0:00:02 > 0:00:06"In this timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town, here we are.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09"And there is nowhere like it, anything at all."
0:00:09 > 0:00:15These are the words of Dylan Thomas, one of the world's most renowned poets,
0:00:15 > 0:00:20who is included on The Beatles' legendary Sgt Pepper album sleeve,
0:00:20 > 0:00:24amongst a few very famous world figures.
0:00:24 > 0:00:30And this is the town that inspired him to write some of his best-known work. So where am I?
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Let's find out for a very poetic Escape To The Country.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51'Today we're helping a couple swap the suburbs for early retirement in the country.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:57- I'm so excited!- 'We've got a big challenge on our hands, so can we rise to the occasion?'
0:00:57 > 0:01:00It's a ridiculous size! Huge!
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'And will we have them signing on the dotted line?'
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Go and get the chequebook out!
0:01:08 > 0:01:13I'm in the seaside town of Laugharne in the county of Carmarthenshire,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17where Dylan Thomas spent some of his happiest and most productive years.
0:01:17 > 0:01:23This is the house that he lived in for the last four years of his life, from 1949 through to 1953.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28It's since been turned into a museum dedicated to his memory.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34Looking around at the scenery, you can't help but understand why he was so inspired
0:01:34 > 0:01:37and wrote some of his greatest works here.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43Situated in south-west Wales and bordered by Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Powys and Swansea,
0:01:43 > 0:01:49Carmarthenshire is the third-largest Welsh county and it's easy to wax lyrical
0:01:49 > 0:01:53about this beautiful and diverse landscape.
0:01:53 > 0:01:59In the east is the remote and awe-inspiring wilderness of the Brecon Beacons National Park,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03which gives way to an almost endless sea of rolling farmland
0:02:03 > 0:02:07that has earned Carmarthenshire the nickname The Garden of Wales.
0:02:07 > 0:02:13But if it's the sea that stirs your creative impulses, the south has 60 miles of glorious coastline.
0:02:16 > 0:02:23Running from north to south, the picturesque Towy Valley is home to one of the best sea trout rivers
0:02:23 > 0:02:29and many historic market towns and pretty villages. If you like your properties really old,
0:02:29 > 0:02:36here you'll find some of the best-preserved medieval castle ruins in Europe.
0:02:36 > 0:02:43So whether it's a country or coastal escape you're looking for, Carmarthenshire is not to be missed.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48The property market in south Wales used to be mainly local,
0:02:48 > 0:02:54but over the past 10 years has become increasingly popular with buyers from further afield.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58The Welsh Assembly in April this year announced plans
0:02:58 > 0:03:01to invest around £1.7 million
0:03:01 > 0:03:04in transport schemes in Carmarthenshire
0:03:04 > 0:03:07making a move to this county even more appealing.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12What type of property could you hope for? Well, take your pick.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16If you fancy a stint as lord and lady of the manor,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20then check out this 11-bedroom mansion.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25Built in 1903, it's a stunning example of turn-of-the-century revivalist architecture.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30The opulent interior is equalled by seven acres of landscaped grounds.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35It will set you back a rather stately £1.5 million.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42For a fraction of the price at £617,000,
0:03:42 > 0:03:47how about this beautifully-finished five-bedroom barn conversion near Llandeilo?
0:03:47 > 0:03:53It has three reception rooms and a cosy country kitchen,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58but it's the 36 acres of land that make this property a real steal.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06But if it's rural views that you're after, then check out this four-bedroom converted forge.
0:04:06 > 0:04:12It offers contemporary open-plan living, combined with plenty of character features.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17And with a price tag of £395,000, it won't break the bank.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23There's certainly plenty to choose from and something for all budgets.
0:04:23 > 0:04:30Time now to zone in on today's buyers, so let's find out who they are and what they hope to find here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36Police constable Brian and his wife Jane love their five-bedroom house in Maidstone, Kent,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41but with retirement on the horizon for Brian, they're dreaming of a lot more land
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and have set their sights on Wales.
0:04:45 > 0:04:51We want a nice, relaxed lifestyle. Just to live the rural dream to a point.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57Our dream is to not really have to work and just spend our time pottering around on our land,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- growing vegetables... - Tending the fruit.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05It's not just the good life Brian has in mind for his retirement.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09I'd love to build a little golf course, even if it was three holes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:16Or if I couldn't build that, maybe a crazy golf course or something, 18 silly holes.
0:05:16 > 0:05:23So plenty of outside space will be key, but it's not just Brian and Jane's requirements to consider.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28Jane's mum Betty will be leaving her house near London to join them in Wales
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and wants a separate annexe of her own.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37What I'm really looking forward to is living with my daughter and her husband
0:05:37 > 0:05:43and having a small house, two bedrooms, a good-sized living room and kitchen
0:05:43 > 0:05:48and en suite bathroom, wood floors, central heating.
0:05:48 > 0:05:54Betty obviously knows what she wants, but what do Brian and Jane have in mind for their dream house?
0:05:54 > 0:05:59A minimum of four bedrooms for us. With an en suite.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03A minimum acre and a half of land, a big lounge.
0:06:03 > 0:06:10- I'd like our kitchen to be bigger. - They know the area well and have clear ideas about the new location.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15Ideally, we'd like edge of a village or not too far from a village,
0:06:15 > 0:06:20so the village amenities are within striking distance, a couple of minutes.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Brian and Jane have spent over a year househunting in Carmarthenshire
0:06:24 > 0:06:28but their property search has run out of steam.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34We find something that's right for us, but it's not right for Mum, and vice versa, really.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Yeah, it can be ideal for Mum, but rubbish for us.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41We know it's out there. It's a case of finding it.
0:06:41 > 0:06:47Before they can home in on their dream property, they need to sell their house,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51so we've invited a local agent to give them a valuation.
0:06:51 > 0:06:57It's a lovely large five-bedroom detached house on the edge of a conservation area.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00I'd value the property at £375,000.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03It's not as much
0:07:03 > 0:07:09as I anticipated, but I suppose in today's market it's probably about right.
0:07:09 > 0:07:16Betty will also be financing the move with the sale of her home, so what's the final figure?
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Our budget for this move is £500,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30With good friends located between Carmarthen and Lampeter, Ceredigion,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Jane and Brian want to focus their search to the east of these towns.
0:07:35 > 0:07:42We've lined up some fantastic homes with an array of accommodation options for mum Betty.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48Finally, we'll reveal the mystery house, but will it strike the right balance?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Jane and Brian, welcome to beautiful Carmarthenshire.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00You live in Kent, the Garden of England, so what makes you want to move to this part of Wales?
0:08:00 > 0:08:05We just want the peace and quiet and the beautiful views that are around.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11You've got a budget of £500,000 from the sale of your property and savings.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- Is there any negotiation on that? - Maybe a very small amount.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- But keeping around that mark.- Yeah.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- The idea is that we don't have a mortgage any more.- Wonderful.
0:08:23 > 0:08:30- And you've got quite a long list of demands, shall we say.- Yeah. - Are you going to be flexible on it?
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- I think we will be for our bit, but Mum's is a bit different.- Yeah.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41Mum's coming with us and I want Mum to be happy and content.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- We're kind of hauling her up here. - Yeah. That's understandable.
0:08:46 > 0:08:53- So you can be a bit flexible, but we've got to concentrate on what she needs and wants.- Yeah.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58- Fair enough. And land. We're looking for quite a lot. - That would be nice.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- And plans for the land? - Animals.- Animals. Lovely.- Chickens.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07And I'd like to build a small, three-hole golf course.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09A golf course(!) OK.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13I don't think that's come up before, so that's a first.
0:09:13 > 0:09:19- That'll be a challenge for me. - I think it's one for us as well! A golf course, OK.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- In an ideal world, enough land to build your own?- Yeah.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- You've got time on your hands. - Hopefully. If she'll let me.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34We've got some amazing properties lined up. We've also got the mystery property as well.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- So shall we get started?- Yes.- Yeah. - Let's see what we found you.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44So for a top budget of £500,000 Jane and Brian are looking for a lot of property.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50They want a four-bedroom house with a big kitchen and at least one acre of land.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54And they need a two-bedroom annexe for Jane's mum Betty.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59Finding two home for the price of one is going to be a real challenge
0:09:59 > 0:10:06and I think realistically they will need to consider taking on a project to create their ideal.
0:10:08 > 0:10:15For our first property, we're heading to Llandovery on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20You'd be hard-pushed to come across a prettier or quieter town,
0:10:20 > 0:10:26but back in the Middle Ages it saw a mammoth power struggle between the Normans and Welsh.
0:10:26 > 0:10:34Both its 12th-century castle and modern statue of national hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd
0:10:34 > 0:10:37are impressive testaments to the war.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42Thankfully, life is a lot more peaceful today and Llandovery is best described
0:10:42 > 0:10:46in the words of a Victorian travel writer who reckoned it to be,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50"the pleasantest little town in which I have halted."
0:10:50 > 0:10:57But will this be the place Brian, Jane and Betty will want to put down roots?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59So here is your first property.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Built in 1746, this used to house the ministers that worked at the chapel.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07It was called the Manse House.
0:11:07 > 0:11:14I'll get straight to the point. Ideally you'd like an annexe for Mum. This house doesn't have one.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17But we think it's got loads of potential.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23- So what are your first impressions? - The surrounding area is beautiful.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- You can hear the birds, the water. - Yeah.- It sounds lovely.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- So are you keen to go inside? - Very.- Let's have a look.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37'We're testing the water with this, so I'm glad they have an open mind
0:11:37 > 0:11:42'as this house delivers really spacious accommodation, which with a bit of reworking,
0:11:42 > 0:11:47'could give them and Betty various living options.'
0:11:47 > 0:11:50I'll take you into the sitting room.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- You can feel the difference in the temperature as soon as you walk through.- I do like a fire.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Have you got one now?- No. I grew up with a fire and I miss it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Do you?- That's something I really wanted - an open fire.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- What about the size of the rooms? - It's not a bad size.- No.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15You could get the sofa in here, but it makes it feel very cosy, very inviting with the fire.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Let's keep looking. There's plenty more.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24'That's a pretty good start. Let's hope the rest of downstairs gets the thumbs up, too.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28'There's a spacious open-plan kitchen/family room,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32'but will it measure up to their dreams of a huge kitchen?'
0:12:32 > 0:12:36It's a good size. Sort of T-shaped.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It's a good-sized kitchen.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42This room actually looks bigger because of the space you have here.
0:12:42 > 0:12:48And this area here is big enough for Brian and I to both be in here
0:12:48 > 0:12:50and not feel too crowded.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55'There's also a separate utility room and cloakroom on this level
0:12:55 > 0:12:58'and a very spacious dining room.'
0:12:58 > 0:13:03This has the potential, if you wanted, to be a downstairs bedroom, or leave it as it is.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- A dining room, an office, a study. - It's a nice size for a study.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15Or even a dining room. As a bedroom for Mum, it's not enough for her, really.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Mum is very independent and she does want her separate kitchen.
0:13:19 > 0:13:26- She wants her separate house, so... - Yeah, rather have a completely separate house or a wing of a house.
0:13:26 > 0:13:32'So we can rule out that option, but this property comes with plenty of alternatives,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'the first of which is upstairs.
0:13:35 > 0:13:41'As it used to be a B&B, there are six double bedrooms, five of which are en suite,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'although one is currently a study.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49'With three bedrooms each side of the hallway, they could create a wing for Betty.
0:13:49 > 0:13:57'She'd get an en suite bedroom and the other two rooms could knock through for a kitchen/living area.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59'Finally, a room for Brian and Jane.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:03The bathroom's through here. The master bedroom is here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- Again, quite a good size. - It is. Nice size. I like the window.
0:14:08 > 0:14:15- You could lie in bed and just look out at your land. - Sheep, trees, countryside.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Shall we explore downstairs?- Yeah.
0:14:18 > 0:14:25'I can see Brian is itching to check out the garden and there's not just plenty of space out there.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31'There's one last accommodation option for Betty.' I know land is important to you, and location.
0:14:31 > 0:14:38What this house does provide is nearly two acres, nice and private.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- There's actually a stable block as well.- I was wondering if we could convert that for Mum.
0:14:44 > 0:14:50- Maybe add another storey. - Well, there's certainly space at the top of the driveway.
0:14:50 > 0:14:57With the right planning permission, there's enough space for a chalet or bungalow-type building.
0:14:57 > 0:15:04- We've got to talk money now. - That dirty word.- This house has been on the market for nearly a year now.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Brian, how much do you think it is currently on the market for?
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- I'm going to go for...525. - I was going to say that!
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Well, you can't now. - Were you?- I was.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I'm going to go to probably 530, then.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Because I think this is... It's ticked a lot of our boxes.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- Your budget is £500,000.- Yeah. - You'd get £5 change.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- A whole fiver?- A whole fiver. - You can buy me lunch on that!
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Wow.- That's not too bad.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- With an annexe, it would be very close to our dream home.- Yeah.
0:15:43 > 0:15:51Do you want another look round? And check out that stable block. See how large that bit of land is.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I'll catch up with you in a minute. - Thank you.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01With a price tag of just under £500,000, this is bang on budget,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05but it's a huge property with stacks of potential.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10Having been on the market a year, there should be room to negotiate.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15It has a big kitchen/family room, a cosy living room and, with six bedrooms upstairs,
0:16:15 > 0:16:20there could be a wing for Betty. Or they could convert the stable block.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So plenty of options, but it will stretch their budget,
0:16:24 > 0:16:29so will it be something they are prepared to go the extra mile for?
0:16:29 > 0:16:34This house is lovely. Lovely-sized rooms, wonderful setting.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Peaceful, quiet, beautiful.
0:16:37 > 0:16:45You've got the stables. You could pull it down and build a cottage for Mum, but how much will it cost?
0:16:45 > 0:16:49It's got distinct possibilities. Well built.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- It's a nice area, nice aspect as well for her.- Yeah.
0:16:53 > 0:16:59I love the house. It's got everything we've been asking for. The land around the house is gorgeous.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05The only thing that's missing for me is the annexe for Mum. Such a shame.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- Have you seen enough?- Yes. - Happy?- Yes.- It's a good start, isn't it?- It's not bad.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16I've got plenty more to show you, so let's press on.
0:17:24 > 0:17:30As Brian and Jane are keen to get to grips with the history and culture of their potential new home,
0:17:30 > 0:17:36they've decided to check out one of the county's oldest and prettiest market towns, Llandeilo,
0:17:36 > 0:17:42where they're meeting up with local historian Suzanna Van Eeghen for a guided tour.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Hello, my name's Suzanna. Welcome.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51Set on the fertile banks of the River Towy, the town grew up to service the farming community
0:17:51 > 0:17:55and was awarded a market charter in the 12th century.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01By the 1800s it was one of the most important commercial centres in south Wales
0:18:01 > 0:18:06and home to one of the very first Welsh banks, established in 1842.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10Traditionally, the Towy Valley was a very rich area.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16It's got fantastic opportunities for agriculture and they used to take the cattle from here
0:18:16 > 0:18:21to England for better prices. The drovers were our Welsh cowboys.
0:18:21 > 0:18:28As you can imagine, it wasn't very safe to carry a lot of money, so they started banks.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33The first was the Black Ox in Llandovery and then we had it here not long afterwards.
0:18:33 > 0:18:40But this little town has more big claims. It's home to the longest single-arch stone bridge in Wales,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43built in the 1800s.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48Going even further back, to the Middle Ages, it was a royal capital.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53One-time residence of Welsh princes, Dinefwr Castle is not to be missed.
0:18:54 > 0:19:00Today it's owned by the National Trust and the parkland is home to a breed of rare white cattle,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04but it's the castle ruins the locals are really proud of
0:19:04 > 0:19:10as this is a true Welsh castle and not Norman-built like many others.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15For centuries, its occupants successfully repelled English invaders.
0:19:15 > 0:19:21There's a nice little story about it. Henry II wanted to capture the castle
0:19:21 > 0:19:27and attack it, so he sent a scout around who got the aid of a local cleric
0:19:27 > 0:19:31and asked him to show him the easiest route to get here.
0:19:31 > 0:19:37The cleric took him the most tortuous route. Before he got there, he started eating grass.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43The scout said, "What are you doing that for?" He said, "This is what locals eat when times get tough."
0:19:43 > 0:19:46So Henry II abandoned attacking the castle.
0:19:46 > 0:19:52Hundreds of years on and the English still have property aspirations in Carmarthenshire.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58When a county has as much to offer as this one, it's not hard to see why.
0:20:02 > 0:20:09'For our next property, we're hopping over to Ceredigion to the outskirts of Lampeter.
0:20:09 > 0:20:15'Set in hilly countryside on the River Teifi, Lampeter is the oldest university town in Wales.
0:20:15 > 0:20:21'With a population of just 2,000, it's also the smallest university town in the UK.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27'With origins back in the 12th century, this pretty market town has plenty of amenities
0:20:27 > 0:20:31'and is renowned locally for its food festival every July.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35'But can we whet Brian and Jane's appetite with the house we've found?
0:20:35 > 0:20:40'It's situated on the edge of town so Betty has amenities close by,
0:20:40 > 0:20:45'but also comes with countryside views that will take some beating.'
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- Now I believe you both know this area quite well.- Yeah. I really like Lampeter.- Do you?
0:20:52 > 0:20:57And this is really well situated. Mum could walk into town from here.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- It's a great start. What do you think of the property?- Looks great.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Yes?- Looks enormous.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07The house was built in 1812, so it's late-Georgian,
0:21:07 > 0:21:14although there has been an extension on the side in the 1900s. Five bedrooms and two annexes.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Two?- Two annexes?
0:21:16 > 0:21:20You said that in unison. Your ears pricked up!
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Well, let's have a look. Shall we go inside? It's warmer!
0:21:25 > 0:21:30'This is a really spacious and beautifully-refurbished country house,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34'which on paper delivers everything that Brian and Jane asked for.'
0:21:34 > 0:21:37So here's your hallway.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Very light, very spacious.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- I like it so far. - It seems nice and high.
0:21:43 > 0:21:50- It doesn't seem very closed in, which is good.- Let's go through to the sitting room.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Again, pretty spacious.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57It's a really good size. And that fireplace!
0:21:57 > 0:22:03- Oh, my goodness!- Do you like this Georgian feel?- They always seem to make big houses, big rooms.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07I really, really like Georgian houses. I'm so excited!
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- So am I!- I'm liking this.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14'Well, I couldn't ask for better reactions than that.'
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Here's your dining room. Again, another good size.
0:22:18 > 0:22:25The size is really nice. Decor's a little bit dark for me. I'd have to lighten it slightly.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- What would you have in here? - I'm into creams and pastel colours.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Just give it a bit of a lift. - Lighten it a little bit.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37'Jane's already redecorating, which is usually a good sign.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:42Through this hallway, you've got a huge amount of storage space
0:22:42 > 0:22:47and in there a huge storage room that goes right to the side.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49So much storage it's not true.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53And then, I think, a very impressive kitchen.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- Good size. - And it's cream, my colour.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Yeah.- In great decorative order.
0:23:00 > 0:23:07If this kitchen wasn't big enough for you, just take a look at what's next door.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- Even more storage space! - Unbelievable. It just goes on and on.
0:23:13 > 0:23:20- Jane, you love your inglenooks. - I do.- There is your inglenook fireplace. It's been covered up,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24but behind that wall you could open it up and have a roaring fire.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- That would be very, very nice. - Now follow me.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33'Well, the ground floor has definitely sparked their interest
0:23:33 > 0:23:38'and I'm confident the reactions will get even better upstairs. There are five bedrooms.'
0:23:40 > 0:23:43So two of the bedrooms are used as a B&B.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45And this is one of them.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- Beautiful.- A good size again. - And the window seat.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- You like that?- I like that, yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Shall we take a look at the en suite?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It's been done very sympathetically.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04It matches the rest of the bedroom.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- A nice size.- Yeah.- Very clean.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11I do like things looking nice and crisp and clean.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16- Brian, lead the way. I'm now going to show you your master.- OK.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23Now I know ideally you'd like a large master bedroom
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- with an en suite.- Goodness!- Lord!
0:24:25 > 0:24:30Ha ha! I love your face! If I could bottle that look...
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- No, this is no good(!) - Gosh, it's beautiful.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Beautiful.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40It is. It's a huge space. You've got the en suite.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46- It has a nice atmosphere as well. It feels very homely and welcoming. - Good.- I like it.
0:24:46 > 0:24:52'And there's plenty more space with three further double bedrooms, one with en suite,
0:24:52 > 0:24:58'so enough room for Brian and Jane, but we still have to make sure Betty's needs are catered for,
0:24:58 > 0:25:03'so let's see what the first annexe at the back of the house offers.'
0:25:06 > 0:25:11- This is the kitchen.- It's a nice size. Good space.- OK, Brian?- Yep.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14If you'd like to go up the stairs, please.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17'Good! That's a positive start.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23'There's also a shower room on the ground floor, but we head upstairs to a double bedroom
0:25:23 > 0:25:29- 'and a snug living room.' - It feels like we're shoving Mum away into the back.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33The only option you could have for this part of the house
0:25:33 > 0:25:40is if you see that wall there, that actually goes through to one of the bedrooms
0:25:40 > 0:25:44on the other side of the house. You could open that up.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48OK. That's a possibility.
0:25:48 > 0:25:54'By knocking through, Brian and Jane could create a really good-sized annexe for Betty,
0:25:54 > 0:26:01'but I'm not convinced they're seeing the potential. A second annexe is beautifully furnished
0:26:01 > 0:26:05'and could give them inspiration, although it's much smaller.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11'It's all on one level with a galley kitchen, cosy living room and double bedroom,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15'but land is equally important in this search,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18'so let's see if the outside space measures up.'
0:26:19 > 0:26:24So the property comes with about an acre, so you've got the paddocks.
0:26:24 > 0:26:31What the owner actually did was she spoke to the local farmer who owns the land in front.
0:26:31 > 0:26:38- He let her have it on a long lease for a very small amount.- OK.- So it was just a pittance if you want it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44But I'm going to ask you how much a house like this might be on the market for.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- With both the annexes, I would go for 550.- 550.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Brian?- I wouldn't go that high.
0:26:52 > 0:26:59- Because it's got only an acre of land, beautiful house, big house... - Yep.- I...
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- Close to the town.- Yeah. Lovely location.- Fantastic location.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I would say...490.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09OK.
0:27:09 > 0:27:15This house is currently on the market - it's been on the market for 18 months.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- The asking price now is £450,000. - Really?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Blimey.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- Why don't you take one final look round the house?- Thank you.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32I think this is amazing value for money at £450,000.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36It's a beautiful period home with masses of space.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40It has a big kitchen, a sizeable living room and dining room,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42five bedrooms and an acre of land.
0:27:42 > 0:27:49With a bit of work, the first annexe could provide Betty with sizeable and self-contained accommodation.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53And with £50,000 left in the purse, they'd have money to tackle it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:58I just get the feeling it's not a job they want to take on.
0:27:58 > 0:28:04I thought the price was brilliant. For the views, proximity to Lampeter, I thought it'd be a lot more.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09But I'm so disappointed about the annexe. It's just not big enough.
0:28:09 > 0:28:15Beautiful house. Absolutely stunning. The master bed was to die for. Two annexes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- Not a bad size.- Reasonable size.
0:28:17 > 0:28:23- Not much room for a wardrobe.- No. - That would make it too small. Such a shame.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28It's the most beautiful property, but it has to be right.
0:28:34 > 0:28:41Once Brian, Jane and Betty have - fingers crossed - settled into their new Carmarthenshire home,
0:28:41 > 0:28:48there's one very inspiring property that's well worth a visit, although this one isn't for sale.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54The coastal home of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas today is preserved as a heritage centre
0:28:54 > 0:28:58and I've come for a proper look around with guide Dawn Bristol.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Hi, Dawn. Pleased to meet you.
0:29:01 > 0:29:07Set on the water's edge of the Taf Estuary, Thomas fell in love with the boathouse, calling it
0:29:07 > 0:29:11his "sea-shaken house on a breakneck of rocks".
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Having lived in Laugharne, on and off, since 1934, it was here
0:29:15 > 0:29:21he chose to set up home permanently with his wife Caitlin and three children in 1949.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27A refuge from public life and the poverty that had dogged him for years.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Bought for him by close friend Margaret Taylor for £2,500,
0:29:31 > 0:29:36he spent the last four years of his life here, finishing one of his greatest works,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Under Milk Wood.
0:29:39 > 0:29:46If you look over there, you can see the field. This is the spot where milking cows were grazing
0:29:46 > 0:29:51and this is how he would have got his inspiration for Under Milk Wood
0:29:51 > 0:29:56because the wood's beneath and the milking cows are above.
0:29:56 > 0:30:03Thomas' groundbreaking play written for radio was based on the dreams and innermost thoughts
0:30:03 > 0:30:08of the inhabitants of a small Welsh town. The view may have inspired the title,
0:30:08 > 0:30:14but allegedly Laugharne's community inspired the characters. Visiting the boathouse offers up
0:30:14 > 0:30:17a rare insight into Thomas' personality.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20This was the housekeeper's chair.
0:30:20 > 0:30:27See how they've cut the legs down so she would be sitting lower than anybody else in the room?
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- They've taken the legs down. - Would he be one for levels of serving?
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- She was below him?- Yes. - To keep her in her place?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41'Although he used the writing desk in the parlour on occasion,
0:30:41 > 0:30:47'most of his time was spent in the writing shed, a tiny room that is now a shrine to his work.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Wow.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51So this is where it all happened.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54The writing shed.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58You can see some of his sketches.
0:30:58 > 0:31:04'Thomas may have been born in Swansea, but Carmarthenshire provided sanctuary and inspiration
0:31:04 > 0:31:10'and once Brian, Jane and Betty move here, I hope they find it equally beguiling.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19'With the sun setting over the Welsh countryside,
0:31:19 > 0:31:24'Brian and Jane have a chance to mull over today's properties.'
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- What about the house with no annexe? It was a nice space.- It was. - Outhouses for you.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32And all the outside space.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37There was space where we could probably add an annexe on,
0:31:37 > 0:31:42but that's a lot of work. Would we be able to do it in time?
0:31:42 > 0:31:46mum doesn't want work going on. It could make it quite difficult.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- And the one with two annexes? - The main house was amazing.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- That master bedroom!- And the decor. - And those two annexes.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00Yeah. Too small. I just don't think it would work.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- Shame.- Big shame.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Brian and Jane from Maidstone have set us a tough challenge.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17For £500,000 they want a four-bedroom period house for themselves
0:32:17 > 0:32:23and a two-bedroom self-contained annexe for Jane's mum Betty.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- They've loved the houses for them... - Beautiful. Beautiful.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32..but it wasn't the same when it came to Betty's accommodation.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37- Can we find two homes for the price of one?- I'm speechless again.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43And today's mystery house is all about Betty, but can Brian and Jane make it work for them?
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Yesterday was an interesting day.
0:32:48 > 0:32:54What became apparent was that finding the right property for Brian and Jane was far easier
0:32:54 > 0:32:59than finding one for Jane's mother as well, but three people are moving
0:32:59 > 0:33:02and it's imperative that all three are happy.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06We've got to find a home that suits them all on their budget.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11So today we've broadened the search and hopefully found a solution.
0:33:13 > 0:33:20Having had a chance to think about what we saw yesterday, have you reached any conclusions?
0:33:20 > 0:33:25I think we need to be a bit more realistic in our aspirations.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Looking at an annexe is probably too small for Mum,
0:33:29 > 0:33:36so realistically maybe we could do with, say, a barn conversion in the grounds
0:33:36 > 0:33:39or an outbuilding that's converted.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45- Well, hopefully, the next property might have some answers. - Fingers crossed!
0:33:45 > 0:33:51We're on our way to the outskirts of the small village of Llanwrda, just three miles from Llandovery.
0:33:51 > 0:33:58It's a typically pretty and unhurried village, complete with stores and one pub,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02so they shouldn't have any problem getting to know their neighbours.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Now some properties have guard dogs, but this one's got Billy goats.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- They're a lot friendlier.- Brilliant. - And this is your house.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17It looks lovely. Real stone there.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- A proper country house. - It is a proper country house.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- The sort of thing that I wanted. - Ready to look inside?- Yes!
0:34:25 > 0:34:32'Dating from 1885, this house is full of the period detailing that Brian and Jane love.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37'And it comes with those very spacious room dimensions they like.'
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Come through the hallway. We're straight into the kitchen.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Wow.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45This is fantastic.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50This is lovely. And it's nice to come straight into the kitchen.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56- I like that.- It's a nice size. - And then you have to turn and just look at that view.
0:34:56 > 0:35:03- Here you've got your sitting room, if you like, but it's still part of the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:35:03 > 0:35:09- So if you had a party or friends round, it's very easy to go back and forward.- Make it the dining room.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- Have you seen the fireplace? - Beautiful.- Stunning, isn't it?
0:35:16 > 0:35:20'I thought this kitchen would have the right ingredients for Jane.'
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- So two more, if you like, large reception rooms.- Goodness.- Oh, wow.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28This is a nice size. Wow.
0:35:28 > 0:35:34- I think I would have this as the lounge.- Yeah.- And that as the dining room.- Yeah, probably.- Beautiful.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40- And, again, my fireplace. - Yes. It's an original. Absolutely stunning.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- And it works. - You've left me speechless again.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48'It's safe to say the ground floor is a resounding success
0:35:48 > 0:35:52'and upstairs is just as impressive.'
0:35:52 > 0:35:58So you've got a bedroom and a family bathroom along this corridor. And up here
0:35:58 > 0:36:03another beautiful pink double bedroom. And here is the master.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Oh, it's a nice size.
0:36:06 > 0:36:07Yeah.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12With the beautiful view again. Lovely windows. Nice big windows.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- En suite?- En suite. Shall we take a look?- Yes, please.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- Would this be big enough for you? - Oh, wow!
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- And a fireplace! My goodness! - In the bathroom?!
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- Do you like a bit of space in the morning?- Yeah.- Yes!
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- I do.- This is a ridiculous size. It's huge.
0:36:35 > 0:36:41'And there's plenty more space to come. On the next floor are two further single bedrooms,
0:36:41 > 0:36:46'making a total of five. It's obvious Brian and Jane love it,
0:36:46 > 0:36:52'but that's irrelevant unless we can come up with suitable accommodation for Betty.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58'Well, we may have cracked it. With this house we have a separate semi-converted barn.'
0:37:03 > 0:37:08Here we are. Now this is the annexe.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- OK.- It actually is double the size.
0:37:11 > 0:37:18That side's being used as storage, but the current owners have planning permission to renovate it
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- and you could have two bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom.- Oh!
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- It's whether you would want to take on that project.- Mm.
0:37:27 > 0:37:34The vendor is in this line of business and he estimated around £40,000 to do the work.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- If you think double the size of this.- And look at the view she gets.
0:37:38 > 0:37:44- Sorry to interrupt, but... - Would Mum like that? - She would love that view.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- If we could incorporate a lounge/diner here, kitchen for Mum at the back...- Yeah.
0:37:49 > 0:37:57- Ideally closed off. I don't know how we'd do that. And then two bedrooms and a bathroom.- Classic.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- It would be.- Perfect.
0:37:59 > 0:38:05'Jane is really seeing the potential here and it comes with its own separate garden,
0:38:05 > 0:38:11'something I know Betty is keen to have. And we're not scrimping on outside space either.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14'There are two and a half acres.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- What about these gardens? Is this enough?- I think so.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- South-facing.- Yeah. - Plenty of sunshine.- That's good.
0:38:22 > 0:38:29So how much do you think this house, two acres, the outbuildings - what is it on the market for?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32I think...550.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34£550,000.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Jane?- I was going to say...
0:38:38 > 0:38:42..higher. I was going to say 560.
0:38:42 > 0:38:49- Because it's nearly got everything we want.- It's been reduced. They're keen to sell.- Come on.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- On the market for £499,950! - Oh, wow!
0:38:54 > 0:38:56You having a laugh?
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Go and get the chequebook!
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Gosh, that's really... Wow. I was going right the other way.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Really?- Yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11£50 short of your budget.
0:39:11 > 0:39:18- Would you like to go and have another really good look round? - Oh, yes!- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25At just under £500,000, this is a fantastic find
0:39:25 > 0:39:29and it has just about everything Brian and Jane asked for,
0:39:29 > 0:39:35including a big country kitchen, two reception rooms, five bedrooms and two acres of land.
0:39:35 > 0:39:41The barn conversion could be the answer to finding Betty her spacious home
0:39:41 > 0:39:45with an open-plan living area and two bedrooms.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Will they think it's worth the extra investment?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Everywhere.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55The valley, the hills.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- It's fantastic. - The views are stunning, aren't they?
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- Got a cloche for your veggies and your...- Yeah.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- Absolutely superb.- Greenhouses.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08I really liked this house. Inside was decorated to my taste.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12The views were to die for. They were absolutely amazing.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16I think the annexe has got lots and lots of potential.
0:40:16 > 0:40:22The house inside is beautiful. I can't believe the size of that en-suite. It's ridiculous.
0:40:22 > 0:40:29The price, I could not believe it. I thought it would be way, way over our budget. It's just made my day.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31I've been feeding the chickens.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Have you seen enough?- It's beautiful.- Happy?- Very.- Oh, yes.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41- I don't want to drag you away, but I have to.- I'm not going(!) - Come on, Brian, more to see.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56'Carmarthenshire, as we have discovered, has plenty of evidence of medieval wars
0:40:56 > 0:41:01'and there's one weapon that's truly evocative of that time - the longbow and arrow.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06'It's been one of Brian's ambitions for some time to take up archery when he retires,
0:41:06 > 0:41:12'so we've sent him and Jane to Dinefwr Archery Centre for a lesson from local instructor Cyril John.'
0:41:12 > 0:41:18- Good afternoon.- Good afternoon. I'm Brian.- I'm Jane.- I'm Cyril. Welcome to Dinefwr Archers.
0:41:18 > 0:41:24'Before they can take aim, they need to get kitted out in protective gear and learn a few basics.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27'Cyril is on hand to show them how it's done.'
0:41:27 > 0:41:31We'll put it in the bow and you bring it like that back to here...
0:41:33 > 0:41:35And that's it.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39There is no magic to it, no special secret or anything.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45And to get the same shot each time, and that's all it is,
0:41:45 > 0:41:51is to do it over and over and over and over, as many times as you like. You could do it hundreds of times.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55'Unlike target archery which is played from one spot,
0:41:55 > 0:42:01'field archery, which has its origins in hunting, is played out on a woodland course
0:42:01 > 0:42:04'with 28 targets of varying size and distance.'
0:42:05 > 0:42:07OK.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Beautiful. Almost there!
0:42:09 > 0:42:14'It's a great way to enjoy the Carmarthenshire countryside.'
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Beautiful.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Oh, well off!- 'No-one can be Robin Hood in just a few hours,
0:42:21 > 0:42:26'but once Brian and Jane have settled in, they can practise to their heart's content.'
0:42:26 > 0:42:32- Thank you very much.- Thanks very much.- We look forward to it when you move down to West Wales.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- I'm sure you'll join us.- Yes. - We'll have another two members.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41'I think Brian and Jane have found a new hobby, but we still need to find them a home,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45'so will we hit the bull's-eye with the mystery house?'
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- Now, we're on our way to the mystery property.- Yeah.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Do you like something quirky? Is that OK?
0:42:55 > 0:43:00As long as it's got plenty of space for us, plenty of space for Mum...
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- Yeah. And some land.- We're not too worried about what you show us.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07And I'm already regretting saying that.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- We're just going to have to wait and see.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17'So for our final property, we're heading south towards the coast
0:43:17 > 0:43:19'to the rural outskirts of Kidwelly,
0:43:19 > 0:43:24'so Brian and Jane have the seaside and countryside on their doorstep.
0:43:25 > 0:43:30'Set in a hilly landscape, this historic market town was established in 1115.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35'As well as running the usual gamut of amenities, the town is famed for its Norman castle
0:43:35 > 0:43:38'which dominates the area.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42'Built in 1106, it's one of the best preserved ruins in Wales.
0:43:42 > 0:43:47'The mystery house is a little more recent and is situated one mile out of town.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51'So far, we've catered for Brian and Jane's needs.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55'But with our final offering, we're putting Betty first.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00'Consisting of four terraced cottages, the very end terrace has three bedrooms
0:44:00 > 0:44:04'and Betty could move in straight away, but Brian and Jane will need vision
0:44:04 > 0:44:10'to turn the other three cottages into their dream home, so will they be up for the challenge?'
0:44:12 > 0:44:18It's time now for the mystery property which is always something a little bit different.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Sometimes it makes you think out of the box.
0:44:21 > 0:44:27But I'll have to be very honest with you. The mystery property that we had lined up until 24 hours ago,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29someone's put an offer in.
0:44:29 > 0:44:33- So it could be early signs.- Yeah. - The market, they say, is picking up,
0:44:33 > 0:44:37which is great for them, but it's also good for you
0:44:37 > 0:44:41because although we couldn't use the mystery property,
0:44:41 > 0:44:46- what we have found is a brand-new property that's gone just on the market.- Right.
0:44:46 > 0:44:53It's very different from anything else you've seen, so we're giving it the "mystery property" tag.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55Different. Very long.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57They're former canal-workers' cottages,
0:44:57 > 0:45:01but your requirements are quite different from the normal ones,
0:45:01 > 0:45:06so hopefully, what this property might provide is some answers.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- But I think we have to go in with a very open mind.- OK.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12- Happy with that?- Yeah.- OK.
0:45:12 > 0:45:18- In good country tradition, we're not going to bother with the front door. No, we'll go round the back.- OK.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22'Three of the cottages are currently used as holiday lets,
0:45:22 > 0:45:26'but we're going to start off in the owners' accommodation.'
0:45:26 > 0:45:30The current owners always use this as their main entrance.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34- I'm not surprised. - It's a good working conservatory.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- It's a really nice space.- Good size.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41So far, we're liking this. Let's keep going. Now for the kitchen...
0:45:42 > 0:45:47So out of the four cottages, they actually live in this one.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52And they're pretty similar as you go through, but this is by far the biggest.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- Nice colour kitchen. - It's not a bad space. We could work with this.- Oh, yeah.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Nice view across the fields there.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02If I take you through this part of the cottage,
0:46:02 > 0:46:08you will notice that the rooms are much smaller than a lot of the others that we've seen
0:46:08 > 0:46:12and the way it's laid out, it's long, so bear that in mind.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15Think about how you could change it to suit your circumstances.
0:46:15 > 0:46:22It's four cottages. You said there were nine bedrooms in all. We can soon chop and change that about.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- Good. You can come up with some ideas while we're walking through.- OK.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31You've got a family bathroom through there.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34But let's keep going into the main lounge.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38It's got a cosy feel, being a cottage.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43Very cosy. I'm a bit disappointed with the size, I have to say.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- Quite dark in here as well.- And the ceiling being low, it's a bit...
0:46:47 > 0:46:51I don't think we'd fit all our furniture in here either.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54'This is a cosy room at the moment,
0:46:54 > 0:47:01'but there are two further cottages, each with a living room, kitchen and bathroom downstairs.
0:47:01 > 0:47:07'It'll be a huge project, but all three cottages could be knocked through to make a large living area.
0:47:07 > 0:47:13'The property isn't listed, but they would need planning permission and advice from a structural engineer.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17'Once they've seen Betty's cottage, they might think it's a job worth doing,
0:47:17 > 0:47:22'but first we need to show them upstairs in their cottage.'
0:47:22 > 0:47:28This is the master bedroom. You've got another one next door which has a single bed, but lots of wardrobes.
0:47:29 > 0:47:34- Again it's very small. - I can just tell by your faces. You're having a good look, but...
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- Is it really too small for you? - Yeah.- Yes, it is.
0:47:38 > 0:47:44Even if we do start knocking holes here and there, I still don't think it will work.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46- You just know in your heart?- Yeah.
0:47:46 > 0:47:52We'll wander down past all the cottages, so you can have a look at the three-bedroom at the end,
0:47:52 > 0:47:58- which we had as an idea for Mum. - OK.- And then we'll have a look round the grounds.- OK.- Lovely.
0:47:59 > 0:48:05'Well, Brian and Jane may not be seeing the possibilities with these cottages,
0:48:05 > 0:48:09'but the entire property was always selected with Betty in mind.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12'I think the end terrace will be perfect for her,
0:48:12 > 0:48:15'so let's see if it will change Brian and Jane's opinion.'
0:48:15 > 0:48:18This is the one that we had as an idea for Mum
0:48:18 > 0:48:22because it's already done, everything's in it.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26I want you to go and have a little look around just to get an idea.
0:48:26 > 0:48:30The ones in the middle have only got two bedrooms. This one has three.
0:48:30 > 0:48:36- Because if the first accommodation had worked for you, this could have been the answer for Mum.- Yeah.- OK.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40- Let's have a look.- Have a look. I'll see you in a minute.- Thank you.
0:48:43 > 0:48:49- This is quite a nice size, isn't it? - That's a good size. Why wasn't this the same size the other end?
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- Nice little fire there.- Yeah.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55What's in there?
0:48:56 > 0:49:01- So...a bedroom.- It's a nice size. I don't think we'd use it as a bedroom though.
0:49:01 > 0:49:06No. Mum could have it as another sitting room or dining room or whatever she wanted.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Wood panelling. We'll have to change that.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21- Yes, not too bad.- It's small, but... - It is a bit small.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25- But as a spare room... - It could do as a spare room, yeah.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29Again we'd have to change that panelling or paint it.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35This is a better size.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37- Yeah, something to think about.- Yeah.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41Now this has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50So how do you feel? Has that changed your opinion?
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- Slightly.- Yeah.- Has it?
0:49:52 > 0:49:54- Yes.- Go on.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56That is big.
0:49:56 > 0:50:00- That's three bedrooms. - Not huge, but it's a good size
0:50:00 > 0:50:05and I could see there's great potential there for Mum.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09- Has this changed your view on the very first one?- Yes, it has.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12- In a positive way?- Um, yeah.
0:50:12 > 0:50:17- I can see there's more potential now.- Let's take a wander around the grounds.- OK.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21We've got some beautiful gardens, two meadows to explore.
0:50:21 > 0:50:26- Have a think cos you've seen it now. Let's think if it can work for you. - Yeah, OK.
0:50:27 > 0:50:33'Getting the balance right between Betty's needs and Brian and Jane's needs
0:50:33 > 0:50:37'was always going to be the toughest part of this property search.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40'They've been swayed by Betty's accommodation,
0:50:40 > 0:50:45'but if anything can persuade them this property could work for them, it's a massive six acres of land.'
0:50:47 > 0:50:51- You want land.- Definitely got it here.- There's so much land here.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55- That garage is big enough for four cars.- Wow, that'll do!
0:50:55 > 0:51:01- Would I be right that you're in a bit of a quandary? We've found something potentially for Mum.- Yeah.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05- We've found you the land, we've found you the life.- Yeah.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07Is the property right for you?
0:51:07 > 0:51:10It needs a bit of altering for us.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13It needs a bit of thinking?
0:51:13 > 0:51:15A bit of thinking, definitely.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18How much do you think the asking price is?
0:51:18 > 0:51:22I am going to say...450?
0:51:23 > 0:51:25OK. Brian?
0:51:25 > 0:51:28I'm going to go a bit more than that.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30I'm going to go for 475.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34You're both under by quite a way.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38The asking price is £535,000.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40- Right.- OK.
0:51:40 > 0:51:46Why don't you take another wander? I'll probably need to give you an hour to get round it!
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- I'll meet you at the front.- OK. - See you in a minute.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55'At £535,000, this is 35,000 over budget,
0:51:55 > 0:51:58'but the stamp duty is paid for by the vendor.
0:51:58 > 0:52:04'The three-bedroom end terrace is spot-on for Betty and with some vision and a good architect,
0:52:04 > 0:52:08'Brian and Jane could end up with a spacious, open-plan character home
0:52:08 > 0:52:11'with between four and six bedrooms for themselves.
0:52:11 > 0:52:16'It also comes with six acres of land, so will that swing it?'
0:52:16 > 0:52:22I think the land was spot-on. You got the land spot-on here. It's a beautiful space.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26- This looks like a good size. - Yeah.- Wow!
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Blimey, it goes on for ever!
0:52:30 > 0:52:35- That's a good-sized field, that. - Wow! Golf?- Yes, definitely. Tee off at that end.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Probably get a par four in here.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41The first bit we saw, I thought, "No."
0:52:41 > 0:52:46It is really pretty, but I thought that's far too small for us.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50Then we looked at the three-bedroom part for Mum.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55I thought, "Yeah, I can see Mum in this. Got distinct possibilities."
0:52:56 > 0:52:58Hey!
0:52:58 > 0:52:59Eh?
0:52:59 > 0:53:02It's not a golf course yet!
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- It's got the makings. - But there's potential.
0:53:05 > 0:53:10- It's time now for some serious decisions to be made. - Yeah.- So let's crack on.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24'Well, Brian and Jane have now viewed all our Welsh properties.
0:53:24 > 0:53:29'It's been quite a challenge to meet their very specific requirements,
0:53:29 > 0:53:33'but I think we've managed to find a couple of contenders,
0:53:33 > 0:53:39'so which one, I wonder, will be the right choice for themselves and Betty?'
0:53:42 > 0:53:47It's been a really interesting few days, driving around Carmarthenshire.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51- Have you enjoyed yourselves?- Yeah, it's been great fun.- Absolutely.
0:53:51 > 0:53:55- Let's talk about the first house that we saw.- I liked the grounds.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58It had the woodland, the place for a vegetable patch.
0:53:58 > 0:54:03Absolutely lovely property, but unfortunately, no annexe at all.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09It had the stables that maybe we could have done something with,
0:54:09 > 0:54:12but we might have been pushing it a bit.
0:54:12 > 0:54:17- We looked at a property which was very close to where your friends live, so you knew the town.- Yes.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21That was in Lampeter, a very nice property.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24The main house was amazing. It was beautiful.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27- That master bedroom... - It was fantastic.- Huge!
0:54:27 > 0:54:31It was. Unfortunately, again the annexes...
0:54:31 > 0:54:37Even though there were two annexes, they were still just that little bit too small for Mum.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Day two began very well - that magnificent house,
0:54:40 > 0:54:45- sort of the country house up on the hill.- It looked so idyllic.
0:54:45 > 0:54:51As soon as we walked into the house and we stood in the kitchen and I looked over and saw that view,
0:54:51 > 0:54:53that million-dollar view, amazing!
0:54:53 > 0:54:59What about the most important part of this equation which is getting something right for your mother?
0:54:59 > 0:55:02We saw the out-house. It did have potential
0:55:02 > 0:55:06and they had got actual planning permission to extend.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08We really liked that.
0:55:08 > 0:55:13That brings us nicely to the mystery property. That was quite unique.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15It started off a little bit rocky.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19The conservatory was lovely. The kitchen, yeah, nicely done.
0:55:19 > 0:55:24But when we walked into that lounge, my heart just disappeared.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27It was so low, it was so small.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29I didn't like it straight away.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34Then when you said about the three-bedroom at the other end, we went in there
0:55:34 > 0:55:40and the lounge was twice the size of the original one and I thought, "Yeah, this could work for Mum."
0:55:40 > 0:55:43Unfortunately, the price was not right.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46Were there any that took your fancy?
0:55:46 > 0:55:51- The house on the hill.- Fantastic. Tell me why you think that could be the ideal property.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54It has virtually everything we want,
0:55:54 > 0:55:56the stunning views.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59It has a really good potential for Mum.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02- It works?- It works.
0:56:02 > 0:56:08- So what's the next step?- I think the next step is we need to go home and discuss it all with Mum
0:56:08 > 0:56:11and make sure Mum's happy with our decision.
0:56:11 > 0:56:18- If she is...- Well, if Mum is happy with everything, I fully anticipate putting in an offer.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21- I hope your mum loves it as much as we all do.- Yes.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25- Jane, Brian, thank you so very much. - Thank you for helping us.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31Brian and Jane have been searching for a long time,
0:56:31 > 0:56:35but I think we may have found them the perfect property.
0:56:35 > 0:56:41With a bit of vision and agreement from Mum, all three could be escaping to the country very soon.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43Join us next time.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46'If you would like to escape to the country
0:56:46 > 0:56:49'and need our help, please apply online at...'
0:57:09 > 0:57:13Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2011
0:57:13 > 0:57:16Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk