 500. - 500. Yeah, that sounds about right.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I would go just slightly lower than that.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16You know, 495 to make it sound better. Yeah.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20I think you're going to be slightly disappointed.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- The asking price is £650,000. - Really? Really?- Yeah.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Because you've also got the additional accommodation. - Of course, with that. That's true.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34We'd need to find out just how much work has to be done on it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- It would be worth finding out. - It's a lovely house.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Absolutely beautiful.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Why don't you have a wander around, have a good look,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47think about all your options and I'll meet you in the front in a little while.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Off you go.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53With an asking price of £650,000,
0:17:53 > 0:17:58this Georgian lodge is right at the top of Julia and Philip's budget, and it does need work.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02But it's not every day you come across an opportunity like this
0:18:02 > 0:18:05so we had to show it to them.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07It's positively huge, with three reception rooms,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11a big kitchen space, a servants wing, five bedrooms
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and a three-bedroom self-contained flat.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17To top it off, it's all set in two acres of land.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20The renovations could be tackled over time
0:18:20 > 0:18:22and it's worth remembering it's still a buyer's market
0:18:22 > 0:18:25so there should be a little flexibility on the price tag.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I love symmetrical houses.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I just love the grandeur of the whole place.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37I know it's a little bit battered, but I just loved it from the moment I set eyes on it.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It's got nooks and crannies and cellars
0:18:40 > 0:18:44and it's got rooms that we at the moment don't even know what we would use them for.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48I know that it needs decorating and it needs some work,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50but it deserves that work.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54It would be a joy to be able to do it.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59What a great start, you don't get to see properties like that very often.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- You don't, do you? Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.- Ready to go?
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- We are.- More to see. - Lovely.- Thank you.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14For our next property, we're popping over the border into Carmarthenshire,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17where we should get that little bit more for our money.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20We're heading to the rural outskirts of Whitland,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22which, crucially for sea-loving Julia,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25is just nine miles from the coast.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Nestled in the Taf Valley, Whitland is a small county town,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31with a good mixture of amenities serving the locals,
0:19:31 > 0:19:38including a mainline train station, with connections to Swansea, Carmarthen and Pembroke.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41The house we're viewing is a mile from the centre of town,
0:19:41 > 0:19:46set in glorious Carmarthenshire countryside, and I have an admission to make,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49as I know this is a property they've seen on the internet.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54'However, when it comes to house-hunting, the proof isn't in the pudding,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'it's in the viewing, so what will they make of it in the flesh?'
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Do you remember it?- Yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03It's a property we've seen on the internet.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Yes, it is.- But I didn't realise it was in such a beautiful location.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I mean, the views from the house must be stunning.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12You can see the Preseli mountains from here.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- It's wonderful, isn't it? Absolutely fantastic.- It is fantastic.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- We are by a road, though.- Yeah. - Not a busy road.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22We've lived by roads before.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27If it's a road going from somewhere to somewhere rather than just a suburban road, it's not as bad.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Well, let's talk about the property.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Here she is. At the heart is a 100-year-old cottage,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37which is quite difficult to see now, because it's been extended on both sides.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39It was only finished a year ago.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- So you've seen the outside of the property. Are you ready for the inside?- Can't wait.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'This house is a very different proposition.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51'Whilst the core is Victorian, the decor is more contemporary,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55'but there's certainly no scarcity of space.'
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- So, come straight in.- Thank you.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01This house rambles, but it has a lovely flow,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05because it hasn't got one reception room, or two or three,
0:21:05 > 0:21:09or four or five, it's actually got six reception rooms downstairs.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- Six?- Six reception... We should have paid more attention when we looked at it.- We should!
0:21:14 > 0:21:19This is just the first one. We're in the old part of the cottage now.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22I think it would be fair to say this is one of the smaller rooms.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23- OK.- It's nice.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- So are you ready to start?- Yes.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Here we go.- OK.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29To this reception room.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It's much bigger.- Oh, this is great, this is really great.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38I love that archway through there. It makes it enormous, doesn't it?
0:21:38 > 0:21:39And again, amazing views.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Yeah, you can see those views out there.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- They're quite stunning, aren't they? - Aren't they lovely?
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- That gets you, doesn't it?- It does. It does.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Just looking out there is beautiful. We've got nothing like that.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55'It would be easy to stare at those views all day,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57'but there's a lot more to see.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01'So on with the property tour via reception room number three.'
0:22:01 > 0:22:04So we are now on our fourth reception room.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Fourth! Again, it's absolutely wonderful, isn't it?
0:22:08 > 0:22:13I like the way that they all interlink, so that you feel it's really quite open.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16It's all really one.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17- Yeah.- I like it.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- You've got a small utility room there.- Oh, have you, right?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25You have got two staircases with this property, leading upstairs.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- OK.- And then you have got two more reception rooms through there,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- and then the kitchen, so let me show you that.- Excellent.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37It's an important room, the kitchen, for you and your family.
0:22:37 > 0:22:43It is, it is, and I feel that somehow this is just a little bit too small for me.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47A bit smaller than we were probably hoping for.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52This area here, I wonder whether you'd be able to knock a wall somewhere and extend.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- There is potential.- There is.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- There is so much space down here. - You could change the layout of it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I think we would probably change the layout.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02There is potential here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06'Julia and Philip are certainly seeing the possibilities,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'and although it would be a shame to pull out such a lovely kitchen,
0:23:09 > 0:23:14'I get the feeling these two will want to put their own stamp on any property they move into.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17'So that's it for downstairs,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20'Let's see what they make of the sleeping arrangements.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23'They shouldn't be disappointed. There are seven bedrooms in all.'
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Here it is. With views like that, this has to be the master bedroom.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I think you are right, it certainly does.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33It's absolutely splendid, and the size of the room is perfect.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Good. And does it bother you that it is not an en-suite?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40No, no, I mean, we're not really bothered by en-suites.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- It's not one of our major look-fors. - No, it isn't.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45That's good. Let me show you one of the bathrooms,
0:23:45 > 0:23:46- see what you think.- OK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Oh, no, this is great. I really like this.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- It's a big bathroom. - Yes, it's very big.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- It's a good-sized bathroom, yes. - Yeah, but it's not too big.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04We would have a bigger bath, because the room can take it quite easily.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06And a double sink. Crying out for it!
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Yes.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's a great bathroom.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13I like the limestone tiles as well.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15'More positive reactions,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19'and I think the rest of this floor will get a thumbs up, too.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22'Just next door is another double bedroom.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'There's a single bedroom with a secret room,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27'perfect for future grandkids.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29'But, we're not done yet.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34'Off the rear landing are three further doubles and another family bathroom.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36'So more than enough space inside.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39'But how does the land measure up?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41'Well, on top of a rear lawn garden,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45'this property comes with a one-and-a-half-acre paddock.'
0:24:47 > 0:24:50So, here's the additional land that I mentioned.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52All of this paddock comes with the house.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It's just amazing, isn't it?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- Amazing.- Amazing! In unison!
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Is this what you were thinking of when you were talking
0:25:00 > 0:25:02sheep, goats, cows...
0:25:02 > 0:25:03I can see the goats now,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07running down the hills, the chickens in a little pen over there,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- a donkey or two. - There's even room for the cow.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Hmm!
0:25:11 > 0:25:16So all this comes at a price, but you have already seen this property
0:25:16 > 0:25:18on the internet, so do you have an inkling?
0:25:18 > 0:25:22I...I can't remember, we looked at a lot of properties,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26but I don't think that this was one that was right at the top end,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29so something tells me around half a million
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and at the back of my mind, I have got the figures of 498.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- OK.- OK, well, I'm going to go a bit higher
0:25:35 > 0:25:39because it's a really beautifully done house, so I'm going to go 525.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40OK.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45The asking price is £398,500.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47- 300!- 300!
0:25:47 > 0:25:48Is that a pleasant surprise?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It's a totally pleasant surprise.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- It's amazing. - So, with that good news,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55why don't you go and have another wander around?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Have a browse, and I'll catch up with you a bit later.- OK.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Excellent, thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02'That came as a shock, didn't it?
0:26:02 > 0:26:07'At £398,500, this modernised Victorian cottage
0:26:07 > 0:26:10'is a massive 200,000 under budget,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12'leaving spare change and then some
0:26:12 > 0:26:16'for Julia and Philip to put their own stamp on the place.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19'It's a positively huge property, with six reception rooms,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22'a country-style kitchen, which could be extended,
0:26:22 > 0:26:27'seven bedrooms, an ample garden and one-and-a-half acres of paddock.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30'Will it be period enough?'
0:26:30 > 0:26:33When we came into the house, I was surprised.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I hadn't realised it was quite so modern.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40But despite the fact that it's modern, I do quite like it.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42The rooms are really quite huge.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45The only thing that concerns me about the property is the road,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48but I think that's something we'd get used to,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52because it's not as busy as the sort of roads we are used to in the town.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I think the only thing I didn't like about the house myself
0:26:56 > 0:26:57was the kitchen, really.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It was a little bit small,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01but it was beautifully done
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and it would seem a shame to do anything to it.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Ah, Nicky, you look very comfortable there.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11I am very comfortable, but it is time to go. Come on.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12OK.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Carmarthenshire has no shortage of beaches
0:27:20 > 0:27:23and a must-visit is Pendine Sands.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Not only is it one of the longest beaches in Wales,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27but back in the 1920s,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31it was the site of the first record-breaking land speed attempts.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36I am meeting up with local motoring historian Lynn Hughes,
0:27:36 > 0:27:37to find out more.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Tell me, why was Pendine Sands so good for breaking land speed records?
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Well, there's a lot of it, you know?
0:27:43 > 0:27:48It's seven miles long and it's outstanding in the British Isles,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51if not in Europe, for the fact that the quality of the sand
0:27:51 > 0:27:58at certain times of the year is such that it's almost like tarmacadam.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02And how many land-speed records were broken here?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Well, altogether, I suppose about five.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Three by Malcolm Campbell and two by JG Parry-Thomas.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11I've heard of Sir Malcolm Campbell,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13but I have not heard of JG Parry-Thomas.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- Who is he? Have I let the side down? - I am afraid you have, rather.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19In his day, he was probably as famous a racing driver
0:28:19 > 0:28:23as Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25He had a reputation for total fearlessness.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27He had that sort of tiger,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30which you need to be a frontline racing driver.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33What type of car did JG drive?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Well, it so happens that we have it on display here
0:28:35 > 0:28:38in the Museum Of Speed, so why don't we go and have a look at it?
0:28:38 > 0:28:40I'd love to. After you.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43The car was built by engineer and racing driver
0:28:43 > 0:28:44Count Louis Zborowski -
0:28:44 > 0:28:48the man responsible for the real Chitty Bang Bang,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50the Grand Prix racing car and, of course,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54the inspiration for Ian Fleming's famous novel.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Babs, as Parry-Thomas called her, couldn't fly
0:28:57 > 0:29:00but, with a 27-litre aeroplane engine in her,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03she sure could move fast
0:29:03 > 0:29:06and JG pushed her to the very limits.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- Now, he broke two land speed records with Babs, didn't he?- Yes, he did.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15In 1926, on two consecutive days, the 26th and 27th of April,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19he broke the world land speed record twice,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24on the second day, at the astonishing speed of 171 mph.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28I can't imagine sitting in her now, going at that speed.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- So did JG try again?- Yes, he did.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33He came back the following year.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35He was going, really, for 200 mph,
0:29:35 > 0:29:40but the car somersaulted and he was instantly killed, I'm afraid.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And what actually happened to Babs?
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Well, they didn't know what to do with her
0:29:45 > 0:29:47and for some curious reason,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51they decided to bury her here, in the sand dunes.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- No!- And there she remained.- And how long was she actually buried for?
0:29:55 > 0:30:00She was eventually disinterred in 1969 by an eminent engineer called Owen Wyn Owen,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04who restored her to the condition that you see her in now.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Well, I mean, thank you so much.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10It's been amazing and a real privilege to be allowed to sit in Babs.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15With the sun setting over South Wales,
0:30:15 > 0:30:21Philip and Julia have a chance to mull over the properties they've seen so far.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23What did you think about the Georgian house?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- It was splendid.- Beautiful. - It ticked every box.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Every single box.- The rabbit warren of the rooms was great.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Yes, everywhere you went there was one more room and another room and yet another room.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39You'd get lost in there for years, you really would. I really, really did love it.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- What did you think of the yellow pointy house?- Oh, I loved that.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46It was quite modern, really, wasn't it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49The rooms were fantastic sizes, weren't they?
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- Lots of rooms - seven bedrooms! - And loads of reception rooms.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55You couldn't really have asked for more.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Who knows what they'll find for us. - They've been very inventive today
0:30:59 > 0:31:03so I'm sure they'll be able to find something tomorrow that will be equally exciting.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- I hope so. Here's to tomorrow. - To tomorrow.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Retirees Philip and Julia are looking to swap busy Watford
0:31:21 > 0:31:25for very rural South Wales, but this is no downsize.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30They want a six-bedroomed period pile and plenty of acreage.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33So far our properties have had the thumbs up,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37but will the rustic charm of our next property prove to be the dream?
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Why don't I hate these beams?
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- I really like them! - We've converted you!
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I'm a... Yes, I'm a converted beamer!
0:31:44 > 0:31:48'Or will the mystery house blow everything else out of the water?'
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Julia, you've always said you wanted to be by the sea -
0:31:51 > 0:31:54you're not going to get much closer than that!
0:31:54 > 0:31:56It's a castle!
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Yesterday went really well and what became apparent
0:32:02 > 0:32:05was that for Philip and Julia, family is everything.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08As long as the house can accommodate them, their five children
0:32:08 > 0:32:12and their future grandchildren, they're going to be happy.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Let's hope today goes as well as yesterday.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17For our first viewing of the day,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19we're heading to the village of Brechfa.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Situated in the Cothi Valley,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23under the towering oaks of the Brechfa Forest,
0:32:23 > 0:32:28it's been described as one of the most secluded villages in South Wales.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31So it should be remote enough for Julia and Philip.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33There's been a settlement here since the 6th century.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37However, most of the properties today date from the late 1800s.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40We're heading two and a half miles out of the village
0:32:40 > 0:32:42for our first house of the day.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Surrounded by farmland, it's about as rural as properties come.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48These are your properties.
0:32:48 > 0:32:49- Properties?- It's both of them.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53You've got the converted barn that was done about 23 years ago.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57And you've got the farmhouse, there. They both date back about 150 years.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- They look lovely. - They do, don't they?
0:32:59 > 0:33:03I love the colour of the stone. That's splendid. I like that.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05The lovely stream that we came past.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06That's the head of the River Gwili.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- Is it?- It also provides all the water for both properties.- Oh, wow.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13That's really special.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- It's got a filter system.- Couldn't get fresher than that, could you?
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- Lovely. That's really unusual. - You can't get freer than that.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22That's the magic word!
0:33:22 > 0:33:24That appeals to the accountant in me.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- It does.- Now, you noticed some of the livestock around?- I did.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Do they come with the property?
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- The livestock don't. But the field that they're standing in does.- Oh!
0:33:36 > 0:33:40This property, or these properties, have 30 acres.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- 30?!- 30 acres?
0:33:43 > 0:33:4430 acres.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45The good news is,
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- 25 of those acres are currently being rented out to the farmer. - That's a great idea.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53But you could have sheep literally at your back window.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55So you could look after them,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58but you don't have to worry too much about them -
0:33:58 > 0:33:59the best of both worlds.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01There is a sheep at our back window now.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Yeah, there is.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07'Well, they seemed suitably impressed by those numbers.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09'But will they be taken with the actual property?
0:34:09 > 0:34:13'Style-wise, it's a mix of contemporary and character
0:34:13 > 0:34:17'with a few rustic features that might not be to Julia's liking.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20'But it has all the space they're after
0:34:20 > 0:34:22'and I think it has real wow factor.'
0:34:22 > 0:34:25I really like that. I do. It's really unusual.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29It is unusual, isn't it, to have the dining hall straight as you come in.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- But, no, that's fine.- But it works. - Do you like the balcony effect?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- I do.- The gallery, looking down?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I love the wood. The combination of the wood and the stone.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41The contrast of the wood with the stone, it really works.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44So far, so good.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47'But the living room could be make-or-break, as it
0:34:47 > 0:34:52'has a particular feature I know Julia isn't too keen on - beams!'
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Oh, no, that's lovely.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56And I don't usually like beams.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- I was a little bit worried about the beams.- But these are right.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02This is the right setting for them.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05They're high enough up and they're not too imposing.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- I haven't seen a barn conversion before.- No, nor have I.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10I have to say, this is really
0:35:10 > 0:35:12giving me a completely different view of them.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- So this is the first time? - Yeah, we've never been to one.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Something you wouldn't have considered?
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- I would never have thought of it. - It's good.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- I like it.- Fabulous. Let's check out the kitchen.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Follow me.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31We've got quite a contemporary kitchen, here.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34This is... Yes, contemporary.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36This is fantastic, isn't it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:37- I love it.- I like it.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40If you've got room for a couch in the kitchen,
0:35:40 > 0:35:41it's got to be good, hasn't it?
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- Exactly. And a dining table. - That's fantastic.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- This is just amazing me.- I like it.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Through the kitchen you've got a massive utility room.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Huge, with storage. And you've got a wet room.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55That's really useful.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57That's marvellous.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- With the family, you need all the bathrooms you can get. - You do, yes. It's perfect.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04'Perfect. Now, there's a word I like.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08'Let's see if we can get top marks upstairs, too.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:13So, the barn has four bedrooms.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- OK. Four?- This is the master.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20You've got the beautiful beams, which I think are very attractive.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I like them again. They're not intrusive.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Good, good. You've got an L shape with the dressing area.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- That's handy.- That's a storage.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32And you've got a fabulous en-suite.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35'As well as the en-suite, off the hallway is a family bathroom.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39'Bedroom-wise, there is a double, a single and a box room.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42'So, by no means the six bedrooms requested.
0:36:42 > 0:36:49'However, let's not forget we have a whole other property to check out - the farmhouse.'
0:36:49 > 0:36:52'It's currently used as a self-contained holiday let
0:36:52 > 0:36:55'and is totally separate from the barn.'
0:36:55 > 0:36:58So, here's your second property, the farmhouse,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00which is pretty big.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02As you walk in, if you turn to the right,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04you've got a fully fitted kitchen.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07This is your drawing room-come-dining room.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11It's absolutely wonderful. This is additional to everything else.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13And why don't I hate these beams?
0:37:13 > 0:37:15I really like them.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17We've converted you!
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Yes. I'm a converted beamer, I really like them.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I really, really like it. I do.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Would you be interested to hear what the income is on this?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30The lady does it about five months of the year.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33But some are just odd weekends here and there.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35So it's not a full-time business.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37She makes about £12,000 a year.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- Goodness.- So if ever you want six months without family coming down...
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- Well, that had better not happen! - It is certainly worth considering.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49So you've got four bedrooms in that building. You've got three in here.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Seven bedrooms.
0:37:51 > 0:37:57Enough for the family. So you've got one on this level, two upstairs with a family bathroom.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00'So, not only is this property beautiful,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02'it could be a nice little earner too,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05'along with the proceeds from the farmland acreage.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10'And there's still garden left for Julia and Philip to just enjoy.'
0:38:10 > 0:38:12So, you've got your 30 acres,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15including this lovely little bit of lawn here.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19So you could have some flowerbeds and everything here?
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- Yes.- It's really, really beautiful. - Perfect.- So, who wants to go first?
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Do you want to go first this time? - Well, I will, but we've not been very good at this, have we?
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- We've been pretty awful at guessing. - But this house is beautiful.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38It ticks all our boxes and a few boxes we didn't even know we had.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42This one's 700, more than.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Probably 720.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Do you think so?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I think it's top side of 700, yes.
0:38:50 > 0:38:56The current asking price for both of these properties and all this land -
0:38:56 > 0:38:59£590,000.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02What?! I just can't believe it.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04I'm just over the moon. I really am.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- That's fantastic.- It is.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09That is really, really lovely.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Oh, you're getting a bit emotional!
0:39:11 > 0:39:13I'm sorry...
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I really was...sorry. That has really, really shocked me.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- We had got it way over our budget. - Oh, yeah.- We really had.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Do you both fancy a second look, perhaps?
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Second look? Yeah. Yeah, I'm there.
0:39:24 > 0:39:25Continuous look.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Go and have a continuous look.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- I'll catch up with you in a while. - Thank you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34What a reaction and what a surprise.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37They were both getting really emotional
0:39:37 > 0:39:39when I said that figure to them.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Well, I'm just going to let them browse for as long as they like.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47'On the market for £590,000 this property is not only
0:39:47 > 0:39:52'60,000 under budget, but it's two houses for the price of one.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55'The barn comes with two reception rooms,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57'a modern kitchen/diner and four bedrooms.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01'While the self-contained holiday house has a further three bedrooms,
0:40:01 > 0:40:05'all set in a breathtaking 30 acres of land.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'We were taking a bit of a risk with this house.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13It needs no work, it has beams and a barn conversion wasn't the period property they had in mind
0:40:13 > 0:40:15'but it just goes to show,
0:40:15 > 0:40:19'when you're house hunting it's worth exploring all avenues.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23'I get the feeling this property has just jumped to the top of the contender list.'
0:40:24 > 0:40:27When we learnt the price,
0:40:27 > 0:40:32I mean, Julie's reaction set me off and it was just unbelievable.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It's a superb property and I really didn't think
0:40:35 > 0:40:38we'd get something like this for that sort of price.
0:40:38 > 0:40:44I cannot think of one negative point to this property whatsoever.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47It has absolutely everything I have ever wanted.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50It is the property for me, I love it.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53I would go to the estate agent this afternoon and buy it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58I just absolutely love it to bits, it's fantastic.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- So are you happy with that second look?- Yes, indeed.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04I'm going to have to drag you away now.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Well, you certainly will have to drag us!
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Now usually on Escape To The Country,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18we send our househunters off to enjoy some countryside pursuits,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but earlier in the week, they did something rather different.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25We sent Philip and Julia to the Dolaucothi Gold Mines,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28the only Roman gold mines still in existence in the UK,
0:41:28 > 0:41:34to meet up with Sandra Parry and hopefully make like the Romans and strike gold.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39We're in a Roman open-cast pit that was mined out 2,000 years ago.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43If you could imagine that this was 40 feet lower than what it is now.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48What they were actually looking for was this, this is the quartz.
0:41:48 > 0:41:54This is where the gold comes from. Thin little pieces of gold, not much bigger than a grain of sand.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57And how do you know there's gold in that?
0:41:57 > 0:42:00They would crush it very, very fine like dust
0:42:00 > 0:42:04and then they would continuously wash it so all the little gold flakes would fall to the bottom
0:42:04 > 0:42:07and there to catch it would be a sheep's fleece.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08Sheep's fleece!
0:42:08 > 0:42:12They would pick the fleece up out of the water and then dry it
0:42:12 > 0:42:15and set it alight or burn it in a furnace
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- and there would be left just the gold.- And how much gold did they get out of this, the Romans?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23They reckoned, when they were here 2,000 years ago,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26about three-quarters of a tonne, which is nearly one of these tramfuls.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32- Of gold?- Yes. - Three-quarters of a tonne! - Out of all of this hillside.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35The hillside they took out is about 500,000 tonnes of rock.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Many of the quartz veins ran deep underground
0:42:40 > 0:42:42and where they led, the Romans followed,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45using slaves to tunnel, and once down there,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47many wouldn't see daylight again.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50How did they dig it out?
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Well, when they found a nice big quartz seam, they would actually
0:42:53 > 0:42:57make a fire against the quartz and kept it burning for several days
0:42:57 > 0:42:59and that would make the rock go very, very hot.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02By throwing water on it, it would crack
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and they used a small pickaxe called a gad and they would gad it out.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09- It was all done by pickaxe?- Yes. - What, the whole of this was dug out by hand?- Yes.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- This was all been done by the Romans, yes.- Amazing.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17Time to head back up to ground level, there's some gold digging to be done.
0:43:17 > 0:43:23Panning is the easiest and most common technique for those wanting to get rich quick.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26Well, what you have to do is put your bowl in the water
0:43:26 > 0:43:29and then scoop up some of the gravel, by shaking it around
0:43:29 > 0:43:35and tipping the water off, you have ridges on the bowl
0:43:35 > 0:43:37and then if you just keep shaking it round,
0:43:37 > 0:43:41you'll get all the little shiny bits in there.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- So if I find some, can I keep it? - Yes, you can.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51- I've got the lucky pan. Look at this.- Excellent.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- That's a brilliant piece! - That's huge!
0:43:54 > 0:43:57It's a nice nugget, but I don't think
0:43:57 > 0:43:59it will quite stretch to a deposit on a property.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02But not to worry, as they can always come back.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07It's time now to mix things up a bit
0:44:07 > 0:44:10by showing Philip and Julia our mystery house.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14They've been extremely receptive to everything we've shown them so far.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18Let's hope this property really floats their boat.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21We know Julia loves the sea,
0:44:21 > 0:44:23so we're travelling back to Pembrokeshire
0:44:23 > 0:44:26and heading to the estuary town of Neyland.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31Situated on the northern shore of the Milford Haven waterway,
0:44:31 > 0:44:33Leyland grew up around Brunel's railway.
0:44:33 > 0:44:38Completed in 1856, it resulted in a population burst
0:44:38 > 0:44:40from 200 to over a 1,000 in just five years.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45A marina has now taken the place of the railway terminus
0:44:45 > 0:44:48which closed down in the '60s.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Our mystery house has almost a birds-eye view of all the boats.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57So, guys, here is your mystery property.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00Julia, you always said you wanted to be by the sea.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- You're not going to get much closer than that.- It's a castle!
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- It's your turret.- It's a turret. I could be a princess.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10- You're going to be Rapunzel.- Great!
0:45:10 > 0:45:12No, I'm sorry, that's quite impressive.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14It's got a lot of character.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- It certainly has.- I bet you weren't expecting something like that?- No.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22You see, the mystery property never fails to deliver, does it?
0:45:22 > 0:45:24It's exactly that, something different.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27- It looks fascinating.- It does.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29There's a lot about it, isn't there?
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- Yeah. So, are you ready? - Oh, I'm ready!
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Ready and waiting, off we go.
0:45:36 > 0:45:42'Philip and Julia are obviously intrigued and I can't wait to see what they'll make of the inside.
0:45:42 > 0:45:47'Because, at just four years old, the mystery house is very much a modern home
0:45:47 > 0:45:54'and it's rather topsy-turvy with living accommodation upstairs to maximise the amazing estuary views.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57'So that's where we're going to start.'
0:46:00 > 0:46:03What a splendid view it is. It is absolutely tremendous.
0:46:03 > 0:46:08- Stunning!- All those boats out there and the boats here in the yard.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12- It's lovely, isn't it? It really is. - It's gorgeous, it really is. A beautiful view.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15I knew the scenery would be a hit.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18Fingers crossed the house will live up to the vista.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25So we've come through the dining hall. I wanted to bring you straight into this room.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29This is a lovely-sized room, isn't it? It really is, yeah. I like this.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Very much like a villa with the stone floors and the openness, yeah.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Yeah, it is, very much like a villa.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38- Yes, this is rather charming, I like this.- I do.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41And it flows nicely into the kitchen.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43It's a good kitchen.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46It's beautifully fitted out, yeah.
0:46:46 > 0:46:51You've got the granite worktops, great range. That and the fridge are going to stay.
0:46:51 > 0:46:57So you've seen the first level, let's take you up one to the crow's nest.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01It's not often I can say that in a property. Back this way.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03'It doesn't have period character
0:47:03 > 0:47:07'but this house is definitely characterful.'
0:47:12 > 0:47:16So here we are, Rapunzel's tower.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19The crow's nest. I'll let you name it.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- This is lovely, isn't it?- It is.
0:47:21 > 0:47:26- It's a fabulous room.- It is. - It's so unusual!
0:47:26 > 0:47:27The views again, it's great.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31- That's right, we come up here for views over the estuary.- We do.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34As you can see it's currently an office
0:47:34 > 0:47:36but you could easily convert this into a bedroom.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41- Oh, yes, yes. It wouldn't take very much at all.- A very fun bedroom.
0:47:41 > 0:47:42I think it would, yeah.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Whoever got this one would really enjoy it.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49'I'm glad they like that idea because, as it stands,
0:47:49 > 0:47:53'this property doesn't meet their hefty bedroom requirements.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57'However, will they like a little project? I do have a solution.
0:47:57 > 0:48:04'As above the double garage, and accessed via the dining room, is a self-contained holiday annex.'
0:48:05 > 0:48:07So, you walk through the bedroom...
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Yeah.- You've also got a shower room through there.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13This is the living part.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16- That's fine, isn't it? - It's a good size for a sitting room.
0:48:16 > 0:48:21- A good size.- Windows are smaller but then it's a smaller room, isn't it?
0:48:21 > 0:48:24Through there you've got the kitchen and the dining area.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29There's the front door, so you have a separate entrance so you can lock that.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31They can be completely self-contained.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34If you want to open it up and use it, it's so easy to do.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- Oh, yeah, very easy.- Yes.
0:48:36 > 0:48:42I'm going to take you back downstairs now to look at one of the bedrooms.
0:48:42 > 0:48:47'It looks like Julia and Philip are taking everything on board but is it really floating their boat?
0:48:47 > 0:48:49'Hmm, I'm not sure.'
0:48:50 > 0:48:52Here's the master bedroom.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55Oh, that's fine, isn't it? That's a lovely room.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58It's a good size and you've got the archway through there
0:48:58 > 0:49:01to what looks like a dressing area with lots of wardrobes.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Very generous dressing area, generous wardrobes.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07- Always handy.- Always handy.- Always.
0:49:07 > 0:49:08It's a very good-sized room.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10It's a double bed and still plenty of room.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14And it leads through into a wonderful en-suite.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Double sink, showers...
0:49:16 > 0:49:19You've got another two bedrooms on this level.
0:49:19 > 0:49:24- OK.- And you've got the family bathroom as well. So you've got the crow's nest.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26- Right.- Yes.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30- And the holiday let accommodation. - Yes.- So that makes a total of five.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34- Right, OK. - I know, ideally, you wanted six.
0:49:34 > 0:49:39- I did, yes.- It might be worth considering that double garage.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43- It might be worth changing one of those into a bedroom. - That's a good idea, yes.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46- That's a thought, yes. - Shall we go back outside?
0:49:46 > 0:49:49- OK.- OK.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52The all-important outside space.
0:49:52 > 0:49:53I have an admission.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57This property doesn't have a hidden half acre anywhere,
0:49:57 > 0:50:02but will proximity to the water make them rethink their wish list?
0:50:02 > 0:50:05What you see around you is what you get.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07Indeed, yeah.
0:50:07 > 0:50:12That would be a problem, I think, for us. It's a splendid house.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15It's got the space.
0:50:15 > 0:50:21It's got a lot of the features we're looking for but an essential for us, really, are the animals.
0:50:21 > 0:50:26It is an impressive house but the big question now is, what does it cost?
0:50:26 > 0:50:29It's the last time I'm going to ask you.
0:50:29 > 0:50:33Well, we've been wrong by a long way quite a few times.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37Well, that doesn't matter, it makes it a bigger surprise.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41Given the location, given that it's an absolutely splendid house.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45For people who are looking for this, it puts it at the top end of our budget,
0:50:45 > 0:50:48- so I would guess around £650,000. - OK.
0:50:48 > 0:50:54You're right, yeah. I'm going to go a bit higher because the decor of the place is brilliant.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57That view is amazing.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00- So, 675 I'd go for.- OK.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02- Current asking price...- Yeah.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06Is £535,000.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09That's stunning, isn't it? That's amazing.
0:51:09 > 0:51:13I don't believe it. The price of property is just so fantastic here.
0:51:13 > 0:51:18I mean it has come down by £90,000 because they are keen to sell.
0:51:18 > 0:51:22- Yes.- But it is a very unusual, unique house.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24Yes, it's a splendid house.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28Why don't you go and have another wander around, enjoy those views.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30- I'll see you in a little while. - Thank you.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Under budget at £535,000,
0:51:33 > 0:51:38the mystery house is a unique and sizable modern home.
0:51:38 > 0:51:39It has three bedrooms,
0:51:39 > 0:51:42an open plan living area with contemporary kitchen,
0:51:42 > 0:51:47a very interesting study and a self-contained one-bedroom annexe.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50There's plenty of potential for Philip and Julia to rejig it
0:51:50 > 0:51:51to suit their needs
0:51:51 > 0:51:54but I don't think even those stunning estuary views
0:51:54 > 0:51:56will make up for the lack of land.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59It's billy goats not boats that'll win the day here.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03It's a splendid house. It's beautifully decorated.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06Its position is just absolutely wonderful.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08You couldn't get better views than this.
0:52:08 > 0:52:15This actually helped us to realise that our dream of the country was really what we were after
0:52:15 > 0:52:19and although we like the house and the location,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21it said to us it's not for us to live.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27Right, guys, we've got to find you somewhere quiet.
0:52:27 > 0:52:32The two of you, on your own, to gather your thoughts and think about all these properties.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Yes!
0:52:38 > 0:52:41This is a huge move for Philip and Julia.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44They now have a lot to discuss.
0:52:50 > 0:52:56The time has come for Philip and Julia to make a decision about which of the properties they may go for.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59Now, I think it's rather obvious they're rather smitten with one,
0:52:59 > 0:53:00so let's find out.
0:53:05 > 0:53:10- Julia and Philip, we've had a great few days, haven't we?- Oh, yes, we've had a lovely time.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14We've seen some amazing properties, so shall we kick off with our first one?
0:53:14 > 0:53:17That Georgian lodge. It was rather elegant.
0:53:17 > 0:53:23It was just absolutely splendid. Such grandeur, it was heaven.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27The detail, the architecture, the bits and pieces, it was really special, wasn't it?
0:53:27 > 0:53:29Yeah, we weren't at all disappointed.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33An awful lot of work was needed to be done and so...
0:53:33 > 0:53:37- I mean, we'd have to take that into account.- We'd have to.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40You wanted a project, but that would have been a mammoth one.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42It would have been a great project to do,
0:53:42 > 0:53:44but mammoth is the right word, yes.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46We looked at a yellow cottage,
0:53:46 > 0:53:49an old cottage that had been...
0:53:49 > 0:53:52Well, it had had some super extensions done either side.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56We thought that the property was excellent.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59There were a few things we'd have liked to do with it
0:53:59 > 0:54:02because there were some things that could be changed around
0:54:02 > 0:54:04but they were all good and we liked it.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07It was large and had the land. Lots of possibilities.
0:54:07 > 0:54:13So a new day and a new property, or should I say two because we had
0:54:13 > 0:54:15the converted barn and the farmhouse next door.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19- Those properties were wonderful. - We really loved them.- 30 acres.
0:54:19 > 0:54:2430 acres, that's silly, isn't it? 30 acres.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26- We hadn't dreamed of 30 acres.- No.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30When we went inside, just the way it was done was perfect.
0:54:30 > 0:54:35Another thing that Julia and I have said to each other we'd never, ever consider are beams.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37The beams worked in the property.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40- Beams... I'm very pleased you liked the beams.- They just looked right.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43We loved them, they really were, it was a revelation.
0:54:43 > 0:54:47Very taken with that property?
0:54:47 > 0:54:50- Very taken. Very taken indeed. - Just a smidge.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Oh, I'm on the edge of my seat!
0:54:52 > 0:54:57I'm not going to ask you yet because we've still got to discuss the mystery house.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Ah, the mystery house. I liked the house.
0:54:59 > 0:55:03The mystery house was very well done.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05- There's a but...- There is a but.
0:55:05 > 0:55:09- And that is we felt that we would prefer to be there on holiday... - Yes.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11..than live there.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15So, what is the next step? I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this.
0:55:15 > 0:55:20The next step, oh, well, over to my financial adviser, I think.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23Erm...
0:55:23 > 0:55:26- Well, I've already contacted the estate agent this afternoon.- He has.
0:55:26 > 0:55:33I've asked the estate agent for the property with the farmhouse and barn.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37To send us the details and we will be putting in an offer.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Fantastic news!
0:55:39 > 0:55:43It ticked every single box and a few more.
0:55:43 > 0:55:44Yes.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46It's our idea of heaven.
0:55:46 > 0:55:52- Yes, brilliant.- Listen, I'm delighted for the both of you but also for all your children
0:55:52 > 0:55:56as well who I know are going to be coming to stay very, very quickly.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58- Keep in touch, and let us know how you get on.- Thank you.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01- We will. - Delighted, thank you both so much.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04- Thank you, it's been wonderful. - It's been a fantastic time.
0:56:08 > 0:56:14What great news and for me it's been a real treat showing this lovely couple
0:56:14 > 0:56:17properties in this beautiful part of Wales.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20Interestingly we showed them houses that they wouldn't even have
0:56:20 > 0:56:26considered before and, lo and behold, they're actually going to put an offer on one of them.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29So we wish Julia and Philip all the very best.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32See you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38I'm delighted to report Philip and Julia have had their offer accepted
0:56:38 > 0:56:42on the converted barn and they can't wait to finalise the deal.
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0:56:44 > 0:56:47in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
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