0:00:02 > 0:00:07This amazing yew tree lies within the grounds of an English Gothic church
0:00:07 > 0:00:09which was built in the early 13th century.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But which is older - the tree or the church?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Well, you'll find out in just a moment.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31'On today's show, we'll help a couple find their dream family home in the country.'
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- Ideal is the word.- Perfect.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38I got a smile and I got an "ideal" and "perfect". I'm happy.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42'We'll gallop round some fine rustic retreats.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- We like.- You like? She likes! - LAUGHTER
0:00:45 > 0:00:49'And I've got a lot riding on our mystery house.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Today, I'm in the village of Much Marcle in Herefordshire
0:00:54 > 0:00:58at St Bartholomew's Church which was built in around 1220 AD,
0:00:58 > 0:01:03but experts reckon that the yew tree was planted 700 years earlier in 500 AD,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07which, by my maths, makes it over 1,500 years old.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11With a massive trunk measuring nearly 31 feet in circumference,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14it's also one of the oldest living trees in England,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18but it's not the only impressive part of the Herefordshire landscape.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23As the fourth least populated county in the UK, it is also one of the most rural
0:01:23 > 0:01:29with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning over a quarter of its land mass.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34There's a rich geological and historical vein running through its landscapes
0:01:34 > 0:01:38from the Iron Age hill forts on the Malvern Hills Ridgeway
0:01:38 > 0:01:41to the ravine woodlands and limestone gorges of the Wye Valley.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46There are historic properties with the striking Tudor timbered buildings
0:01:46 > 0:01:52of North Herefordshire's black and white villages and remote farmhouses set in splendid scenery,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55all of which make this county a perfect rural escape.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04Until now, Herefordshire has been largely overlooked by its celebrity neighbour Gloucestershire,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06but things are about to change.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12There are rumours that the recently restored Duchy of Cornwall's 900-acre Harewood Park
0:02:12 > 0:02:16has been earmarked as a royal country residence for Prince William
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and where the royals go, everyone else follows.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23The days are gone when you can bag yourself a cheap, derelict cottage,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28but if you're looking to find yourself your very own royal escape to the country,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33then take a look at some of these properties on the market in rustic Herefordshire.
0:02:33 > 0:02:39And this 46-acre country estate near Bromyard is certainly fit for royalty
0:02:39 > 0:02:42at £2,350,000.
0:02:42 > 0:02:48This five-bedroomed house has six impressive, sometimes quirky reception rooms
0:02:48 > 0:02:52and there is always the lakeside summer house to retreat to.
0:02:52 > 0:02:58A more realistic £580,000 will get you this stately five-bedroomed house in Leominster.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03It's not short on space with two large sitting rooms, a separate dining room
0:03:03 > 0:03:05and two lavish bathrooms.
0:03:08 > 0:03:15And no expense has been spared on this three-bedroomed barn conversion in Lea for £385,000.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20It has light, spacious interiors and lots of character details
0:03:20 > 0:03:23with the original stone wall facades still intact.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27With no shortage of fantastic houses for sale,
0:03:27 > 0:03:34I'm hoping that the properties we've found for today's buyers will live up to their expectations.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37And our couple are ex-property developers Paul and Kesri
0:03:37 > 0:03:43who want to leave Surrey and head for the hills of Herefordshire with their two dogs
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and ten-month-old twins Kayla and Jaden.
0:03:45 > 0:03:52They've made quite a few moves. 11 years ago, they quit their jobs in South Africa, came to England
0:03:52 > 0:03:57and have moved seven times while developing properties, but this time it's different.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03We're hoping this will be our last move. We're looking for our ideal family home in the country.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09We believe this is an opportunity for the children to grow up in the country and be children for longer
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and just live a wonderful life in the country.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16This dynamic duo also run a business training company
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and this move means taking that business one step further.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26We want the farm to be a sort of learning retreat, so people could come and have some time out
0:04:26 > 0:04:28and do team-building activities.
0:04:28 > 0:04:34We'd like a minimum of four acres, up to as many acres as we could get for our budget.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39They'll need all that land for the chickens, pigs and couple of horses they want to keep.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44As well as a lifestyle overhaul, they've got a clear vision for their dream home.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49Absolute must-haves are a large, farm-style kitchen, three double bedrooms
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and lots of character in the house - beams, fireplaces.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58With twins, dogs, farm animals and a business to look after, are they nervous about this move?
0:04:58 > 0:05:03Our families think we're crazy because we make a decision, then we just do it.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08It always seems to work, so we'll keep doing it, whether they don't like it or not.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Kesri and Paul need to know how much their current home is worth,
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- so we arranged for an estate agent to value their property. - This is a cracking family house.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22It's been well renovated, lots of very good schools locally.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I would put it on the market at £550,000.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33I was a little disappointed with the valuation of 550,000.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39However, in today's market, we expected it to be lower than what our expectation was.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42So how much do they have to spend on this final move?
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Our budget for this move is £800,000.
0:05:46 > 0:05:52Ex-property developers Paul and Kesri are looking for the perfect home for their final move.
0:05:52 > 0:05:58It's a good thing that we like a challenge because Herefordshire is not a cheap place to buy.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Houses around here come in at 10% more than the national average.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06The two of them have an extensive wish list for their £800,000 budget.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11They're looking for a period property with a farmhouse style kitchen,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15but they also want to work from home and they need a barn on the land.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19We all know that barns, especially converted ones, mean bucks.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23You add to that enough land for them to have horses on
0:06:23 > 0:06:27and suddenly that £800,000 budget doesn't seem quite so rosy.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32As Paul and Kesri plan to work from home, they're not too concerned about location,
0:06:32 > 0:06:38so we'll cast our net wide and look at properties around Leominster in the north of the county
0:06:38 > 0:06:40and Ross-on-Wye in the south.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45I'll show them some great houses, but I won't reveal the price until they've guessed first.
0:06:45 > 0:06:52And as ever, there's the mystery house which could just be love at first sight.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Hello, Kesri, Paul. Welcome to Herefordshire.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Great county. How excited are you about starting this search?
