0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today I'm in a county famous for its apple cider and pear perry.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10There are 3,000 apple and pear orchards here, covering 9,500 acres,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13more than any other part of the United Kingdom.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18Today the cider and perry that's produced here is protected under EU law.
0:00:18 > 0:00:24It shares the same status as French champagne or, indeed, Italian Parma ham. Where am I?
0:00:24 > 0:00:29Stick around as we head out for a very fruity Escape To The Country.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45In today's show, I'll be helping two former police officers
0:00:45 > 0:00:50escape their London beat for the tranquil surrounds of the countryside.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52There will be crime.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I think you might get your arm twisted.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56They will be made to pay.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59I'm already worrying about how much it's going to cost.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01And then they'll be set free.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Oh, wow. Look at that view!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Today I'm in Herefordshire, a county with a long and rich history of cider production.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15These days the UK produces 130 million gallons of the stuff.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Half of it is made right here in the county.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19Perhaps that's no great surprise,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23because in the old days, many farmers would produce their own cider
0:01:23 > 0:01:24and give it to their farm workers
0:01:24 > 0:01:27as a way of supplementing the weekly wage.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28The good old days.
0:01:30 > 0:01:31Herefordshire is land locked
0:01:31 > 0:01:35between three English counties to the east and Wales to the west.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39With a population of just 200 people per square mile,
0:01:39 > 0:01:44it's one of England's most sparsely populated counties and one of its most rural.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49With over 5,000 farms, this is predominantly agricultural land.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54It's celebrated for its Hereford cows and cider producing fruit.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Rising majestically over Herefordshire
0:01:56 > 0:02:00are the Malvern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07And flowing across it is the River Wye, England's fifth longest.
0:02:07 > 0:02:14But it's not all green. The county town of Hereford is a cathedral city with a population of over 50,000.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21And its many scenic villages are filled with 17th century timber-framed houses,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25which you can admire on the popular 40-mile Black and White trail.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Amongst the many very good reasons as to why you might want to move here,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34crime levels make for interesting reading.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38They've been dropping steadily here over the last five years
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and currently run at 32% below the national average -
0:02:41 > 0:02:45great news if you want a quiet life in the country.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50If you want to see what's on offer, take a look at some of these properties.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Let's tee off with this four-bed detached house
0:02:54 > 0:02:57situated in glorious countryside.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02Truly a golfer's heaven, it comes with its own nine hole golf course and clubhouse.
0:03:02 > 0:03:08So get your caddy to grab your cheque book. It's on the market for £1.25 million.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12On a par but for less wedge is this barn conversion
0:03:12 > 0:03:16set within nearly two acres of landscaped gardens with a valley beyond.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20It comes with five bedrooms, two en suite, and a country-style kitchen.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23It's being sold for 595,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Or for even less cash is this modern take on the local black and white vernacular.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33This pretty cottage comes with three spacious bedrooms.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36The downstairs is split by some lovely beam work
0:03:36 > 0:03:40and the garden's large patio area is ideal for entertaining.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43It could be yours for £285,000.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49So, as you can see, there are some fantastic properties on offer here in Herefordshire.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53But what are today's buyers after? Well, let's meet them.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Today's line-up features two recently retired police officers, Richard and Anne,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02who have 62 years of service between them.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- We met in City of London Police. - 32 years ago.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10But it was 19 years before we actually went out with each other.
0:04:10 > 0:04:16So, we knew each other and took a while to get the courage up to ask each other out.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20They live in this three-bedroom house in the London borough of Croydon.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25But after a long stretch living alongside this busy road,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28they're desperate to escape and have asked us to investigate.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32We've been looking to move for about 18 months to two years now,
0:04:32 > 0:04:38but we haven't done anything serious about it until such time as the house went under offer.
0:04:38 > 0:04:45Of course, we went under offer last week, so now we're ready to look, so we're in your hands.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49But what is it about Herefordshire that's so arresting?
0:04:49 > 0:04:55If you look from the Malvern Hills, if you look west, it reminds me of Middle Earth, hobbit country.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59It's a pretty area and it appears to be a lot less crowded.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04It looks so inviting and leafy and green, lots of valleys and shadows.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09And what part of this magical kingdom are they looking to move to?
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- Ideally, western side of the Malvern Hills.- Away from main roads and motorways, in particular.
0:05:14 > 0:05:21We've got a slow pace of life anyway, but we'd like our surroundings to be just as slow.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24When it comes to their new home, what's on their wish list?
0:05:24 > 0:05:28A reasonable size kitchen, ideally kitchen-breakfast room,
0:05:28 > 0:05:33two bedrooms, and I'd like up to about three acres of garden.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- I don't know about you.- I don't know about three acres...- It's your chance to buy a ride-on mower!
0:05:38 > 0:05:41All right. Yes, OK! Three acres!
0:05:41 > 0:05:46It seems that Anne has all the good ideas, but who has the final say?
0:05:46 > 0:05:52- I'd like to think it's me, but it's probably Richard.- I like to think it's me, but it's probably her!
0:05:52 > 0:05:55So, a lottery! 50-50.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Well, that clears it up then(!)
0:05:57 > 0:06:01But one thing is for sure - Richard's need for a garage.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04These are three of my four classic cars.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09One of the reasons we're looking to move is I'd like extra garaging.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Either the garaging is already there or there is the potential for it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Anne has a hobby that requires a fair bit of space too.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21In the new property, I'd quite like to be able to have a dedicated room,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25an outhouse, perhaps a summerhouse, or even a third bedroom,
0:06:25 > 0:06:30that we could use for my silversmithing. It's a hobby that's important to me.
0:06:30 > 0:06:36And there's one more thing that's quite important - this pair are looking for the good life.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42- I think Richard would quite like to keep some chickens.- A smallholding of some sort would be nice.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Chickens, ducks, maybe even sheep, depending on the amount of land.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51But if we have sheep, the ride-on mower's out of the window.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53You can mow the sheep(!)
0:06:55 > 0:06:59So, how much have they got to spend on their dream home?
0:06:59 > 0:07:03Our budget for the new house is £450,000...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05up to £500,000.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08After all of those years walking the beat in London,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11it's clear our two coppers are looking for the simple life
0:07:11 > 0:07:15and they want a fairly simple house in which to live in.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18They say just the minimum of two bedrooms.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22But they want a big living area and Anne is dying for a big kitchen.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27Added to that, there is something of a twist. We need space for Richard's sports cars.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33And all of this for the princely sum of £450,000 to £500,000.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Should be interesting.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40To find their dream home, we'll be house hunting around the east of the county,
0:07:40 > 0:07:44between Worcestershire and the city of Hereford.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47We've got four fabulous houses lined up, but as ever,
0:07:47 > 0:07:52I won't be revealing their price tags straightaway, and then, there's the mystery house,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55a property with the potential to shake things up.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Hello, Anne. Very nice to see you. Hi, Richard. Nice to see you.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Welcome to Herefordshire. You know this area quite well.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Reasonably well. We've got family that live not very far from here.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13My sister lives in Colwall, so we've fallen in love with the area
0:08:13 > 0:08:20on our various visits and we thought we'd quite like to get out of London and move to this idyll.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23What are you hoping for in this new country life?
0:08:23 > 0:08:26We want to be a bit more self-sufficient than we are now.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Ideally, we'd like a bit of land so we can keep some chickens,
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- ducks, what have you... Depends on the amount of land. - Land is key, I think, for us.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- We want a bit of peace and quiet. - Budget-wise, what are we looking at?
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Between 450 and 500, top whack.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47But ideally 450, as cheap as possible, I suppose.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Hopefully, you're going to pull something out of the bag for us
0:08:51 > 0:08:56and perhaps, very shortly, we'll be living in my idyll of Middle Earth, with secret valleys
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and little wooded hillsides.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03We're not far from where Tolkien was inspired to write Lord of the Rings, over in Powys.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- We just need to find you some hobbits!- Well...!
0:09:08 > 0:09:12So, Anne and Richard have a budget of up to £500,000.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15They're looking for a detached house with a minimum of two bedrooms.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Anne wants a big kitchen and space to carry out her silversmithing,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21whilst one of Richard's must-haves
0:09:21 > 0:09:23are some garages in which to keep his cars.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25And last but not least
0:09:25 > 0:09:29is a bit of land to rear some animals.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34It is a gorgeous part of the world. It's quiet but accessible.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- Yes.- Yes, it seems to be "undiscovered" to a certain extent.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44We're on a bit of a mystery tour with you two. What will we discover?
0:09:44 > 0:09:48It's so secret valley-ish. I love these little country lanes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- Who knows what's going to be round the corner!- Hopefully not a giant!
0:09:56 > 0:10:00First up, we're heading east of Hereford to the village of Bosbury.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07They might have to time their visits well, but these ex-police should feel right at home.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13And what else do we have here? A pub, a barbers and a church.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19The property I'm taking them to see is three miles outside the village in the farming area of Castle Frome.
0:10:19 > 0:10:26It's one of three adjoining houses, converted from a range of farm buildings.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30OK, for our first offering, let's start with this one.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- What do you think?- It's very interesting.- Lovely stone.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40It's a mid-19th century farm complex, but at the heart of it is that tower,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- which is an old oast house. - Hops?- Hops.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- A nice reminder of the agricultural heritage of this part of Herefordshire.- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- You don't get all of it, unfortunately.- Right.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53You do have a couple of neighbours.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59One here, to our right, and one at the main barn building to the left,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03but your bit is the central area, which is huge. It's very deceptive.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Finished to a really high spec.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10The whole lot was converted two or three years ago, so the finishes are excellent.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- In terms of land, you get an acre. - Right.
0:11:14 > 0:11:21- You also get a back garden. The acre is there, at the front of the property.- OK. Right.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- "OK", you're saying. Erm... - Other side of the road...
0:11:24 > 0:11:30Yeah. But if you were going down the route of vegetables, animals, that sort of thing,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33you know, maybe having them slightly separate.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36The other thing we don't have is extensive garaging.
0:11:36 > 0:11:43- That's something we'd have to add. - Let's see what the property looks like. That's key, isn't it?
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Come on.- OK.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Right. Come on in.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Thank you. - Now, what do you think, Richard?
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- Yes, it's a nice size.- It's made the best of this as a converted barn, I think. That's the nice thing.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08- You get all this space. That beam over there is original. - Look at the thickness of the walls.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- It's classic cottage, isn't it? - That's the joy of stone built.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17It has to be wide, due to the way it's made, which allows you window seats as well.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21This is very nice. This is the sort of thing I had in my mind's eye.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- Like I said outside, it's quite deceptive and it does go on, so follow me.- OK.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33Tucked away in the corner of the kitchen is a utility room, and just off the kitchen is the sitting room.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38I think this is a real bonus because in a lot of conversions,
0:12:38 > 0:12:44they would offer you just kitchen, diner and living attached, which is what we have next door,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48but here, because it goes on, a nice separate living room too.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- Yes, and French doors to the outside.- Yes, we'll get to the outside later.
0:12:53 > 0:13:00I love this space. I think it works really well. And that open plan-y feel of the kitchen, it flows.
0:13:00 > 0:13:07Living room through to dining room. A separate dining area too, which makes use of double doors out...
0:13:07 > 0:13:12to the garden. In a conversion like this, I think any separate dining space is a bonus.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19- It is. Yes, it is.- Does it have a study area, this house?- Not as such.- This could be a study.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- A study, yes.- Completely, yes. - Or even my silversmithing.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- Yes.- Ah, well.- We'll fight over it. - Yes, indeed.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Very nice.- OK. Upstairs.- Good. - After you, sir.- Thank you.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35That's the first I've heard of Richard needing a study.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I think he plays his cards rather close to his chest,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42but it's not a problem as there are lots of rooms upstairs.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46When I first came up here, one thing that really struck me
0:13:46 > 0:13:53- was the light.- Yes, it's almost like a reception area for the upstairs,
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- waiting to...suggest what's to come. - Ah! Now, what IS to come?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03We've got you four bedrooms up here. Let's have a look at the guest room first. Have a look in here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07So, big enough for a reasonable size double.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Yes.- A bit of storage over there. - Yes.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- And shower room en suite through there.- Right.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20- They've done something clever - they've pushed up into the roof space.- You've got the sloping roof.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Also off the landing, there's a family bathroom and two further doubles,
0:14:26 > 0:14:31one of which has a skylight, making it ideal for Anne's silversmithing.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33But I want to show them the master.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36So, this is what we've got in mind for you.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Oh, lovely size room!
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Yes, it is.- How does this compare to home at the moment?
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Bigger.- It IS bigger, yes.- Yes. - It's lovely. Very nice.
0:14:47 > 0:14:53- Making use of that, which is... - That's very clever. - The glazed old barn door there.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- It's really nice. - And in here, your en suite.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- No bath, but that's next door, in the family bathroom.- Nice size.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- It's lovely. Nice tiles. - You've got a shower each.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Yes.- Baggsy this one!
0:15:08 > 0:15:11That's pretty much it for inside.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16We've already had a glimpse at the acre at the front of the property, but there is a back garden,
0:15:16 > 0:15:18which is...different.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20OK.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Lots of positive noises coming from this pair
0:15:24 > 0:15:30and I don't think their mood will dampen when we spill out into the landscaped garden.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Now, as water features go...
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- this one is, erm...quite special, really.- It's lovely.- It is.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44It was recently put in, the whole grassy bank here,
0:15:44 > 0:15:49was landscaped to incorporate this lot, a mixture of sleepers,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52this kind of waterfall running through it.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Very, very, very low maintenance.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Yes.- That's partly why it's been done, I suspect.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03There's something relaxing about the sound of flowing water. It's super.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Let's have a look at the top. - OK.- OK.
0:16:06 > 0:16:12A curved pathway made from original railway sleepers leads up to a lawned area
0:16:12 > 0:16:15with wonderful views over the Herefordshire countryside.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- There you are.- Lovely.- The patchwork of Herefordshire.- That's very nice.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23It's an odd mixture. You've got this rough paddock at the front
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- and a kind of super designer rear garden...- No garaging.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34We've had a chat with the planners. The suggestion is that if you went for something in keeping
0:16:34 > 0:16:40- with the local architecture, they'd probably look favourably on that. - Well, that sounds promising.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44So, how much do you think little oast house is worth?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Ooh... 425.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- 425. Interesting. - I'll agree with that figure.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54425. Well, now then...
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It was on the market...
0:16:57 > 0:17:00..for 525.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06- Wow!- They've just knocked 50,000 off it, so it could be yours for 475.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- Right.- Yeah.- Doesn't bode well for the rest of the search!
0:17:12 > 0:17:17It's not over yet. This is part one of several we'll show you,
0:17:17 > 0:17:23so...have another look around and see what you get for that sort of money. I'll catch up with you later.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Thanks.- See if you can find a hobbit in the garden!
0:17:26 > 0:17:32At £475,000, this former oast house is close to their maximum budget.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37There is a one-acre paddock offering plenty of scope to build a bespoke garage.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Although the land is separated from the house by a small road,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45this could be a good thing when it comes to keeping animals.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47There's also the large kitchen and breakfast room,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50four bedrooms and a landscaped garden,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53with lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57The positives for this house are the overall layout, the finish.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01It's beautifully presented, lovely size rooms.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05The waterfall, I love the sound of running water.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11I've got issues with the fact that it's cheek by jowl to its neighbours. There's no privacy.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16The negatives - the land being the other side of the lane and that it's terraced.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22I've just been looking at this paddock. You could make an interesting garage arrangement.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- Lots to think about, though, and more to see.- OK.- OK.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Although Richard and Anne know Herefordshire well,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38they've never been to the city of Hereford itself,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41so local historian Penny Platts has come to show them around.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Hello, Penny. I'm Anne. - Pleased to meet you.- You too.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Set on the River Wye, Hereford was a former garrison town,
0:18:47 > 0:18:52protecting the Saxons from marauding Welsh tribes just over the border.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Today, a peaceful air hangs over the town,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58as does its cathedral, looming large since the 8th century.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- What a lovely building.- Yes, it is.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Inside, tourists come to see the world-famous Mappa Mundi,
0:19:07 > 0:19:12a priceless medieval map of the world dating back to the 13th century.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17Painted onto a calf skin less than 1mm thick, it reveals how
0:19:17 > 0:19:22ancient scholars interpreted the world in geographical and religious terms.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Asia sits at the top of the map and Africa and Europe at the bottom,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28with the British Isles lying on its side.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34The cathedral is also home to the Shrine of St Thomas,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37the 13th century Bishop of Hereford.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43He had a violent argument with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who excommunicated him,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48so he went on a long journey to Italy to see the Pope
0:19:48 > 0:19:54and sadly, while he was there, he died of a fever, but he wanted to be buried in his beloved cathedral.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00Soon after his death, in 1282, miracles of healing were reported at the tomb
0:20:00 > 0:20:06and for the following two centuries, pilgrims would flock here to be cured of their ills.
0:20:06 > 0:20:12It's said that King Edward I even sent his falcons to the shrine to be healed.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16People still come, to this day, to light candles and pray at the shrine.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It's a difficult habit to break, to come to a shrine.- Fascinating.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28Standing just outside the cathedral is a monument to another of Hereford's famous sons,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Edward Elgar.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35Elgar moved to the city on July 1st 1904 and was knighted two days later.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40He lived in Hereford for about ten years,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44and of course, while he was here, he wrote many of his most famous works.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48The one most people have heard of is Land Of Hope And Glory.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53We love him. It's nice to have his statue so close to the cathedral.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59And let's hope we can find our house hunters a glorious home of their own.
0:21:02 > 0:21:09The requirement for a solitary detached property is often quite a high one on Escape To The Country,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- but they're actually quite hard to find.- Yeah.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- I don't think we're looking for isolated.- No.- We just want privacy.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Don't mind the odd tractor full of turnips coming past!
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- It's potatoes and apples here, isn't it?- It is. Apples and pears, it's famous for that.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- And hobbits, of course. - And hobbits.- Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Have you got big, hairy feet, Richard?- Erm...I may have!
0:21:33 > 0:21:34I'll show you later!
0:21:38 > 0:21:43We're heading to the outskirts of the rural village of Stoke Lacy in the north-east of the county.
0:21:43 > 0:21:49It's very much a farming community, within which stands an independent brewery.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52This is where people come to seek a pint.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55And then seek forgiveness.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58What have we got for you here?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Just you wait and see.- A garage?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- A garage.- It looks promising.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06We'll start with the land, I think.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I know that's a really key part of what you're after.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- There is a house to show you, don't worry.- That's reassuring.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- Let's deal with the land first. - Oh, wow, look at that view.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- Lovely, isn't it? - This is gorgeous, really great.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- What we've got for you is something of a menagerie as can you see. - Oh, lovely.- Lots of chickens.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Including pigs.- Pigs, yeah, look at them.- Oh, gorgeous.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Now then land wise we've got you about three-and-a-half acres.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Great.- Come on down, you'll get to see a bit more of it.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Excellent, what a good start.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44It all goes up there, up to that big tree.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Oh, lovely, brilliant.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- It's quite a nice size of land then. - And, of course...all of that.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I know, that view is lovely, isn't it?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54The swimming pool, is that for the ducks or for people?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- HE LAUGHS - I think they probably share it on occasion, I would imagine.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Who knows?
0:22:59 > 0:23:04As you can see, there is a house tucking its head round the corner of that hedge.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Yes, which looks to be in fairly good condition from the outside.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- Let's go and have a look, follow me. - Great!
0:23:11 > 0:23:13There it is.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Right. - And it does look promising as well.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- Yeah.- It's quite interesting, it's sort of in two halves really.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25That bit to our right, nearest the lane, about 1740.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Not that you'd know now to look at it, to be honest with you.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Then this area here -
0:23:30 > 0:23:35very, very recent extension which does make it work.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- It would have been too small to show you without the extension.- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Of course the extension has been designed to make use of the views.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43You'll see when we get inside.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- We like the land.- Yes.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Mmm.- We do like the land.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49It's all going to hang on the house.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It is, yeah. It is.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Let's start in the extension.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05This is the new bit, the addition to this property.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12Yeah, nice sized room. I love the floor tiles, that view.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Double doors out there to a little patio area,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- which is what you'd want to make the best of that.- Lovely.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- I like it.- Room for the table. - Yes. I mean, very much open plan.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- You can make this your own in an aesthetic way very simply.- Yes.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31What do you think of all this, it's a bit Middle Earth, isn't it?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33It is, actually, yes, you're right.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38Quite whether I'd want to go that hobbity I don't know.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41On the face of it, thumbs up.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46- Thumbs up?- Yeah.- OK.- Good start. - Let's continue then through here.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48This is the utility.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49Right.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54The nice thing about this, is whatever you decide to do with the kitchen area,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58it's not going to be encumbered ever with the kind of stuff we have
0:24:58 > 0:25:02in here, washing machines, extra freezers and all that kind of stuff.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07It's got a washroom through there which is great. Guests coming in out of the garden, that kind of stuff.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10The whole lot kind of flows on.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14We've crossed from the more recent extension into the 1740 bit,
0:25:14 > 0:25:20- and the really old characterful part is right through here.- Right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22We skip back a few hundred years
0:25:22 > 0:25:25into the original part of this building.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30As you can see, great big fireplace there, wood burner, tucked away.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32It's got quite a cosy feel.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- Yes, it has. - What do you think, Richard?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Yes, I like the overall layout of the house.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41This room may be a little bit dark.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- Yeah.- That's my only concern.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It's quite a contrast from when you come to the modern,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49light and airy kitchen into this the old bit.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52It would never have been traditionally a very light room
0:25:52 > 0:25:56in some respects, but perhaps a different lighting arrangement would lift it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59And dressing the curtain at the windows.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02You could get more light through there definitely.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Good. Right. That's downstairs.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Let's look upstairs.- Good.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09In the old part of the upstairs
0:26:09 > 0:26:13are three well proportioned bedrooms all with exposed beams.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Any one of them would make a great space for Ann's silversmithing
0:26:17 > 0:26:18or a study for Richard.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21The family bathroom is also on this side of the house.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24We're heading up the other set of stairs
0:26:24 > 0:26:27to the new part and bedroom number four.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Right, so this is master bedroom.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- Yeah.- Right.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- Again over the extension, so over the kitchen.- New.- New.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44- Hence you have the head height and so forth and, of course, the views. - Yes.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Which because the windows are low
0:26:46 > 0:26:50you can actually see from in bed, which is great.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51- Yeah, waking up to that.- Lovely.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55It doesn't have an en-suite as such at the moment.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00- You could quite easily put one in here.- That would work, yeah.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- All right?- Excellent.- Come with me.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07As usual, Richard is a bit poker-faced on this one.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Now they've seen the house inside and out,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13perhaps he'll give something away as it's time to guess the price.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Now then,
0:27:15 > 0:27:20there are things there that you will want to adjust and to make your own.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- Of course, that is going to have some effect on how much you're prepared to pay for it.- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Yeah.- Let's have a think about it.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- I'd say about 465.- 465, yeah.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- That's a pretty fair offer actually, yeah.- Right, 465.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- Erm...450.- 450.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Ever the optimist.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Well, as well you might be. You've sort of straddled it between you.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- It's on the market for 455.- Ah.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51So I think you had the measure of this place actually.
0:27:51 > 0:27:57- Yeah, it's food for thought.- Yeah, it's got possibilities.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Go and explore the rest of those acres, see what other animals you can find, you never know.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04- Thank you.- Something supernatural, if you play your cards right.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11At £455,000 this house falls well within budget.
0:28:11 > 0:28:18It offers four bedrooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room, ideal for Ann, that garage for Richard
0:28:18 > 0:28:22and plenty of room to build more on the three-and-a-half acres of land.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24The amount of land is great.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- Yeah, and that view is to die for. It is lovely.- Lots of possibilities.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- Look at those little pigs, aren't they sweet?- Great, aren't they?
0:28:32 > 0:28:36What I like about this house is the amount of land which is available.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38It offers quite a lot of potential for what we'd like to do.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42It's got everything we need, even space for the garaging.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45The kitchen was lovely.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48The one thing I don't like about the house is the sitting room.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I think it's too small and too dark.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It's a possibility.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54We'd have to think further about it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- Right, out you come. Have you seen enough, the pair of you?- I think so.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Yeah, I think so.- Good. Let's see what else we can find you.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02OK.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Now think of Herefordshire and you may think of apple cider,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15but pear cider or perry,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18once known as the farmer's secret, is on the rise.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23Two years ago, Britain spent around £3.5 million on this effervescent
0:29:23 > 0:29:30alcoholic drink which fizzed up to a massive £46 million last year.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31I've come to meet Martin Harris,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34an award-winning local producer, to find out more.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Why do you think it is on the up?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40I think it's greater awareness,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43provenance and they want this audit trail of where everything came from.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47I think that's brought perry more into people's focus.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51What distinguishes a perry pear from any other kind of fruit pear?
0:29:51 > 0:29:56Perry pear will have tannin in, similar to cider apples and grapes.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00It's that tannin which gives the drink its particular complexity and flavour.
0:30:00 > 0:30:06How do we get from gorgeous perry pear to even more delicious perry cider?
0:30:06 > 0:30:10We picked some pears yesterday and they are in our perry making barn and we'll go over and make some.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- And perhaps taste a few?- Indeed!
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Right.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I'm beginning to feel like a proper cider maker.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23If I may say so you are starting to look like one.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26There's something quite medieval about it. I like this a lot.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- OK. Shall we get wet then?- Indeed.
0:30:29 > 0:30:3230 kilos in each bag approximately.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- So it's just a rinse, really?- Yes.
0:30:35 > 0:30:41The pears are drained then emptied into a mill where they're crushed into a sweet-smelling pulp.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45This is some that we milled yesterday.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48We like to leave it for 24 hours to soften up the tannins.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50If you leave it too long, does it go off?
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Yes, it will turn to vinegar.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54These are called hairs.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56'The pulp is then scooped onto a nylon cloth
0:30:56 > 0:31:01'known as a hair that sits within a wooden frame on top of the press.'
0:31:01 > 0:31:02Four shovels should be enough.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- It's got a wonderful smell, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09'The cloth is then folded up and the process repeated
0:31:09 > 0:31:14'until there's a stack of pulp filled hairs known as a cheese.'
0:31:14 > 0:31:16How many have we done?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18We've done 11. This is number 12.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22This is the kind of normal level that you do?
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Yes, I would be wary about going higher, because it would probably fall to pieces.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Right. OK.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- This is the moment of truth, isn't it?- It is.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Will it fall apart? Look at that.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36'Lengths of timber are then put on top of the cheese
0:31:36 > 0:31:38'and the pressing can begin.'
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Do you want to press the button?
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- It's very technical. There we go. - OK.- A few squeaks, I'm afraid.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47How long is it going to take before that becomes perry?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Usually about six or seven months.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Right. I haven't got six or seven months.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Have you got some that you made earlier?
0:31:55 > 0:31:58For those who appreciate it, we will always find some perry.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Fantastic!
0:32:00 > 0:32:03The pear juice is decanted into large drums
0:32:03 > 0:32:07and six months later it's ripe for the tasting.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Cheers!
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Oh, that's absolutely delicious, isn't it?- Thank you.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18It looks similar to champagne. There's a few bubbles in there.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20I'm not a fan of champagne but I love this.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22- It's a bit sweeter. - It's really nice, isn't it?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- Not dry at all.- No. A gentle taste.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26There's absolutely nothing added to that.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31No, this is only perry pear juice, nothing has been done to it at all.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34I'm not surprised it's on the up. I hope it's a trend that continues.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- Thanks for showing me around. - Thank you for helping.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45So, at the end of our first day's house-hunting,
0:32:45 > 0:32:50it's time for our ex-police officers to consider the properties they've viewed so far.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54So how do you think today went, Richard?
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- Barn conversion.- Yep. Had a nice kitchen, didn't it?
0:32:56 > 0:33:01In fact, the whole house was nice, really. The interior.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Whilst I quite like the property, generally, I didn't like the lack of privacy.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08And the fact it was terraced, essentially.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10And the land, although there was an acre...
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- It was the other side of the road.- Yeah.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- And no privacy in the garden.- No.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20- What did you think about the yellow cottage? - I liked the amount of land
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- which came with it. - That was very good.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- And the view, that view was lovely. - Yes.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- Kitchen was nice, I thought.- Yes.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32The extension was nice. But what let it down was the sitting room.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- Too small and too dark.- I agree.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39The experience so far's really given us food for thought.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Oh, yes. It shows what's out there and the possibilities.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Yeah.- So...yeah. - I'm actually quite excited,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50I'm looking forward to the next round of properties.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59Having recently retired from the police force, Ann and Richard are
0:33:59 > 0:34:04fleeing the capital city and have asked us to find them the perfect Herefordshire getaway.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07With a budget of up to half a million pounds,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10so far they've staked out two properties.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Coming up, Ann uses her powers of deduction...
0:34:13 > 0:34:14Very cottagey.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Which is what you'd expect!
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Yes, I suppose... Yes. - THEY LAUGH
0:34:19 > 0:34:22And is the mystery house in the frame?
0:34:22 > 0:34:25This has definitely got promise.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Good. Hurrah!
0:34:28 > 0:34:33What a glorious way to start our final day's house hunting here in Herefordshire.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Just one day left to try and find Ann and Richard their dream home in the country.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43When it comes to starting any day's house search, I have to confess, it doesn't get much better than this.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Our next house lies around the quite green spaces of Dinedor Hill,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54with wonderful views over the city of Hereford,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57four miles away.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00There's more going on just down the road in the village of Hoarwithy.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05Set on the River Wye, it has a rather unusual claim to fame
0:35:05 > 0:35:08as this incongruously placed Italian Renaissance-style church
0:35:08 > 0:35:12is featured in Michael Winner's horror film, The Sentinel.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Now, that is something to write home about.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Well, the beginning of another day. Our final day.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- We have it all to play for, really. - Yes.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24What have we got for you here?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Well, house, tucked away there.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29A big paddock there.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34All in all about 1.8 acres.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Obviously, with that fantastic view overlooking Hereford.- Yeah.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- It is good.- You can see the cathedral down there behind us.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45A whole range of little gardens and pockets and so forth and some great outbuildings.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- Yes.- Right.- Which I think could be quite interesting for you.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Yes, reasonably favourable. Yes.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Let's see if you like what's up here, have a look at this.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I'm very interested to see what you think of this, Richard,
0:36:00 > 0:36:04how it would work in terms of the cars and so forth.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Yes, it's big enough to take three cars, I'd say.- Yes.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Does that tractor come with it?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15A little ride-on for the lawn. Yeah, well, it's all negotiable, Ann.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16Come on.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Our property.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Yes, it's rather pretty, isn't it?
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Yes, it is.- I think it's very pretty, actually.- Yes, it's very cottagey.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Very cottagey, very Escape To The Country.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Yes, it is. I like the terrace.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37The big addition is that sun room, really, which does add quite a big
0:36:37 > 0:36:39- area to the footprint of the ground floor.- Yes.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- I love the door, actually. - Yes, that is rather pretty.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- It's almost like a lych gate, in a church.- Yeah, it's very sweet.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Rather pretty. - Let's go and check it out.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54It's warm enough outside but it's boiling in here.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- Yes, it is, isn't it?- Isn't it just.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01I think, you know, come those cold, crisp late autumn/winter days,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03this sort of thing really does come into its own.
0:37:03 > 0:37:10It will. I see there are electric windows in the roof and there is a door over there.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Actually, I should imagine you'd get a fair old movement of air anyway.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Easy to keep it cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- Yes. - Right.- OK.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Come and have a look through here. Come in, Ann.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- This is really nice.- Yeah. Richard?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- It's a surprise.- Mmm. - Why a surprise?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- I don't know.- It's bigger than we thought it may be.- Ah.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40I also thought it might be a bit gloomy.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43From the outside the cottage looked slightly Bohemian, but although this
0:37:43 > 0:37:47is still very country, it's smarter than I thought it would be.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51I think it's lovely actually. It's got a very eclectic kind of mix.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54I mean, lots of hand-made doors and units as you can see.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55The floor, I think, is great.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Yeah. With the different width of planks, yeah.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Through there we've got you a little utility room and so forth
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- which you can explore later on.- OK. - Good start?
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Yes, it's interesting.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Right! Let's continue through here.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12This is quite interesting.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Your thoughts?
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Small.- Small?- Yes.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Interesting, I thought it was a pretty good size, actually.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Yes, for a cottage I suppose it is.
0:38:26 > 0:38:32- Yes.- We wouldn't get our furniture in here, I think.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- It's very cottagey... - Which is what you would expect!
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- THEY LAUGH - Yes, I suppose...
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- Yes.- Right, well, it's got to be right for you.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46Well, yes. It's very pretty.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50The cottagey feeling continues just off the lounge in the snug
0:38:50 > 0:38:54which could double up as a study for Richard, but we're heading upstairs.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00It's very cottagey up here, guys.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- I hope it's going to go down well, who knows.- Yes.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Look, laths without the plaster.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10- Oh, yes!- There you are, a little historic note, to leave them open.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Give you a sort of... You get a sense of the age of it in here.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19I'm guessing, could be as early as 18th century. Have a look in here.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- It's a nice size room, isn't it? - Guest room, really.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Effectively... I love the texture of the walls
0:39:25 > 0:39:28and some of the exposed beams and that sort of thing.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30This works, yes. It's nice.
0:39:30 > 0:39:36- Yeah?- That's a wardrobe, I take it? - Exactly. You could release a bit of space there if you wanted.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- Yes, it works.- A reasonable height.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- OK.- Let's continue.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42OK.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Along the corridor it's effectively got two and a half bedrooms.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- That's the half. A little box room in there.- Right.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Maybe you'll have some ideas about that later on.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Shower and bath in there.- Yes.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54OK.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Then this really would be the master,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59I would suggest to you. Come on in, Richard.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Yeah, it's not a bad size, is it?
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- It's very light.- There's a nice view through the window.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10Yes, the nice thing is you've got windows on both sides spanning the whole width of the property.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15That's why you get the best of the light, pretty much at every stage of the day, I would think.
0:40:15 > 0:40:22This would work. You could actually move this door right the way back down the corridor.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- Suddenly you've got an en-suite. - And the room would open up a lot.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Shall we go and finish off outside?
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Yes.- OK. - After you, Richard.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32Thank you.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36Downstairs, and back through the kitchen at the rear of the house
0:40:36 > 0:40:40is a decked area with views over Hereford itself,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43and a secluded lawn with a herbaceous border.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46But, we're returning to the front of house
0:40:46 > 0:40:47where I have a real treat for Ann.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Here we are, back where we started.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I want to show you what's up here.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Another little pocket, here, for you.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- With fruit trees.- With fruit trees.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02This, which is quite interesting, after you, Ann.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Go and have a look because I think this is really about you.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07A workshop.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Yes.- It's nice and light.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12You can make as much noise as you like up here.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- Hammering away at your silversmithing. - Yes. It's a good size.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18The workshop itself, you know, may need a bit of TLC.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20You could line it, make it a bit cosier and so on.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23The view from it is fantastic.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- There's inspiration there, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Garage, land, workshop, house...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33You're going to ask us how much is it worth?
0:41:33 > 0:41:38Absolutely, I am, yes. Go on, Ann, you take the first guess.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- 425.- 425, I thought you'd say that.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43That's exactly what I would have said.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- I thought you would say that. I really did.- Like minds.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49425. Well, the good news is it starts with a three.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- Right.- 379.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Wow!- Right.- Oh.- Yeah.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00- But in terms of giving you the components you were looking for, it is all here.- Yes.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- It is.- Yes, you're right.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- Can we have another look? - Take it away.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Thank you.- After you.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09At £379,000 this cottage
0:42:09 > 0:42:14is over £100,000 under their top budget.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18It comes with three bedrooms, a snug, which could be turned
0:42:18 > 0:42:21into a study for Richard, and he's got garaging for his cars.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24There's a ready-made workshop for Ann's silversmithing
0:42:24 > 0:42:28and it all stands within nearly two acres of land.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31But, will this be the property that wins them over?
0:42:31 > 0:42:33This house has got everything we asked for.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37It's got the land, it's got the garaging, two plus bedrooms.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41The kitchen is not quite what I was hoping for
0:42:41 > 0:42:43but given the actual asking price,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47that does leave us quite a bit of a cushion to do some building work.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49- I quite like this room.- Mm.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52The overall size of the house, I think, is too small.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- Yes.- It would need to be extended.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I like its location. I like the amount of land.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01The negative side of the house is that it's not actually big enough.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06However, it could be adapted. It is certainly one to consider.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- There you are. Finished exploring? - Yes.- We have.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- Good. I think this was definitely well worth you seeing.- Mmm.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15But our search isn't over yet.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- Good.- Shall we?- OK, yes. Lead on.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28At long last it's mystery house time.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31So what better for two pretty challenging buyers
0:43:31 > 0:43:33than something of a challenge?
0:43:38 > 0:43:40Now then, it's mystery house time.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Our final property for you.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Any ideas as to what we might have in store?
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- I think, perhaps, you might be taking us to a new build. - Ah, interesting.
0:43:49 > 0:43:55Which, I'm not sure about because they tend to have smaller gardens.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01- OK.- I think it'll be something which requires work.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04To what extent is yet to be revealed. THEY LAUGH
0:44:04 > 0:44:07You're good at keeping secrets, obviously.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Well, don't want to give it all away!
0:44:13 > 0:44:16The mystery property we're taking them to see is in
0:44:16 > 0:44:18the rural area of Stanford Bishop
0:44:18 > 0:44:20on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border.
0:44:20 > 0:44:25Stanford Bishop is set in unrivalled countryside of pasture and woodland.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29The town of Bromyard, just three miles away has all the usual amenities.
0:44:29 > 0:44:34Dating back to Norman times, the High Street has an array of
0:44:34 > 0:44:37half-timbered buildings and many unique shops.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Our mystery house is a detached period property
0:44:40 > 0:44:44set at the end of its own private driveway with impressive grounds.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47What will our buyers make of it?
0:44:47 > 0:44:51Well, now then, the mystery house...
0:44:51 > 0:44:54Is this what you expected, I wonder?
0:44:54 > 0:44:56Actually, it looks lovely, doesn't it?
0:44:56 > 0:44:58Yes, it certainly looks interesting.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00As you can see, red brick.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03You can probably tell from the pattern of the bricks,
0:45:03 > 0:45:07the area to my right with that external chimney breast on it that's the older part of the property.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10- Right.- At its core, the whole thing's about 200 years old.
0:45:10 > 0:45:15We think it got something of a makeover about 1986.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19On my left here, an extension which was put on about 40-odd years ago.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- Right.- As you can see you've got your own private track, right off of the road.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25The setting here is everything.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28I'm already worrying about how much it's going to cost.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30Don't worry, Ann!
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Petty cash!
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Right, come on.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38The mystery of this house isn't immediately obvious,
0:45:38 > 0:45:40but all will be revealed later.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- Right, if you grab the door there, Richard.- Yeah.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45As you can see, hallway.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48Right ahead of us, little study area,
0:45:48 > 0:45:52with a WC tucked off to the left.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54- Right.- Quite handy.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56I suppose it depends how hard you are going to be working, really.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58But let's start in here.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01- Now, this is the main living room. - Right.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05Now, I know that the size of these things is of some concern to you.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- Yes.- Is this one big enough?
0:46:09 > 0:46:11Yeah, I think it probably could be.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- Just.- Yeah.- I like the bays.- Yes.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16They obviously make it look bigger.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- Well, actually, they're a recent addition.- Oh, right.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Historically, not that many years ago, they were put on to do just that, to draw more light into it.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25I think they obviously do the job.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- The fire surround is unusual. - Yeah, it looks like a hobbit door.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Yeah, you could put a nice oak door in it.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Who knows who could be lurking in there?
0:46:33 > 0:46:37But this is the older bit. As I say, we're thinking about 200 years.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39You can see that beam there, sort of gives it away.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43Although what date the fireplace is, I wouldn't like to say.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Is there any timescale in Middle Earth? I am not sure.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- Pre-Gandalf?- Pre-Gandalf!
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Come on through. Kitchen!
0:46:56 > 0:47:00As you can see, it does need a bit of updating.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02- It's a nice size room. - It's a great size.
0:47:02 > 0:47:08It's a perfect size. It's square, it's sort of classically farmhouse in many respects.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- This has definitely got promise. - Good.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13Hurrah.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16We got there with the mystery house. Excellent.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Off the kitchen is a utility room that leads to a small garage that
0:47:19 > 0:47:24might be better suited as a study or a workshop for silversmithing.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27But it's time to head upstairs to look at the bedrooms.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Now, the staircase is obviously partly occupied by this stair lift.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33- Yep.- I'm hoping you won't need one of those...
0:47:33 > 0:47:36- Not yet!- ..in the near future!
0:47:36 > 0:47:38It's quite a generous size landing.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- Isn't it?- Not bad, is it?
0:47:40 > 0:47:45The oriel window that was at the edge of the old part of the house.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47- Good, the geography is coming.- Yeah.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50This is the older bit, as you have figured out, to my left.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53All in, with the new extension, we have got
0:47:53 > 0:47:55three-and-a-half bedrooms.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59- Right.- I say half, one is a box room, that is behind me.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Two very nice sized doubles which, again,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03you can have a look at a little bit later on.
0:48:03 > 0:48:09But I think importantly, a really good-sized family bathroom.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11We also have a lovely master bedroom for you.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Bags of room. Right through that door. After you.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15Ooh, this is a nice size.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18- It is, and bright.- Yeah. See what I mean? Ample, isn't it?
0:48:18 > 0:48:21This is lovely, yeah.
0:48:21 > 0:48:27And again, this is part of the extension 40-odd years ago, so we are pretty much above the kitchen.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30- Yeah.- Hence you have got the same sort of size.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- In terms of wardrobes, that's a whopper.- Yes.- If that can go
0:48:33 > 0:48:36in here, I'm pretty sure you could put yours in here.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- Exactly, yes. Yes, this is lovely. - It's got potential.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- Double aspect windows as well. - I think you're liking this one.
0:48:42 > 0:48:47I am, yeah, this has got a lot of potential without too much work, actually.
0:48:47 > 0:48:48I can see it's got potential.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51It depends on the price.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54- He's worrying about the price! - Let's go and see what's outside.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Come on, then.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59I think Richard his finally starting to show his hand, and, if
0:48:59 > 0:49:04I have read the situation correctly, I reckon he's ready to take a punt.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07And he hasn't even seen what is on offer outside yet.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12There's an awful lot to explore out here,
0:49:12 > 0:49:15but we will start with this more formal garden, which I think
0:49:15 > 0:49:21- gives a really interesting aspect to what would have been the 1906 sort of frontage.- Right.
0:49:21 > 0:49:27You can see the two relatively new, I say historically new, bay windows.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30- Attractive front, isn't it? - Sweet, isn't it?- Lovely.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32So much to show you. Come through here.
0:49:34 > 0:49:37It really is in its own setting.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39It is, isn't it?
0:49:39 > 0:49:41This is almost a secret garden here.
0:49:42 > 0:49:48At the back of the house are a series of outbuildings, including open barns and stables,
0:49:48 > 0:49:52offering Richard the kind of space he needs to fit in all four of his classic cars.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56And if that's not enough, there is also the land beyond.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00- How about that lot?- Lovely.- Yeah?
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Quite an interesting little patch, this,
0:50:02 > 0:50:06- bordered by that field over there, which you don't get.- Right.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08So all in all, about five acres.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10Hm. Brilliant!
0:50:10 > 0:50:16This house seems to fit them like a glove, but where's the mystery in the mystery house, I hear you ask.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18It lies in a challenge of buying it.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23So, first of all, let's establish its price.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25So, who's going to go first on this one?
0:50:25 > 0:50:30I will go first. I would estimate in view of the acreage about 475.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32475.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Difficult.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38- 500.- 500.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Half-a-million pounds, Ann.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45Supposing it was 475, would that be a real deal breaker?
0:50:45 > 0:50:47It would be a borderline deal breaker.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51I think you might get your arm twisted by Ann, actually, to be honest!
0:50:51 > 0:50:54OK, well, the good news is you do not need to do any arm-twisting
0:50:54 > 0:50:57at all, because the price does that for you.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01This begins with a three. 395, for sale by auction,
0:51:01 > 0:51:07so that's what the auctioneer will probably start at. 395.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10- OK. Shall we go and explore further? - Let's have a look at the stream.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12- OK. Thank you. - I will catch you later.
0:51:12 > 0:51:17Brilliant. It's not every day we have houses for auction on Escape To The Country.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19They are a great way of buying and selling,
0:51:19 > 0:51:22because it is immediate, and there's no doubt about it,
0:51:22 > 0:51:26if these two want this place and it is really of interest,
0:51:26 > 0:51:29they are going to have to get on with it immediately.
0:51:29 > 0:51:35As it's being sold at auction, the house's £395,000 guide price
0:51:35 > 0:51:38is only an estimate as to what it might fetch.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42But, with a budget of up to half-a-million pounds, there could be room for manoeuvre.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46It's being sold freehold, and comes with four bedrooms,
0:51:46 > 0:51:48a dual aspect kitchen for Ann,
0:51:48 > 0:51:49garaging potential for Richard,
0:51:49 > 0:51:53and five acres of land, enough for all the animals they could wish for.
0:51:55 > 0:51:56I'm so excited.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58This property is just great.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03I like its location, the amount of land it has to offer and the potential for the garaging.
0:52:03 > 0:52:10It's got a decent sized kitchen, it's just... I just can't express it. It's perfect.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14Yes, the house does need a little bit of updating, but subject
0:52:14 > 0:52:18to what it goes for at auction, it would be of interest to us.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21There's a lot of gossiping and muttering going on.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23Am I interrupting a planning meeting?
0:52:23 > 0:52:25- You are, yes!- And what about this lot? I am not sure
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- if they come with it, but you never know.- It's great, isn't it?
0:52:28 > 0:52:31It's an interesting one. I'm really glad you like it.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34I'm really glad you have had a chance to see it.
0:52:34 > 0:52:35But now I'm going to whisk you away
0:52:35 > 0:52:38and get you thinking about all that we have shown you.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40- Right. OK.- Fancy a drink?
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- Yes, please.- Come on!
0:52:43 > 0:52:45I can see you as farmers.
0:52:51 > 0:52:56Ann and Richard's tour of Herefordshire is coming to a close, and they have plenty to think about.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03Well, the day is very nearly at an end. The light is beginning
0:53:03 > 0:53:06to go, and we have very nearly finished the show,
0:53:06 > 0:53:08but of course, there is one final part.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12Have we managed to persuade Ann and Richard to part with any of their hard-earned cash?
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Well, one way to find out, and that is to ask them.
0:53:19 > 0:53:23Well, Richard, Ann, when we started our search through Herefordshire,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26you rather hoped this county would be slightly magical
0:53:26 > 0:53:28and full of fantasy. Has it lived up to your expectation?
0:53:28 > 0:53:33- Yes, lots of secret valleys and green wooded hillsides. Yeah, it has.- Great.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35It all started with the old barn conversion,
0:53:35 > 0:53:39which has a oast house kiln attached to it. Richard, what did you think?
0:53:39 > 0:53:42I liked the property,
0:53:42 > 0:53:44but the problem was the acre opposite
0:53:44 > 0:53:48as it was the other side of the road. The actual house inside
0:53:48 > 0:53:50was very well finished.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54And we liked the rear garden as well. The only other problem I had with it
0:53:54 > 0:53:58- was that it was overlooked. - And no garage either.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02Let's have a think about the yellow house, with the 3.5 acres,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05and the geese and the pigs and the ducks and the chickens.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07- It was a picture of The Good Life. - Yes, that land was lovely.
0:54:07 > 0:54:11Really everything we had asked for, to be perfectly honest.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14- Nice property altogether, actually. - But?
0:54:14 > 0:54:19But, the sitting room wasn't large enough for us. And too dark.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23That was the end of one day. We then woke you up and took you out for our
0:54:23 > 0:54:28final day's house hunting, and we started in the hills above Hereford. What did you think of that one?
0:54:28 > 0:54:32When we arrived, I thought, yes, this looks quite good.
0:54:32 > 0:54:40And then we went inside, and it was just all a little bit too cottagey.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44The house needed doubling in size!
0:54:44 > 0:54:46That's pretty unequivocal. OK!
0:54:46 > 0:54:51Our final offering was of course the mystery house.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53It was sort of all or bust at that point, I think, but
0:54:53 > 0:54:57I did get the feeling it met with a pretty favourable response.
0:54:57 > 0:55:02I thought that was lovely, I really did like that. I got very excited.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Good. Well, you were right to. It was a very interesting proposition.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Well, we certainly liked its location
0:55:07 > 0:55:09at the end of a long drive. That was very nice.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11- Five acres. - Yeah, that was pretty good.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13- That was a surprise. - And good acres, too.
0:55:13 > 0:55:18I think at the end of the day, if we should get it, then we could have
0:55:18 > 0:55:22a very nice property there, once we had finished working on it.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25Well, you say if you should get it, this draws me to my final question,
0:55:25 > 0:55:31which is going to come as no surprise to anybody watching this - what happens next?
0:55:31 > 0:55:32Which one do you go for?
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Well, I think of all the properties,
0:55:35 > 0:55:39it would be the mystery house that we would explore further.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43I'm quite keen on looking at that further.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45Little bit excited, even, yeah.
0:55:45 > 0:55:50And just hope that on the auction day, luck favours us.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53- Fingers crossed. Good look at the auction.- Thank you.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55- Let us know how you get on.- We will.
0:55:55 > 0:55:56- Cheers.- Yeah, cheers.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07When we started this house search, Ann in particular was very keen on trying to find
0:56:07 > 0:56:12a home in a fantasy land, a land full of hobbits and fairies,
0:56:12 > 0:56:17inspired by the work of Tolkien. But have we managed to turn that fantasy into a reality?
0:56:17 > 0:56:19I must confess, it was a bit of a challenge.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22I didn't think we would really get there.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25But I'm glad to say, the mystery house has actually delivered.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29All they've got to do is go to an auction and try and buy it.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that one.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36Richard and Ann put in an offer of £500,000 on the mystery house,
0:56:36 > 0:56:39but unfortunately the bid was rejected
0:56:39 > 0:56:42and they didn't feel comfortable pursuing it further.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45But they've since had an offer accepted on a nearby property
0:56:45 > 0:56:48and hope to be moving in soon. Case closed!
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