0:07:01 > 0:07:07- Very excited. We've been looking to move to the country for a long time now.- And you're ready to go?- Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12I hope you are because I understand there have been seven moves in 11 years.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Are you sure that this is the one, you'll settle down now?- We hope so.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22What causes you to get to this moment where you'll put some roots down and not move any more?
0:07:22 > 0:07:26We've recently had twins and we want them to grow up in the country.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- You're not going to make them nomads?- No. Impossible with babies.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33You are property developers as well,
0:07:33 > 0:07:38so is this a move where you'll want to rip everything out and start again
0:07:38 > 0:07:43or are you willing to just go into somewhere, settle in and have a gentler life?
0:07:43 > 0:07:48I guess it depends what we finally decide, as far as the property that we find,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52but we wouldn't be scared to do a little work on the property.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57Your budget, £800,000, is very healthy, but you have got a pretty extensive list
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- and you want to run your business from home.- Yes.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06We've got fantastic properties for you to look at and also the mystery house,
0:08:06 > 0:08:12- although everything is a mystery to you, I'm sure! Shall we get going? - Brilliant.- Come on, let's go.
0:08:12 > 0:08:18So, with a budget of £800,000, Paul and Kesri are looking for a family home that gives them...
0:08:34 > 0:08:40It's great for horse riding out here in Herefordshire. Is that what's drawn you to this county?
0:08:40 > 0:08:45That's one of the major reasons why we're quite keen to come to Herefordshire,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49but our dream has always been to have a farm or a smallholding
0:08:49 > 0:08:53and it's a great opportunity to do that here in Herefordshire.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58A smallholding is some commitment and a big change of lifestyle for the two of you.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Do you know what you're letting yourselves in for?
0:09:02 > 0:09:07We have had the opportunity to look after a five-and-a-half-acre field where we had two horses.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11We did that for six months and we coped pretty well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15But now we've got the twins as well, so a little bit different.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- We've got the twins on a good routine, so we're confident we can manage.- Don't scare us off.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26- They'll grow up soon enough. You'll have them out mucking the horses out.- That's the plan.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32Our first property takes us to the village of Bosbury, 20 miles from Ross-on-Wye.
0:09:32 > 0:09:38The village lies in open countryside with plenty of dog-walking opportunities for our couple.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Bosbury's country lanes are lined with charming period cottages.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46At its centre is a well-preserved Norman church and local pub,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49along with a well-regarded primary school.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Our first property is in a quiet, rural setting outside the village.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Right, here we are.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01This is the property I want to show you. What do you think?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- It looks lovely. - I think it looks great.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- To our right, we've got this office. - Great.- We'll come back to that.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- You've got garages there. There are also some stables. There's quite a lot here.- Wow! Fantastic.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- I think the thing for us to do is check out the inside.- Great.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24'So it's a good first impression which will hopefully continue inside.'
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Here we are, straight into a very big hallway
0:10:28 > 0:10:32which sets the scene for this property, this barn conversion.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37It's very wide, open-plan which you'll see more as we go into the next room. Follow me.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43To this side of the hallway, we've got one of the reception rooms.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47In this property, you've got really big rooms, a lot of space.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50It's just lacking some of the rustic charm that I like.
0:10:50 > 0:10:57You know, it's an old barn, but it doesn't really have beams, fireplaces, that type of thing.
0:10:57 > 0:11:03- I see exactly what you're saying, but you've got the potential. - Yes.- It's a nice size as well.
0:11:03 > 0:11:09And you've got great views. Let's keep exploring, let's see what the kitchen's like. Follow me.
0:11:09 > 0:11:16'This is a great space for family living and they can add their own touches of character.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20'On the way into the kitchen, there's a modern WC and a cloakroom
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'and I'm sure they're going to like this space.'
0:11:23 > 0:11:28From up here, you get a pretty good view of the open-plan kitchen.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32They've brought in some of the beams that you might expect in a barn.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- You've got these windows running right across, looking out to another patio area.- It's lovely.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- I really like the beams. There's a nice light in here. - Yeah. I love the windows.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It's like bringing the outside in.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52Ideally, we want a large kitchen where we could eat and the kids could be playing, so this is perfect.
0:11:52 > 0:11:59- It could be a good heart of the home here.- We wanted the kitchen to be the heart of the home. That's great.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05- This is not the only entertaining space in this property. There is more. Follow me.- Great.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10As well as a big kitchen-diner,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13you also get a pretty huge dining room as well.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Again beautiful light, nice views. - The space is lovely.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22Really nice space. We'd have to add some character into this room as well.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28'Next door, there's a second sitting room with more great views over the garden.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31'We'll go upstairs and take a peek at the bedrooms.'
0:12:31 > 0:12:37Up here is this lovely galleried landing and you can see more of the beams.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Yeah, great.- So you get a bit more character.- Definitely.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45'Leading off the landing, there are four bedrooms - one double room
0:12:45 > 0:12:48'and a large single room, both with expansive windows,
0:12:48 > 0:12:54'and there's a family bathroom with walk-in shower, but now we'll check out the remaining two bedrooms.'
0:12:54 > 0:13:00- This room is already a child's bedroom and it could be perfect for one of your two.- Great room.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05Great size, lovely character, beautiful windows again.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- At the moment, they share, so this would be perfect.- Yeah, they could share until they grow older.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14I'm glad we've found a place for the little ones that excites you,
0:13:14 > 0:13:21- but I want to excite you about where you'll be. Let's go and see the master bedroom. Lead the way.- Great.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26This is where all the beams are hiding.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- This is lovely.- Fantastic room. Really great.- Good storage here.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35You've got another room with more windows behind me. It's your en-suite.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- Great. That's where the bath is. - Yeah, this is lovely and the beams look great.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46- We didn't need an en-suite, but great to have one.- Yeah, it is an extra. - Brilliant.- The bath is lovely.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51'This barn has been converted into a great family home.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56'With all this space, they could use their property developing expertise to make their mark.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00'I wonder what they'll make of the outbuildings?'
0:14:01 > 0:14:05Now, the bonus with this property is this office,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- all kitted out and ready for you. - Mm-hm.
0:14:08 > 0:14:14At the back there, you've got a fully fitted kitchen, a cloakroom and a spare storage area.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20- Could this work for you?- It's a bit small for the sessions that we run. - What sort of thing do you do?
0:14:20 > 0:14:26We do sort of leadership, team effectiveness programmes, so we have about 25 people at a time.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30It's probably a bit too small for that type of thing.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Five rows, give them name badges and have them run around your fields.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37They'll certainly do some of that.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41'Well, perhaps there's enough land for all their other projects.'
0:14:41 > 0:14:46So, four acres in all, guys, plus all these other little sections.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51You've got lots of play areas for the children, potential for the stables,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55space for the horses, even space for the sheep, pigs and chickens.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- There's a lot that you want to do. - Yeah.- But how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:01 > 0:15:05I think that it's got more or less everything we want.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10Probably because it's a little short on the land, it might be just slightly under our budget,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14so I'm going to say around 775.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I'm going to go low - 700.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22Well, Kesri, you win this round. You are almost right on the money.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26This property is on the market for 695.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32That gives us a bit of leeway to put some extras into the property, to try and add some of that character.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37I think that we'd still like a little bit more land for those chickens for the kids.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43It gives us an opportunity to put our own stamp because there are a lot of things I'd like to change.
0:15:43 > 0:15:49Wander around that house, think about the things you would change and I'll find you later on.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Brilliant. Thank you.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57That was a good start. Paul's right. This property gives them pretty much everything they've asked for.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02And at that price, they've got scope to put their own stamp on it and buy some horses.
0:16:03 > 0:16:09At £695,000, this barn conversion would give them £100,000 in hand,
0:16:09 > 0:16:15so they could add all that character and get the business premises working for them.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34When I first saw the barn, I thought, "Fantastic - barn conversion, really like the open-plan feel."
0:16:34 > 0:16:40I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I love the windows, the stone features.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46I love the proportions. Really, really great space, the number of rooms was perfect.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50But it didn't have as much character as I thought it would have.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Downstairs, it didn't have many beams or fireplaces.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57The office space I thought was a great space.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03However, for the number of students we have on a regular basis, it was not quite the size that we required.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07And I think although the paddock was really great for two horses,
0:17:07 > 0:17:12it probably won't fulfil our dream to have chickens, pigs and sheep.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- A-ha! Now, have you seen enough? - Yes.- Just about?- Yeah.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Good, because there's a lot more to do, so let's keep moving.- Great.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28With a move to Herefordshire,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Paul and Kesri will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in England
0:17:33 > 0:17:39like the Wye Valley through which the River Wye meanders where towns like Ross-on-Wye have prospered.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42As the river is most accessible in this area,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46it became a popular visitor attraction by the mid-1800s,
0:17:46 > 0:17:52so much so that Ross is now commonly known as the birthplace of English tourism.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Paul and Kesri are meeting Ross-on-Wye's Mayor John Edwards to find out how it all started.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02The tourist trade really started here when Dr John Egerton, a local resident,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06decided to take his friends up and down the river in boats.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11This inspired a friend of his to write a book about the attractions of the River Wye.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17It was the first illustrated tourist book and it brought a tremendous amount of trade down to the Wye.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23This snowballed the whole thing, so at one stage, there was a fleet of boats going up and down the river,
0:18:23 > 0:18:29taking tourists of all walks of life, people like Charles Dickens, Lord Nelson, all kinds of people.
0:18:29 > 0:18:36They came here to see the beauties of the River Wye and this is one spot they would've started from.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41'Thanks to the river, Ross has also been a renowned port of call for traders
0:18:41 > 0:18:46'with an ancient market dating back to the 12th century which still thrives today
0:18:46 > 0:18:49'around the town's 17th century Market House.
0:18:49 > 0:18:55'Paul and Kesri could certainly enjoy Ross's historic town centre and stunning riverside scenery
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'if they move to this area which is a possibility
0:18:58 > 0:19:03'as our next property is only seven miles away in the village of Whitchurch.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09'Besides the village's obvious charm, there is also an excellent primary school for the children.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13'In the surrounding fields there are more isolated farmhouses
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'and I think we've found one for Paul and Kesri.'
0:19:16 > 0:19:21This is the property. You can see we are on a bit of a road, a lane,
0:19:21 > 0:19:26but really, this lane leads to this property and a farm,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29so I wouldn't expect much traffic down here at all.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35The property itself, oodles of character, there's a lot of land and outbuildings with it.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- I love the stone.- The stone is absolutely beautiful.- Fantastic.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- I think we should go inside.- Great. - Ready?- Great.- Come on.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52You come straight in to the 15th century part of the house.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- Kesri, my dear, you wanted some character. - Yeah, we've got oodles of it here.
0:19:57 > 0:20:04- Absolutely.- Lovely doorway. Oh, amazing!- That's a feature, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08We can see here it's a dining area, but these beams are everywhere.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- Lovely.- Beautiful.- Really great.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- It's exactly the type of character we're looking for.- Great. That's a good start.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Let's have a look at the living room.- I love the wall.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- A lot more in this room.- Wow, that's fantastic.- What a great inglenook!
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- It's fantastic.- Yeah. It's nice and cosy. We like this type of thing. - Tick, tick!
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Brilliant.- Good. We've got off to a rocking start.
0:20:33 > 0:20:39- I want us to go through to the kitchen now. Out there and turn right.- Great.- Great.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44'So here's hoping for more of that thumbs-up as we check out the kitchen.'
0:20:48 > 0:20:50So here we go.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55This is the kitchen/breakfast room for the property.
0:20:55 > 0:21:01- I think the biggest draw is that window.- Beautiful view, yeah. - An amazing view.- It is.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It's a bit small compared to what I wanted.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- Out the back here, you've got a little office area.- Yeah. - You do have a downstairs WC.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15I think that we can change this and make it feel a lot more country.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Let's have a look upstairs.- Great.
0:21:17 > 0:21:24'It's good to see Paul's considering everything this house has to offer, so we'll head upstairs.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:27The character continues up the stairs.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Up here, we've got the family bathroom. We've got these lovely wooden doors.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36The single bedroom and two main bedrooms that I want to show you, so come this way.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42This is clearly a young lady's bedroom at the moment.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- And you've got the beams... - It's a good size.- ..and the views.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Yeah, it's got nice character, again I like the beams.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54It's an unusual shape which is nice, probably nice for the kids.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59'Brilliant. They seem pleased by the character and views that this property offers,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03'so let's check out where they would be sleeping.'
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- In this room, which is the main bedroom, you get one of the best character features.- It's lovely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:15- Very nice size as well.- The crook beam there going right the way across.- Yeah, I love it. Very nice.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Those are strong words - "I love it."- Yeah, I know. I love that beam. Wow!
0:22:20 > 0:22:26'Along with all the character, there's a dressing room tucked away round the corner and a small WC.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31'Now we've seen the main house, we step outside to explore the building next door.'
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Over this side, you're into the annexe.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Wow!- I thought this would surprise you.- Lovely. - Much bigger than we thought.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44You've got two bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Down here is the living room, a kitchen and a tiny study/office.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55But I was thinking that perhaps you could cover over that walkway that joins the two buildings,
0:22:55 > 0:23:00knock this through and make yourself one big kitchen/diner over here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Yeah, we could do that.- Great idea. - That would give you all the space you wanted.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- You've got that wonderful feature fireplace.- Which would fit into the new kitchen.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Full of great ideas, we are. Come on.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Out here, we've got outbuildings, any number.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23We've got them all around here, there's a shed over there.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29To your right, we've got a home office, but probably not big enough to do your client training sessions.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Have a look over there and tell me if that structure is big enough.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36It's 90 foot and it houses two lorries.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41All in all, with this property, you would get 11 acres.
0:23:41 > 0:23:48- Wow!- Wow!- And as you can tell, the current owners are a registered smallholding.- Yeah.
0:23:48 > 0:23:55So they've got Gloucester Old Spots, the chickens, one cow, some goats, a few sheep, everything you'd want.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01- Can we get those little pigs too? - You might have to negotiate for those. They are gorgeous.- So cute.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Is this what you were imagining? You talked about having a smallholding.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10- This is fairly sizeable. - Yeah, and you can look over all the land which is fantastic.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- We'd want to be able to see our animals from the house.- Yeah. COCKEREL CROWS
0:24:16 > 0:24:20The question is... Yes, he's asking the question! How much is it worth?
0:24:20 > 0:24:25Because it doesn't have the perfect building for the workshop, I would go for 750.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29I think it might be closer to the 800,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31so I'm going to go 775 again.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34You're sticking with your number.
0:24:34 > 0:24:40OK, it's actually on the market for... And you are closer. ..£795,000.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- Yes!- So five grand short of your budget.- So it's one-all.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49Not that the two of you are competitive in any way(!) I'd hate to see you horse riding.
0:24:49 > 0:24:55I think you need to have a bit more of an explore around what could be your land and your property.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58So off you go and I will see you later on.
0:24:58 > 0:25:05'I think Paul and Kesri have been won over by the period charm and the amount of land with this property...
0:25:21 > 0:25:27'So lots of scope for the smallholding, business premises and even a riding school.'
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I absolutely love, love, love the character in it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36Beautiful beams, the doorway into the lounge, amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41The beautiful woodwork was exquisite, just what we'd look for.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- This would make a great office for both of us to work in. It's large enough.- Yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:52- But probably not big enough for a learning retreat.- Perhaps we could use that huge shed down the bottom.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- That's my indoor riding school.- OK.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00We could consider these smaller buildings on the side of the house.
0:26:00 > 0:26:07It's really important to have a learning retreat and, to be honest, I can't really visualise it here.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10The land is perfect, exactly the size we would need.
0:26:10 > 0:26:1411 acres for our four horses would allow us to have the extra animals
0:26:14 > 0:26:18that we always dreamt of having, so absolutely wonderful.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22I think that this is a place that we could certainly make our home.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- Hello, guys. Plenty to think about now, haven't you? - Yeah, lots of things.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- But the journey isn't over yet, so let's keep moving.- OK.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39'As Paul and Kesri are planning to move to an older or converted property,
0:26:39 > 0:26:46'set in such a rural corner of the country, it's also likely they'll be living under the same roof as bats,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50'as there are 15 of the UK's 17 bat species thriving on insects
0:26:50 > 0:26:53'around Herefordshire's woodlands and rivers.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58'Bats are a vital indicator for Defra in monitoring our biodiversity levels
0:26:58 > 0:27:01'and they are legally protected.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04'I've come to this house close to the River Wye
0:27:04 > 0:27:09'which is the largest bat roost in the West Midlands and home to some 1,200 bats.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13'They're elusive little creatures and I'm here to meet James Bissett,
0:27:13 > 0:27:19'one of 2,000 dedicated volunteers from the Bat Conservation Trust, to find out more.'
0:27:19 > 0:27:25This looks like an ordinary house. How is it possible it's the largest bat roost in the West Midlands?
0:27:25 > 0:27:31It's in the perfect location for bats. You've got the beautiful trees and some natural surroundings.
0:27:31 > 0:27:37You've got the River Wye 200 metres down there, so enough insects to keep as many bats as you want happy.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43- What kind of bats do we have here? - Soprano pipistrelles.- Can we go and look at one?- Certainly.- OK.
0:27:44 > 0:27:50- Ah!- Denise, can I introduce you to Rebecca Collins?- Hello.- Hi, Rebecca.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- Pleased to meet you.- You're a bat volunteer warden?- Yes, like James.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Why do we need bat volunteer wardens?
0:27:57 > 0:28:03Basically, people like me and James are here to help people who don't know about bats
0:28:03 > 0:28:08and if people find bats in their home and they're not quite sure what to do,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12we can go along, find out what they are and give them some advice.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- What's in this box? - This has got one of my injured bats.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Members of the public bring us injured bats.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22We try and fix them and take them back to where they were found.
0:28:22 > 0:28:29- OK.- We'll go and find him. He's an opinionated little fellow.- What's wrong with him? What's his injury?
0:28:29 > 0:28:34He has a defunct wing. I'll show you his wing. You see how fine they are?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37This is why they're really easily injured.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42This is his wingspan. See how big they look when they are flying.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44That's his thumb at the top there.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49When the wing is folded, that's how they pull themselves out.
0:28:49 > 0:28:55Pipistrelles feed around the edge of habitats, so these are the ones people often see in their gardens.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00They're the best adapted of all of our species to live alongside humans
0:29:00 > 0:29:03because they're so small they fit into tiny crevices.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08Well, they certainly fit in here and...the sun has gone down.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12I think some are ready to come out. Shall we go and have a look?
0:29:12 > 0:29:17We should put this little one away and go find those 1,200 bats.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20'So we assume our positions and hope to spot a few.'
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Oh, it's started raining!
0:29:23 > 0:29:29- Is that going to put them off? - No, not at all. They're quite happy. They're very hardy.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Happier than I am.- They're that close to woodland, they drop out
0:29:34 > 0:29:41and then straight into the trees, which the rain doesn't penetrate. So they'll feed in the woodland.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Shall we have a listen?
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- This is their bat sonar. - This is above our hearing.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54And there they are. This is a really special moment.
0:29:54 > 0:30:01- Thank you very much for inviting me here to meet you and see the bats.- No problem.- Thank you.
0:30:04 > 0:30:11With our first day of house searching over, Paul and Kesri take stock of what they've seen so far.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16- What about the barn conversion?- It was great in terms of size of rooms
0:30:16 > 0:30:19and the number of rooms it had.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- But it really lacked character, especially downstairs.- Yeah.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29I think the kitchen looked good with the beams, open plan, nice size.
0:30:29 > 0:30:35- I agree that the lounge was a little characterless, but the windows were great.- Yeah, amazing views.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39The office was probably too small for a learning retreat as well.
0:30:39 > 0:30:45- And the land probably not enough. - Definitely not enough land for the horses we want.
0:30:45 > 0:30:51- But a good start. What did you think of the smallholding? - Really liked the stone building,
0:30:51 > 0:30:57- the arch at the front door. Inside was amazing.- The character. - Just absolutely loved that.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01The stonework inside, the beams and so on. It looked great.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05It didn't have the unique building we wanted for our learning retreat.
0:31:05 > 0:31:13I thought the small office space was good. The outbuildings were probably not suitable for you,
0:31:13 > 0:31:21- but I did really like the large shed. That would make a great indoor school.- Riding school.
0:31:21 > 0:31:27- Are you looking forward to tomorrow? - Yeah, absolutely. If the properties improve as they did today,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29we'll definitely find one we want.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Paul and Kesri want to leave the town of Haslemere, Surrey, behind
0:31:38 > 0:31:42and saddle up for a horsey life in Herefordshire. With £800,000,
0:31:42 > 0:31:47they're looking for a character family home with outbuildings for their business
0:31:47 > 0:31:53and land for horses and a smallholding. They've seen two properties, but coming up...
0:31:53 > 0:31:56a retreat room of their own.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- Very nice space.- Away from the kids. - There you go!
0:31:59 > 0:32:02A well thought out family home!
0:32:02 > 0:32:07'And there's two buildings for the price of one with our Mystery House.'
0:32:07 > 0:32:12It's day two of our property search and so far I've got to say
0:32:12 > 0:32:19their desire for this property full of character seems to relate more to the business that they want
0:32:19 > 0:32:24than their family home. So today we'll keep trying to fulfil that wish,
0:32:24 > 0:32:29and with their budget that's still quite difficult, but I'm really waiting to see
0:32:29 > 0:32:34when that magic word "compromise" becomes part of Kesri's approach.
0:32:34 > 0:32:40Our next house is close to the village of Garway, 10 miles from Ross-on-Wye.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45It's a quiet village, perfect for sampling outdoor life and a pint of real ale.
0:32:45 > 0:32:52And truly befitting its rural surroundings, the local primary is an award-winning eco-school.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57Our next property is just outside the village centre in Garway Hill.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Right, here we are. Another day, another property.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I think this will be a special one. Just come up here.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- And take a look at this barn conversion.- It's lovely.
0:33:10 > 0:33:16- Absolutely beautiful. Very good. - Stunning. I love the stone.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21- It's really beautiful. - I can't wait to see inside. - Yes, let's have a look.- Great.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Right. Come on in.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Oh, this is lovely.- Ahh!
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Are you surprised?
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Very. Nice and big.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39Yeah, lovely size. And some of the features of the beams are beautiful.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Plenty of space for a kitchen table, doors out to the garden.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48Those floors. I always wanted a big, open-plan space. This fits the bill.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53- Perfect the way it is.- Yeah. - Ideal?- Ideal is the word.- Perfect.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59I got a smile! And "ideal", "perfect". I'm happy.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04'This stunning barn conversion has a higgledy layout, spread over four levels.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08'Down a few steps from the is a massive utility room
0:34:08 > 0:34:12'and upstairs on the first floor is an awe-inspiring reception room.'
0:34:12 > 0:34:19- You wouldn't believe you could get that much space again, but you pretty much do up here.- Wow.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Gorgeous. Wow, look at those beams. - Amazing.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28A smile and a laugh. What do you think?
0:34:28 > 0:34:33It's amazing how they've done it. This is one of the best barn conversions we've seen.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- Yeah, by a long way.- Can you imagine this being your family home?
0:34:38 > 0:34:44- Totally, yeah.- Plenty of room to grow, for the children to play, just in these two rooms.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Jaden would love swinging on those beams!
0:34:48 > 0:34:55Let's check out the bedrooms. We've got another level to go up and then back down to the master.
0:34:55 > 0:35:03'On the second floor are three of the four bedrooms, including a sweet single and a good-sized double.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06'And a handy bathroom for the children.'
0:35:06 > 0:35:12- First I want to show you this room. - It's a lovely size, isn't it? - Yeah, that's lovely.- Nice stone.
0:35:12 > 0:35:18- Loving your stone! - I was thinking it's a nice room for the kids to share
0:35:18 > 0:35:25- while they're still young. - Yeah, and then they could have their own rooms once they're bigger.- Yeah.
0:35:25 > 0:35:32'So back downstairs to the lower floor, where we find the spacious family bathroom with stone walls
0:35:32 > 0:35:37'and wonderful oak panelling. Next door is the master bedroom,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39'which I'm sure they'll love.'
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- Wow. What a nice-sized room.- Ah! - Beautiful size.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- Lovely and light as well. - Beams, space.
0:35:47 > 0:35:53- Something in there.- A dressing room. - Very nice space.- Away from the kids.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56There you go. A well thought-out family home.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59It's an outstanding property.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02It's really beautiful, really quirky.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06It's got all the features we wanted inside. really pleased.
0:36:06 > 0:36:13'They seem won over by this house, so we're heading outside for hopefully the same wow factor.'
0:36:14 > 0:36:15Right.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Here you go. Just at the back of the house.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25A nice little garden, some flowers, a seating area to sit outside and appreciate it.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- Mm.- Mm?
0:36:27 > 0:36:33It just feels really closed in to the house. I want to be able to see the land
0:36:33 > 0:36:36and feel the space. I don't feel it.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41- Yeah, it is kind of... - This feels too small?
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- You feel like you're in a little garden.- Claustrophobic, yeah.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Yet it's a big garden.- Yes. Let's look at the rest of the space.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51'Well, looks can be deceiving.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57'This humble garden shed is actually a rather spacious office and there's a whole lot more space on offer
0:36:57 > 0:37:00'just around the corner.'
0:37:00 > 0:37:06Right, come back here and start talking about the land that really comes with this property.
0:37:06 > 0:37:12- It's not just that tiny little garden. It is, in fact, a whole 36 acres.- Wow.
0:37:12 > 0:37:18- 36 acres, wow. - I never expected you to say that. - I know you didn't!
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Wow, indeed.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- Mmm.- Is that enough space for you, Kesri?
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Yeah, that's more like it, but is all the land steep like this?
0:37:27 > 0:37:35Some of it is tiered, yes. It goes up behind there and there's a forest area, a stream runs through.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- A stream's nice.- This is not great for horses?- No, a bit too steep.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- And the horses are important.- Yeah. - I have a solution for that.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- Shall we go and have a look?- Yeah.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53Right.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58Round here we can see some more of your 36 acres. Come on through.
0:37:58 > 0:38:04- This is more like a paddock for the horses, isn't it?- Mmm. - This would be great for the horses.
0:38:04 > 0:38:10- This one, that one and up that hill. - Yeah, this is much better. - The horses would be happy here.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15Good. We've found a space for the horses. Now your business.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- Yeah.- Which I know is a key driver with this move as well.
0:38:19 > 0:38:26We've tried to show you a great property and enough land to do as you wish, to create your vision.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31- Lots of scope.- Yeah. - How much do you have to pay for it?
0:38:31 > 0:38:37Well, I'd say, considering the beautiful property and the land and it's really quite remote,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I'd probably say around...
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- 770.- OK.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47I think this is a hard one. They've spent a lot on the conversion,
0:38:47 > 0:38:53but considering what you've shown us before, where it had outbuildings as well,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I'll go for...760.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01So under your budget, but close to the top end.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Well, this property has been lovingly converted,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09and the price therefore is £795,000.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10Mm.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Yeah, I kind of expected it.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- I was being optimistic!- Optimistic.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22'Kesri and Paul have been bowled over by this barn conversion
0:39:22 > 0:39:28'and despite having lots more land than they asked for, they're still unsure if it would suit their needs.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32'Coming in under budget at £795,000, they would get...
0:39:42 > 0:39:46'with great potential for the horses and their business.'
0:39:46 > 0:39:53- It's a beautiful house. - The beams are amazing.- It's got everything we wanted in a house.
0:39:53 > 0:40:00- Open plan, lots of beams, beautiful kitchen You can imagine the kids here.- Yeah, sure.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I thought this was fantastic.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08It's definitely a home I could see us living in. I'd love to live here.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- What did you think about the land? - Well, there's a lot of it!
0:40:12 > 0:40:17It's a little hilly, but the amount of land is wonderful.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21But no barn for a training retreat, which is one of our key things.
0:40:21 > 0:40:28- It's a great area for the kids. - It would be nice if we could open it up a bit. Really lovely.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30You didn't gallop that far!
0:40:30 > 0:40:35You found a good area for the kids, but that's enough of this property.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37There is more to do. Come on.
0:40:44 > 0:40:50'Keeping horses is key to Paul and Kesri's move to the country and as they'll be looking to buy a horse,
0:40:50 > 0:40:57'we've arranged for them to meet Hannah Fenwick at the Arrow Equestrian Centre for some tips.'
0:40:57 > 0:41:03- I hear you're looking for a horse. - That's right. We know a lot about looking after horses,
0:41:03 > 0:41:10but we're scared about buying one. I wouldn't have a clue. And Paul would need to ride it as well.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14So something suitable for both of you to enjoy.
0:41:14 > 0:41:20So we'll whet your appetite. We've got a few horses to look at. Shall we go?
0:41:20 > 0:41:21Yeah.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26When buying a horse, it's important to consider the horse's personality,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29size and how easy they would be to train.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Today they'll look at two horses, starting with a thoroughbred.
0:41:33 > 0:41:39Hannah shows them how to check over the horse's condition, starting with a teeth check,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42for vital clues to its health and age.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- Some of the things we need to look at now is having a little look at his teeth.- Yeah.
0:41:48 > 0:41:54You can see through the length and shape that he's over 15.
0:41:54 > 0:42:00Then we want to have a look at his legs to see that they are nice and clean
0:42:00 > 0:42:05and he hasn't got any lumps and bumps and scars from old injuries
0:42:05 > 0:42:10that could cause a problem with long-term soundness.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14We can see that he's not as deep in the barrel as we hoped.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Whilst, Kesri, he would probably be a lovely ride for you,
0:42:18 > 0:42:22he may not ride big enough for Paul and take Paul's leg up.
0:42:22 > 0:42:28Next up, it's the Connemara Warmblood, which would be a good height for Paul to ride.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30The same things apply.
0:42:30 > 0:42:37When you go and see a horse, go for the first time to look on your own, get a feel for the horse.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43Then take somebody like myself or your trainer along.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48We might pick up things that you didn't. If you still like the horse,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50that's the time to get the vet out.
0:42:50 > 0:42:56- I think this one because of its size is probably more suitable for us. - Yeah, definitely.
0:42:56 > 0:43:02He's going to fulfil your requirements for both of you riding, more so than the thoroughbred.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06So shall we get him tacked up, then? Off we go.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10So time to see the horse in motion in the arena.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15As they might spend around £6,000 with an annual upkeep of £3,000,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17it's vital to back a winner.
0:43:17 > 0:43:23It's important that Kesri rides the horse to get an idea of how responsive he is to her.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28They will need to exercise their horse for around an hour a day
0:43:28 > 0:43:32riding the bridle ways and working the horse's skills.
0:43:32 > 0:43:38They'll also need to allow one and a half acres of land for each animal.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43With well over 2,000 horses rescued each year, owning a horse is a life-changing commitment
0:43:43 > 0:43:50and not a decision to be taken lightly. Now it's time to dismount as our house hunt continues.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57It's Mystery House time.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01And, yeah, I don't know how we're going to surprise you, Kesri.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06I know you've done a fair bit of research, so what would shock you?
0:44:07 > 0:44:09A totally modern house, maybe.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Or a house in a complex.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17Maybe you'll show us a totally derelict barn.
0:44:17 > 0:44:24'Well, Kesri, you could be right as our Mystery House is deceptive in more ways than one.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28'We're heading to the village of Pembridge, 7 miles from Leominster.
0:44:28 > 0:44:34'One of the celebrated stop-off points on North Herefordshire's village trail,
0:44:34 > 0:44:37'Pembridge is renowned for its medieval buildings.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42'But it's a working village with a farm shop and local primary school.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46'Our Mystery House is in keeping with the timber frame theme.'
0:44:46 > 0:44:53Unfortunately, it has started raining! But, yes, you should be happy. There are stables.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- This is the Mystery House. - Stunning.- Amazing.
0:44:57 > 0:45:03- I got a genuine "amazing" out of you!- That is beautiful. - Isn't it just?
0:45:03 > 0:45:06- We like!- "We like!" She likes.
0:45:07 > 0:45:14There's lots to love and it's raining, so let's get inside and have a look. Go on.
0:45:14 > 0:45:21'Only the core of this house is Tudor. The rest was carefully renovated and extended in 2001,
0:45:21 > 0:45:25'using reclaimed materials to blend in with the local architecture,
0:45:25 > 0:45:29'making a deceptively bright and spacious, characterful proposition.'
0:45:29 > 0:45:36- Right, let's get started. This is a proper kitchen. - Nice, open-plan, really big.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- A nice range over there. - That's right.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44Stonework that I know you like, beams, the sun room added on.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- Lovely views.- A teaser of the land outside.- Lovely.
0:45:48 > 0:45:54- I think it's great.- Stunning. A really big, nice, open space.
0:45:54 > 0:46:00- There's a lot here.- Beautiful. - A great kitchen, but there's so much more. Let's keep going.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05'Downstairs, there's also a home office to run their business from.
0:46:05 > 0:46:12'On the other side of this hallway is one of the two generous reception rooms with an inglenook fireplace.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16'We're going to look at the second one.'
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- Beautiful.- Stunning.
0:46:18 > 0:46:23Loads of character! More than we expected, really.
0:46:23 > 0:46:29- So far, so good.- Yeah.- Yeah. - Then let's get upstairs, then, and see the bedrooms.
0:46:29 > 0:46:36'With its light and spacious rooms, this house satisfies the demands of modern living and its heritage.'
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- Now...- Wow!
0:46:39 > 0:46:45- This is an amazing landing. - It really opens up up here.- Wow.
0:46:45 > 0:46:52- It's really wide and beautiful. - Like walking into a library. - A great use of this hall space.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- It's almost like another room.- Yeah.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59Let's check out the bedrooms. Come in to this one.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Beautiful.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05- Wow. That's a bed for a king. - It's a room fit for a king!
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Lots of beams. Beautiful.
0:47:08 > 0:47:13Love it. Every room has been full of character. That's the dream.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Come this way.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- Oh, my God.- Look at this!
0:47:18 > 0:47:23- Huge, wow. This is big enough to be a bedroom!- Another fantastic room.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27Stunning, really. A huge size. Lots of character.
0:47:27 > 0:47:33'This Jack and Jill bathroom leads through to one of the other three bedrooms, a large double,
0:47:33 > 0:47:36'again with those beautiful beams.
0:47:36 > 0:47:43'Off the landing, there's another double and a room currently set up as a study with an en suite WC
0:47:43 > 0:47:47'and shower. But there's also a bright, modern family bathroom.
0:47:47 > 0:47:54'After a resounding thumbs up on the house, we go outside to add even more mystery.'
0:47:54 > 0:47:58It's still threatening to rain, so let's keep these with us.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Here we are, outside now.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- It's a beautiful garden. Perfect for the kids, eh?- Yeah.
0:48:06 > 0:48:12It is, but before we talk about the garden, what I really want to show you is...this.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18- Does that come with the property? - A-ha! Now this is the Mystery House!
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- You want to run a training centre. - Mm-hm.- You were looking for a barn.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25We thought you could use that.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28Mystery, indeed! It looks stunning.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33- It's really beautiful. This is a twist to the tale.- It is.- Wow.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- Wow.- It's incredible. - A schoolhouse?
0:48:36 > 0:48:42There's a lot to it. It needs a lot of work. It's a good steady structure,
0:48:42 > 0:48:45but inside, this would be a project.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49- Up for it?- Mm-hm.- Absolutely. - Let's have a look.
0:48:49 > 0:48:56'They were happy to convert an outbuilding, but will this be too challenging
0:48:56 > 0:49:02'for our ex-property developers? Or will its potential get their creative juices flowing?'
0:49:02 > 0:49:09There's something great about it being a schoolhouse to do training in. It's just really good.
0:49:09 > 0:49:13'This Mystery House keeps on giving and there are more surprises.'
0:49:13 > 0:49:20Let's talk about some items on the landscape. Heated swimming pool, tennis court.
0:49:20 > 0:49:25- But, most importantly, how much land do you reckon you get?- 10 acres.
0:49:25 > 0:49:32- That would be nice, wouldn't it? - Yeah.- Shame. We're going to give you 17 if you buy this property!
0:49:32 > 0:49:33Wow.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39- It's fantastic land. Wow. - Beautiful.
0:49:39 > 0:49:44- And it's flat.- Stunning. - It's time to wander back that way
0:49:44 > 0:49:50and talk about how much it will cost. The final piece to this mystery puzzle.
0:49:50 > 0:49:56'So it's crunch time. How much do they think this amazing Mystery House is going for?'
0:49:57 > 0:50:04Right, that's the property. It is beautiful, but how much do you think it's all worth?
0:50:04 > 0:50:10I think this one's over budget. You're going to dangle a carrot and then...pull the rug out.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13I would say about...850.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18850 and I still think that's optimistic!
0:50:18 > 0:50:21- Go on, Paul.- I'll say 840.
0:50:21 > 0:50:27- So very close to Kesri's guess and over your budget?- Mm.
0:50:27 > 0:50:31Well, I'm not so mean as to dangle a carrot and snatch it away.
0:50:31 > 0:50:36The price of this property is £795,000.
0:50:36 > 0:50:37Wow.
0:50:38 > 0:50:43- Yeah.- Didn't expect that. - I didn't expect that.
0:50:43 > 0:50:50- Very beautiful.- Beautiful price? - Yeah, well...695 would have been great, but...
0:50:51 > 0:50:54There's no pleasing you two!
0:50:54 > 0:50:59'I think our Mystery House has challenged their preconceptions,
0:50:59 > 0:51:05'but will the redevelopment of the old schoolhouse be a project too far?
0:51:05 > 0:51:09'At £795,000, this is great value for money, offering them...
0:51:23 > 0:51:27'Plenty of space for the smallholding and their horses,
0:51:27 > 0:51:31'with the added extras of a tennis court and heated swimming pool.'
0:51:31 > 0:51:34It was certainly a mystery.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38We were really surprised. It's a stunning property.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43We never considered a Tudor-style property before, but it's fantastic.
0:51:43 > 0:51:48Every single room in the house had heaps of character.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52I felt the building was incredible of the old schoolhouse.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57I couldn't believe that it came with the property as well.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01From the outside it looked great. It needs loads of work inside.
0:52:01 > 0:52:08Whether Paul's up for that amount of work is a question, with the babies and everything.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12It's not like converting a barn. It's huge.
0:52:12 > 0:52:18I think that the school is a great opportunity. I think there is potential for us to develop that
0:52:18 > 0:52:25and it's something I could see myself doing. We were both in awe when we walked in
0:52:25 > 0:52:27and it's not easy to do that with Kesri!
0:52:27 > 0:52:32- I think it's an amazing property. - Character.- In every room. Beautiful.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36We didn't really ask for stables, but we want to keep horses,
0:52:36 > 0:52:40so having stables is great.
0:52:40 > 0:52:46A plus is we never considered having a swimming pool and a tennis court.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51That would be brilliant for Jaden and Kayla to get an active life.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55Hello, guys. There you go.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59I know you loved this house, but now it's time to sit down,
0:52:59 > 0:53:04- think about it and decide what to do next. Come on.- OK.
0:53:11 > 0:53:18Our house hunt has taken Paul and Kesri on a real journey and given them a host of options.
0:53:24 > 0:53:30It's decision time for Paul and Kes. There are definitely two strong contenders out of our properties.
0:53:30 > 0:53:37And the Mystery House is one. But which one will they go for? Let's find out.
0:53:37 > 0:53:43Hi, there. Kes, Paul, what a journey you've been on, trying to find a house in Herefordshire!
0:53:43 > 0:53:49We've seen a lot of property. Houses, outbuildings, land.
0:53:49 > 0:53:56- We started with the fairly modern barn conversion.- From the front, it looked amazing, really great.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00Once we entered the property, it was a little bit of a let down.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02A lot of the character was lost.
0:54:02 > 0:54:08- What did you think of the office building?- It would have been brilliant for us to work from home,
0:54:08 > 0:54:12but it lacked an outbuilding. It was too small.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16- Let's talk about the farmhouse. - The property was great.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20The dining room and lounge were absolutely amazing.
0:54:20 > 0:54:26The character was exactly what we were looking for and the grounds were wonderful.
0:54:26 > 0:54:32- It did have a lot of what we were looking for.- There was that huge industrial building at the back.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36We thought it would make a great indoor riding school,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40rather than a character building for the business.
0:54:40 > 0:54:46We want people to come over and have a great experience and it wouldn't be so memorable
0:54:46 > 0:54:49in an agricultural building.
0:54:49 > 0:54:57- Let's talk about the barn conversion.- It's so lovingly restored and the land was beautiful.
0:54:57 > 0:55:02- I could see our family living there. - There was nothing we would change.
0:55:02 > 0:55:10But it felt quite enclosed because there was elevated gardens all around the barn.
0:55:10 > 0:55:16- You felt quite closed in. You didn't get that feeling of country. - The land was very hilly and steep.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20It wasn't quite the land we need.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24So the Mystery property. Something you wouldn't have looked at.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27It really, really was stunning.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32It had everything and more. We never considered a tennis court and swimming pool.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36- It would be fantastic for the kids. - The house was perfect.
0:55:36 > 0:55:42For character, you couldn't ask for more. And size of rooms, the view...
0:55:42 > 0:55:48We've never been into a house where every room has a wow factor. Amazing. Out of this world.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52- And the surprise...- Yeah. - ..was the outbuilding.
0:55:52 > 0:56:00- The schoolhouse. - It has absolutely great potential. I loved the opportunity there.
0:56:00 > 0:56:06- Loved the land. Beautiful and flat and green. - Lovely land.- So what happens next?
0:56:06 > 0:56:10I think we'd want to do a bit more investigation on the last one.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14We don't really know that area so we'd investigate.
0:56:14 > 0:56:19You are very exact with your requirements, but this is a move for life.
0:56:19 > 0:56:24- Yeah, definitely. - I hope it's the Mystery House!
0:56:24 > 0:56:28Thank you very much for being with us.
0:56:28 > 0:56:34- Thank you for taking us on this journey. It's been amazing. - It's been a great experience.
0:56:38 > 0:56:44What a superb result! It looks like not only have we found the perfect family home for them,
0:56:44 > 0:56:49we've also found them a property to run the training business from
0:56:49 > 0:56:56and finally realise their dream of escaping to the country. I'll see you next time.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59If you would like to escape to the country and need our help,
0:56:59 > 0:57:02please apply online here:
0:57:15 > 0:57:19Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2011
0:57:21 > 0:57:23Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk