0:00:02 > 0:00:07I'm in a county that has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the British Isles.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10But it's not just the glory of this county's architecture that we're celebrating.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15It was also the home of Charles Rolls, one of the founders of Rolls-Royce,
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- the perfect vehicle to escape to the country in. Shall we, Anthony? - Let's go.- Very good, sir.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'In today's show, we'll be helping a mother and daughter
0:00:39 > 0:00:44'leave behind the toil of the city and escape to rural tranquillity.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- I'm speechless.- I don't think my purse is big enough!
0:00:47 > 0:00:52'I'll be taking them on a tour of some of the most tempting houses the area has to offer,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- 'and things aren't always quite what they seem.'- Ooh!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00'The final leg of our tour will deliver the mystery house,
0:01:00 > 0:01:07'a property that might not have been on their hit list, but I can't wait to see their reaction.'
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Well, today, I'm in Monmouthshire, basking in glorious sunshine
0:01:12 > 0:01:17and being driven around in this wonderful 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Anthony.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- What a wonderful car you have. - Thank you.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22You're a resident of Monmouthshire, aren't you?
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Yes, we've lived just down the road for 35 years and it's a wonderful county.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29If it's good enough for Anthony,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32the Romans and the Normans, it's good enough for me.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Monmouthshire plays host to a rich tapestry of landscape,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43from the rugged mountains in the north to the stunning views of the Wye Valley.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47At the southern end of the once volatile and bloody Welsh borders,
0:01:47 > 0:01:53the county has seen numerous battles, a past reflected in many of its magnificent castles.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57To the west of the county lies the market town of Abergavenny, often referred to
0:01:57 > 0:02:03as the gateway to the Brecon Beacons and framed by the dramatic mountains of the National Park.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Monmouthshire still has its share of English invaders
0:02:08 > 0:02:10looking for cheaper property and a rural lifestyle.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16And who can blame them when the first-class countryside provides their perfect haven?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23You know, when it comes to house-hunting in the British Isles,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26I really don't think you can do better than Monmouthshire.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31It combines lots of fantastic attributes, but all of that does come at something of a cost.
0:02:31 > 0:02:37When you compare the average detached price here to the rest of Wales, it's a whopping 36% above
0:02:37 > 0:02:39the average figure for the rest of the principality.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42However, compare that to both England and Wales,
0:02:42 > 0:02:43and your average detached
0:02:43 > 0:02:47will set you back a cool 2% below that national figure.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51So there are bargains to be had and if you want accessibility
0:02:51 > 0:02:52and beautiful rural charm,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54this really is a wonderful county to choose.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57To give you an idea of what I'm talking about,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00here are some examples of properties on the market right now.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03If you've got just shy of £1 million to spend,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05this recently-converted four-bedroom barn in Three Ashes
0:03:05 > 0:03:07is an interesting option.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09The architect has successfully achieved modern living
0:03:09 > 0:03:12whilst retaining the character of the structure.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15If those vaulted ceilings aren't to your liking
0:03:15 > 0:03:17and you fancy spending around 635,000,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21then this five-bedroom property in Langstone could do the job.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25It's a modern build, but does incorporate a country-style kitchen
0:03:25 > 0:03:28that blends with the more contemporary aspects of the house.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Or how about this three-bedroom former 18th-century flannel mill
0:03:32 > 0:03:35near Crickhowell, which has been beautifully converted.
0:03:35 > 0:03:42At 265 grand, the award-winning architect has presented luxury living in a riverside development.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47So if all of that has made you hot under the collar and contemplating a move to Monmouthshire,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51then that means you've probably got a lot in common with today's buyers,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54who can't wait to make their move to the country.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00Our buyer today is Sharon, a riding instructor who lives with her two daughters in Cardiff.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Art student Suzanne is joining her on the search, while younger daughter Faye is back at school.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Sadly, Sharon's husband Alan died just two years ago. It's been
0:04:08 > 0:04:12difficult time, but she now feels ready to sell the family home.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17I feel sad, but also excited at the thought of moving.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23Memories of my husband are still here but it's a good thing to move and have a fresh start.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28We moved here about 20 years ago and we paid 37,500 then.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32The property now has four bedrooms and a kitchen-diner,
0:04:32 > 0:04:38two reception rooms downstairs and an en suite, due to an extension we put on about eight years ago.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41With Suzanne at university in Cardiff, their new family home
0:04:41 > 0:04:45needs to be within commuting distance, and Monmouthshire is the ideal spot.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47The views are absolutely spectacular.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It's the most beautiful part of the world.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I'd be happy to move there, as long as we're not totally isolated.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58I've only been looking seriously the last six months and done a little bit of research,
0:04:58 > 0:05:02found a few houses but they're not really what I'm looking for.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05So what are the essential features that she's after?
0:05:05 > 0:05:09This room doesn't have an awful lot of character. The whole house doesn't, actually.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14What I would love is a house in the country that has more character than this.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16This is our kitchen and dining area.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21I really love to cook so in our next property, we'll probably want something around this size.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24This is the en suite to my bedroom. It's manic in the morning,
0:05:24 > 0:05:29with the three females in the house, so this would be a big plus to have.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34Sharon is a cat lover and wants to fulfil her dream of starting a cattery business.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37So adequate land is the key to this search.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40She's also hoping to buy a horse, so stables would be a bonus.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44With all this in mind, what's the final list looking like?
0:05:44 > 0:05:48My dream property would be a four-bedroom detached house with some character
0:05:48 > 0:05:52on the outskirts of a village or in a village, with some outbuildings,
0:05:52 > 0:05:57a couple of stables, couple of acres and a farmhouse kitchen.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01With property prices changing so quickly in the current market,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Sharon's keen to get an up-to-date valuation.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10It's a great property. It's got four bedrooms on the outskirts of Cardiff in a sought-after location.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It's well-presented.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15I'd look to market the property at £230,000.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I'm happy with the valuation.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Pleasantly surprised that it's come up to expectations. If the new property
0:06:24 > 0:06:26ticks practically all the boxes
0:06:26 > 0:06:32and has everything that I need, then I'm happy to go to £550,000.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38Suzanne is right behind her mum with the move, but are they after the same thing?
0:06:38 > 0:06:42I don't think it's going to be very easy to agree on a property.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Especially because I think we're going to have a different opinion on the age of the house.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52I like something a bit newer and I think my mum likes something a bit more that has character.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- So that'll be a bit of a mission. - Yes, it's going to be a real challenge.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05There's no doubt in my mind that this move could be an emotional wrench for Sharon.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10She's lived in her current home for over 20 years. But it's also an exciting challenge,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15an opportunity to find a new life, not just for her but for daughters Suzanne and Faye as well.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21We need at least four bedrooms and a big country kitchen but we're not just looking for a home.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24We also need a place that can operate as a business premises,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27somewhere outside for those new catteries to go up.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30And maybe space for the odd horse or two.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35We've got just over half a million quid to spend. We're in a great part of the country,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38some fantastic properties on offer. Let's see what we can find.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Sharon is keen to live in the Wye Valley,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45so our property search will focus on the area between Monmouth
0:07:45 > 0:07:47and Chepstow, where she and the girls
0:07:47 > 0:07:49can enjoy some stunning scenery.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Over two days, I'll be taking them on a grand tour of attractive properties
0:07:53 > 0:07:58and we may even stray over the border to view a house too good to turn down.
0:07:58 > 0:08:04And, of course, the final stop will be the mystery house, which always aims to offer the unexpected.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Well, Sharon, Suzanne, welcome to Monmouthshire.- Thank you. - Thanks you.- Yeah.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10This is a whole new chapter, Sharon, isn't it?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Because sadly, Alan, your husband, died pretty recently.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Yes. That's right. - Tell me about the cattery idea.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19My husband and I briefly talked about it before he died.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25But it'll bring, hopefully, an income for me and a new way of life. I need to move on.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Do you think you're likely to agree on the right sort of property?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I'll certainly know if Suzanne hasn't! That will be very obvious.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- But I think there are certain things we'll link up with.- Yeah, yeah.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- Without doubt. But she certainly isn't afraid to tell me when she doesn't like something.- No.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46We have got some wonderful properties for you to look at and one or two other surprises.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- So I'm quite excited about this. - OK.- Yeah, me too.- Thank you.- Come on.
0:08:53 > 0:08:59So Sharon has £550,000 to spend on a new home for her and her daughters.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05She's looking for four bedrooms, a farmhouse kitchen, enough land to develop a cattery business,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09subject to planning permission, and if possible, space for a horse too.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16Now, was it always the case that you would try and stay in Wales, do you think?
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Yeah, pretty much.- Yeah.- I wouldn't want to move out of Wales
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and I've got very patriotic daughters so life wouldn't be worth living...
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I really want to stay in Wales.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Now do you think that moving and taking on a new business
0:09:29 > 0:09:34to try and fund that move all at once is a bit of a gamble?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Yes, it's daunting but it's very exciting.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40We've got some interesting ones for you to look at, so fingers crossed.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Our first house for cat lover Sharon is in the appropriately-named Catbrook,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47which sits halfway between Monmouth and Chepstow.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51It's a quiet backwater that is really no more than a cluster of houses,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55but it is just a stone's throw from Tintern, which has
0:09:55 > 0:09:58a few amenities and enjoys a beautiful riverside position.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Let's stop here and take it all in.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03What are your first impressions of that?
0:10:03 > 0:10:08This sort of location and look is one of the things that went through my mind.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Now you're very much into country, character cottage.- Yes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15You, on the other hand, uber-young groover that you are,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17are looking for something more slick and contemporary, aren't you?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- Yes.- How are you balancing what Mum wants to what you think?
0:10:22 > 0:10:28Erm, I'm just going to have to have a look inside and just... I'll get used to it, eventually.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Come on.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Right, let's start in here.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Come on in, Sharon.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40This is the conservatory. There is another door
0:10:40 > 0:10:44but we thought we'd start in here because you've got the views of the outside.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46That's lovely. Lovely spot.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- I like these.- The beams?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Yes, the beams. I'm loving those.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Really?- Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55That's a lovely feature, I like the skylights.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00Now off the conservatory is this, a kind of reception area/dining room.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Very much the centre of the house.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08The whole room is lovely. I didn't want dark beams, I like these because they're light.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10The good news is, it's linked into the kitchen.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Come and tell me what you think of this.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15I think it's rather sweet, actually.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Aw.- Oh, that is sweet.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18I love the floor.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Yes, this is Italian. - Is it? Lovely, isn't it?
0:11:21 > 0:11:25It blends really well. It's a lovely kitchen.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- This is all hand-built, which is really nice.- Is it?
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- Yes.- It's lovely, yes.- None of your flat-pack.- The flat-pack!
0:11:33 > 0:11:38The wood is good and the doors being wood is lovely as well. It's a lovely feature.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43'This isn't a bad start at all. Off the kitchen is a reasonable-sized room
0:11:43 > 0:11:48'which I think would make an ideal office for the cattery business, next to which is the utility room.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52'But let's have a look at the lounge.'
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Now, what do you think of this, I wonder?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- I actually really like this. - Charming!
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Yes.- Yes? Now this is the old, original part of the house.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03You've got a lovely, great big multi-fuel wood-burner.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- That's very nice.- Which is going to really make this cosy.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Well, it does, it does.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12I love the fact that there's a feature wall there.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- I love that. Really, really nice. - Again, it's such a big room.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19You could even think about a little dining area there.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Yes, because of the shape of it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27This is, I think, yes, my favourite room so far, I think.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28- HE LAUGHS - Good. Hurrah!
0:12:28 > 0:12:34Well, it looks like the living room has got the nod from the girls.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41The first two would be ideal for Suzanne and her younger sister, Faye.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Then there's the recently-installed family bathroom.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Next to which is something for Mum.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Right, Sharon, this is all about you.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54This is a lovely little spot.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Oh, gosh. This is a haven.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I do like this, because downstairs, I was thinking,
0:12:59 > 0:13:06"There's a weighing room and where will the girls go or I go if we want our separate TV stuff?"
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Well, this suits me.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- So, you've got your own little suite.- Yes, suite.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Through here is the master bedroom, have a look at this.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I think it's really sweet, actually.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Oh, gosh. That is sweet!
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Yes?
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Yes.- You've got a little en suite, have a look. En suite through there.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Poke your head in.- That's gorgeous.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29There's lovely. There's a shower there. Nice, modern feel to it.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35- It's a lovely room.- Good.- I love the fact there's windows on both sides because it's a corner piece.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- That's a lovely thing.- Wake up in here. Sound of your horses...
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- Oh, well, you can't beat that. - ..neighing in the distance.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- "Where's my breakfast?"- Yeah! - HE LAUGHS
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Talking of the horses, it's time to head outside.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52If Sharon wants stables, then she's got them.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Two, in fact, built within the last six years, and that's not all.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02As you can see, outside, it's pretty well-appointed, I think, for what you want to do.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Here, we've got this schooling area, I would say.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Your boundary is that post-and-rail fence.
0:14:08 > 0:14:14It's not acres, but the current owner rents a couple of acres down the road.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16That's what we'd need to do, yes.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19I like that the woods are there for the riding.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22That would be superb. I'm wondering where my cattery would go.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23I would guess, potentially...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I looked at that, on the left?
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- Up there. Where you've got the back end of the garden. - That's where I thought.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37Not to put a damper on things, we do need to talk about the money. You've got 550,000 quid.
0:14:37 > 0:14:43- What's it worth?- I think probably about 495?- Mm-hmm...
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I reckon maybe a little bit less.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47475?
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Really? Do you now?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Well...
0:14:51 > 0:14:54You're right. You're absolutely spot-on.
0:14:54 > 0:15:00- Am I really?- Yes, £495,000. - I'm amazed at that. OK. Good!
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That is good, is it?
0:15:02 > 0:15:07Yes, it is because there's a bit left, because I need to fund the cattery,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- so, yes, definitely.- Go and have an explore. I'll catch you later.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14There we are, £495,000. Now, we are in Monmouthshire.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19It's not the cheapest county in the world but this is a place
0:15:19 > 0:15:22well worth living in and that, as a house,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24is definitely well worth living in.
0:15:25 > 0:15:31So, Sharon's guess for this country cottage was spot on at £495,000.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37For that, she would get two reception rooms, three bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39two stables and a manege
0:15:39 > 0:15:43and sufficient land on which she could build the cattery business.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47This room, I love. I don't know about you.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Yes, yes. I didn't think there would be a lot I would change about it.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55First reaction, it looks charming, it looks full of character.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00I think there would just about be space for a cattery. So, there's a lot of possibilities here.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05It's exciting, because the more I look, the more I see chances to do what I want.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Suze, what d'you think of this size room?- It is quite small.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The house isn't massive though, is it?
0:16:12 > 0:16:15I mean, they're practical-sized rooms but they're not huge rooms.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18And we've got lovely window view areas.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I don't think Faye will...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Worry about that.- No, no.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27It's a little bit smaller than I think what we were looking for.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Although I think I'd be happy living here.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32I think Faye would be happy living here as well.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36For Faye, having the horses nearby would be a plus, because she said,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39"It would be great to open the back door
0:16:39 > 0:16:43"and the horse would be there." That might sway it for her.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48I'm just admiring your view. Maybe. Will it be your view? Who knows?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50They don't come much better than that one.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Hopefully this has whetted your appetite.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54- Definitely, yes.- Good.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59The sun's still shining, let's see what else we can find. Come on.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Sharon and Suzanne are eager to get to grips with the area,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12so they're stepping out to explore the county town of Monmouth.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18Sitting in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley, this attractive Georgian market town is rich in history.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Its position on the navigable River Wye meant it flourished as a wealthy
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- trading town from the Middle Ages onwards.- Quite quaint, isn't it?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Different to where we are now.- Yes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I like it. I think it's smashing.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36A number of impressive bridges span the River Wye, no more so than the Monnow Bridge.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42Dating from the 13th century, it's unique and is the only fortified bridge in Britain.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Towards the south end of the river is Tintern,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50home to the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Built in 1131, they were home to Cistercian monks, whose strict principles
0:17:54 > 0:18:00led them to becoming one of the most successful orders of the 12th and 13th centuries.
0:18:00 > 0:18:07- What do you imagine then? Is living here OK?- Yes, after some time to get used to it, I might be able to.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09It's beautiful scenery around here.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- It's just gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19We're heading up to Mitchel Troy for an our next house, which is just a couple of miles south of Monmouth.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Nearby Dingestow would be the place for last-minute essentials,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27a drink with friends or for taking strolls along the River Trothy.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32This next house sits high up and is approached via an attractive path.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Now then. What about that?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Well, that's gorgeous.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Yes?- That's a lovely front, yes. Very, very nice.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Originally, it's thought it was an old coaching inn.
0:18:46 > 0:18:54I think this is somewhere that entertains the kind of long game for you and your future plans.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- In terms of land, there is plenty of it, that's all I'm going to say. - OK. That's exciting!
0:18:59 > 0:19:05We'll explore that later, but you're perched up here on this hill with views of Monmouthshire.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- What a spot.- The "wow" factor.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11From where I can see, just that little bit, it's beautiful.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Wait till you the see inside. Come and have a look at this.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20What a place to explore this is.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26Come on in, you can see this hallway betrays some of the age of the place.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Yes.- Big beams that greet you and the old oak staircase.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- That's actually quite quaint, that. - But you wanted a nice big kitchen.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Yes.- Come and have a look at this.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Oh...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- That's amazing.- It's huge.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Absolutely huge.- I love it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47This beam's OK...
0:19:47 > 0:19:53- I love the beams as well and I like the old cooker.- That's incredible.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57You've got some lovely features, I love the shutters, the window seat...
0:19:57 > 0:19:58The window seat's lovely.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01I hate to keep saying "lovely"
0:20:01 > 0:20:04but I don't know what else to say. I'm gobsmacked.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- It's a good Welsh word, isn't it, "lovely"?- "Lovely", I can say it better! Lovely.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12'If Sharon is looking for character
0:20:12 > 0:20:16'then there is a feature in the next room that should blow her away.'
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- In you go.- OK.- Check that out.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Oh my word, how big is this?!
0:20:21 > 0:20:27- Oh, my goodness.- Oh, blimey, that's a fireplace. And it's on.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- So welcoming.- Yes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:36- It's lovely.- I just like that there's sort of somewhere else to dine other than in the kitchen.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40The windows are just gorgeous. They make it for me, that.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41The windows are really something.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46Brilliant. Well, no surprise that these two rooms being so enormous,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49the kitchen and the living room/dining room,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52that's pretty much it for the downstairs of this property.
0:20:52 > 0:20:59- But it does go on up over another two floors.- Two floors? - Yes, come and have a look at this.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02'This room certainly seems to have grabbed them.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04'Let's see how they get on with upstairs.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10'At the top is the first of two bathrooms, which has a country look about it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12'Then there are three bedrooms, also on this floor.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17'The first two are roughly the same size and then I think there is one
0:21:17 > 0:21:19'that Sharon should grab for herself.'
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- This would give you as much room as you could need. - That's gorgeous. What a lovely size.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- This is over the kitchen, I suppose. - Exactly. Now with all this space, the obvious thing
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- that it doesn't have is an en suite. - Yes, yes, that is a missing part.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38It's a nice extra. But it wouldn't stop me, if I loved the house enough, going for the house.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- It wouldn't be that much of an issue. - So this could be you, all right?
0:21:43 > 0:21:47In terms of the rest of it, two final bedrooms are right at the top
0:21:47 > 0:21:51of the house and I'm thinking that's for your daughters.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Oh, what a good idea.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- We can shut you away.- Shut them away!
0:21:56 > 0:22:01'Now this is a space that I think two teenage girls are going to love.'
0:22:01 > 0:22:03This is the top floor.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07This is your domain and your kid sister's.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Come in here. Tell me what Faye would think of this.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- In here.- Oh, my goodness!
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Oh, my goodness! This is... I just love it here.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- You're like I was in kitchen speak, aren't you?- Yes, I love it here.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25There's also a huge dormer window there.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27I love the window seat.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29That's a lovely feature.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34You're Faye's ambassador here on this journey, so you speak for Faye.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Yes, she loves it. She loves it, I've decided for her.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- All right, let's find somewhere for you. Come on.- You're in trouble!
0:22:43 > 0:22:49So, back across the landing to your room, Suzanne, but on the way,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- girlie bathroom.- Aw, that's cute.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Shower room for you.- Brill.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- But what about this?- That's lovely.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57Yes, love it.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59It's lovely. It's a very charming room.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Yes, I absolutely love it.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05Is this surprising you, Sharon, as much as it's surprising me?
0:23:05 > 0:23:10Very much. I'm absolutely amazed that she likes it this much because I felt
0:23:10 > 0:23:16that I was the one really for this and Suzanne's with me but needed to be convinced.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- She's ahead of me now. - I love the thought of having this floor as well.- You see.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- That's what it is, isn't it? That's what's done it.- No, not just this. The kitchen, everything.
0:23:26 > 0:23:33'Suzanne's face says it all, but as ever, it's Mum that will have to get the chequebook out
0:23:33 > 0:23:37'and it's the outdoor space that will make or break this deal.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Now, out here, in total, you've got four acres.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Four acres?- Four acres.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- Oh, my God.- Oh, right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48You've got those three purpose-built stables.
0:23:48 > 0:23:55- They're nice.- Paddock over here and everything that goes down, through those trees and down to a little dip
0:23:55 > 0:24:00at the bottom and I think a little brook runs through there as well.
0:24:00 > 0:24:06Come on. Let's continue our little wander because I don't know, look at the light, it's just glorious.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08There's Monmouthshire.
0:24:08 > 0:24:14- It's lovely and high, isn't it? You can get a lovely feeling of height. That's so pretty.- Yep.
0:24:14 > 0:24:20- So, do we like it, Suzanne? - Yes, Faye says she likes it too. - Faye hasn't had a word yet.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Hang on a minute, have you got an ESP link with her, or something?
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- She likes it, yes. - You've decided?- Yes. - Right. Let's get down to it then.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32What do you think this is going to cost you?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I think it must be my budget.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I think it must be 550.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38It's got to be 550.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- OK, Suzanne?- I think it's way over.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I think it's more like 600.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46I think it's way over.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50If it was 600, would you be able to persuade your mother to buy it?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Maybe, I'm not sure.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Because that's the thing.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- It is 599.- Oh right, I was a bit out on that one then.
0:24:58 > 0:25:05- Now, we've shown it to you because my sense is that it may be achievable for your budget.- OK.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- Offers in the region of.- OK.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- All right?- Yes.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Go and explore. Have a look and see,
0:25:11 > 0:25:18- forget the money for a minute, just go and see what you get. Off you go. - OK. Thank you.- See you later.- OK.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Although this house is on the market for £599,000,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25I think there's a chance, in the current climate,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28that an offer within Sharon's budget may be accepted.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33There's a lounge with an enormous feature stone fireplace, five bedrooms,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35three stables and four acres,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39allowing plenty of room for Sharon to build the cattery business.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42What do you think Faye would think of this?
0:25:42 > 0:25:48- She'd be wowed by it.- It's a bit idyllic, isn't it?- Yes, definitely.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I thought this house was absolutely stunning.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Just the whole sort of scenery around it, all the trees
0:25:54 > 0:25:58and everything, set the scene for it really well.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01I think this house is charming. It's a lovely house.
0:26:01 > 0:26:07For me, there's things do in there and I have to have the money for this cattery. I can't stress that enough.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I have to separate the "wow" factor with the practical sense,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13which is not what Suzanne has to do.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14You love it, don't you?
0:26:14 > 0:26:18I think it is lovely. But I've got to get that cattery up and running,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20so I've got to think about that. You're wowed!
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- I am.- You've got stars in your eyes.
0:26:23 > 0:26:29Yeah. I think you should too, because, you know, this house isn't going to be around for long.
0:26:29 > 0:26:35You know, when the sun's out, there's nothing better than showing beautiful houses.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Just like this one. All done?- Yes.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- OK?- Yes. OK.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- Made your minds up yet?- No.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Good. Well, I'm glad to hear it, because there's plenty more to see.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Come on.
0:26:54 > 0:27:00One of the quickest ways to sell a house in a slow-moving market is at auction.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04If Sharon doesn't have any luck selling hers, it might be a good idea,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07so I'm taking her to a local auction in Usk.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12Before we get under way, I'm stealing a chat with auctioneer Mike Davis.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14What are the real advantages?
0:27:14 > 0:27:18You get a definite result on the night.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20It also gives you competition amongst purchasers,
0:27:20 > 0:27:24which will realise the best price for the property.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29Can you give us your top tip for anybody buying or selling at auction?
0:27:29 > 0:27:34When you go to auction, you must set your limit, and not get carried away
0:27:34 > 0:27:39with the auction and pay more than you can afford for the property.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Sound advice. As we head into the auction room,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45we're joining Andy Lusk, who will be bidding on one of the lots.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Are you sure you want to spend all this money?
0:27:48 > 0:27:51I'm not sure I wanted to spend all this money,
0:27:51 > 0:27:56but I do want one of these barns. I've got to stick to the limit in my head.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Yes. The auction is about to start. Let's see how we get on.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04If Andy gets the property, he will need to pay 10% of the price
0:28:04 > 0:28:08this evening and will have just four weeks to meet the balance.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Lot two at Little Castle Farm. 80,000 to start. 70 then.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Thank you, 70,000 is bid. At 80,000.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17At 80,000. At 90,000.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21100 bid. At 100. At 100,000. At 105. Far away, my bid.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24At 110. At 110. At 110.
0:28:24 > 0:28:2912. At 112. 14, do you want, then? At 114.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33At 115. At 115,000. Once, twice...
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- Thank you, sir.- What a shame.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Andy didn't get it.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44I knew I could go to 110. I think I bid to 114 and was outbid at 115, wasn't I? Yes.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49That's the other thing, because your adrenaline is running so you can barely hear what's going on.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53But, yes, so I thought, "All right, I'm pushing to 15% over the limit."
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Well, it's all good fun but it is business after all,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and Andy was probably wise sticking to his limit.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Well, as you can see, the sun is setting
0:29:06 > 0:29:08on our first day's house-hunting with Sharon and Suzanne.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13I think today has been very successful and has thrown up one or two quite interesting ideas.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18Suzanne is very taken with the properties in a way neither I nor her mother really expected.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23But, of course, as they say, tomorrow is another day, and it's all to play for.
0:29:26 > 0:29:32As day one of our search draws to a close, Sharon and Suzanne take stock of the search so far.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37What do you think of the house with the manege, Suze?
0:29:37 > 0:29:42It didn't quite do it for me. The size might have been a factor.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47But it did have a really nice, cosy feel about it, especially with the front room.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51We could possibly run a cattery from there. What do you think Faye would think of that?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53She would like the manege.
0:29:53 > 0:30:01- Do you think she'd like the size of the bedroom she would be in? Too small?- Yeah, a little bit too small.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The house we saw, the old coaching inn, what did you think of that?
0:30:04 > 0:30:08I loved it. Everything from the outside looked stunning.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10The kitchen was lovely. I loved it.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12That was a wow factor. That kitchen was gorgeous.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15And the fireplace in the main living room.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18What do you think Faye would think about upstairs?
0:30:18 > 0:30:24Yeah. I don't think she would be disappointed at all living there.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28It's got plenty of room for you to sort of run your cattery.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30I'm sure it's worth every bit,
0:30:30 > 0:30:32but the price was more than I could really afford.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37That's my main concern. So you looking forward to tomorrow? I am.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Because that's really giving me a clearer picture of what
0:30:41 > 0:30:44more to look for, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It'll be good.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Sharon and her daughter Suzanne are scouring Monmouthshire in search of
0:30:55 > 0:30:58a new home with enough land for a cattery business.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03They have a budget of £550,000, but that does need to include business start up costs.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07So far, they have viewed two houses and coming up,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- a house that won't disappoint. - Oh, it's stunning.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11- It's beautiful. - Yeah?- Yes.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- Absolutely beautiful.- I love it.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- And a mystery house that leaves Sharon speechless.- Oh.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Stop laughing at me, will you!
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Well, it's the start of day two and yesterday's sunshine
0:31:30 > 0:31:32has given way to this - a real pea souper.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Thick fog everywhere.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Now, yesterday I think Sharon and Suzanne
0:31:37 > 0:31:40were inspired by what they saw, but I do think their dream house
0:31:40 > 0:31:42is still out there as far as they're concerned.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Today we have it all to play for.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Two more to come, of course, not least of which the mystery house,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50which as you would expect is very, very different.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52We just have to find it.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Somewhere. In the gloom.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Our first house this morning is in Bigsweir,
0:32:03 > 0:32:05which lies over the border in England.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Llandogo just over the road sits on a steep hillside overlooking
0:32:09 > 0:32:12the River Wye and offers a local pub and village store.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It's a tranquil haven that seems miles away
0:32:15 > 0:32:17from the stresses of every day life.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20The next house is a little unusual.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22So here goes.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24THEY LAUGH
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Very interesting. - Gorgeous.- It looks lovely.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28I love the different levels already from here.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32I'm glad you said that, because that's what this place is all about - levels.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35As you can see, we're built on to the side of a hill,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37but it's designed in a way
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- to make the best of the view over that way.- Right.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- Now, have you figured out where we are yet?- One side of the river.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- We're on one side of the river. - Which side?
0:32:46 > 0:32:48We're on the English side.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Oh, no! Suzanne! Oh.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Well, let's see what you think. Come on, follow me.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57I admire your patriotism Suzanne, but from here at least
0:32:57 > 0:33:01you will get a cracking view of Wales, and just to be different,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I'm going to start this tour upside down.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Right.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Now, this place is currently run as a B&B.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13- OK.- All right? But I'm assured it is the best in the area.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15It has a five-star rating.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19But we will start upstairs, slightly unusually, and work our way back.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25So this is not the very top of the house. The rest is up there.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27There is more to come. Wow.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- But you've got a very nice double in there.- That's lovely. Very nice.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33- Yeah?- Yes. I love that.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Come in here, because this is quite interesting.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Family bathroom, but very much the one that's attached to that room.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42That's really big. Oh, I love this.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45That's a beautiful bathroom. Very well done.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Nice big shower room too over there.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- That's gorgeous. - Really nice bathroom.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54So it's full marks for the bathroom,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Up on to the top floor, there is another double bedroom.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02A single bedroom and the luxury of another bathroom.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06The many levels of this house could offer Suzanne and her sister Faye
0:34:06 > 0:34:09a floor each and, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Mum.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Now it's back to the ground floor.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Right. Now. Some living accommodation.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Very cosy. Oh, I like the log burner.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- Yes?- Yes, that's lovely, and the fireplace.- Oh, it's stunning.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26- Really cosy.- And this room kind of flows on, because here you have the main dining area for the property.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- That's very pretty.- Again, presented in a really sweet way.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- Um...- Yes.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Go on, go and explore. Off you go.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- Oh, wow!- What a view.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Oh, it's stunning.- It's beautiful.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42- Yes?- Absolutely beautiful.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- I love it.- Can you imagine sitting out here with your gin and tonic?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Very easily. I'd never get up. That's the trouble.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53But also here is the kitchen, just off the dining room.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Come and look at this.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Staircase, leading to more surprises.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Look at that.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Now, the kitchen.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04Oh, it's beautifully done.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08All the decor is lovely. You could live with this. Well, I could.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09You could just walk in here.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12It's lovely, it's very stylish. I like the floor.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Yeah, I like the fact the floor follows through there.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It goes all the way through to the living room and so forth.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23It's just a different style to what we've been seeing and I have to get my head round it.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25'The kitchen isn't the biggest,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29'but it's a small price to pay for the rest of this gorgeous house.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31'But now for the basement,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35'and we get to that via a spiral staircase from the dining room.'
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Oh, wow!
0:35:38 > 0:35:39A TV on the wall.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43This is a delightful room. Oh, look at the windows again.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Fireplace as well.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47The log burner is gorgeous.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Look at all the books. I never noticed that.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Computer by there. - You could have a little study area, couldn't you, there.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I think this is you.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00I'd like it down here. We could have our own TV sessions separately.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Now, there's one thing we haven't found yet.- Your bedroom.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Oh.- Yeah. Come with me.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Come over here.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Oh, yes.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Come here. Come here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- Push that.- You're pulling my leg. - Push that.- Push this?- Yeah.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23THEY LAUGH
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Oh. Oh my God.
0:36:26 > 0:36:32- This is amazing.- What a lovely room, but I thought you were just joking.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- That is brill. - That's an amazing feature.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37It's so realistic, isn't it.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- This is definitely my bit. - I love this place.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43And if one secret door wasn't enough, have a look at this one,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47because you have some built in storage there.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- But in here, your en-suite. - It's very roomy.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I love the stone on the stone floor. This floor.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59It comes through all the way, but this is a nice spacious area.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02'That room certainly got the reaction I was looking for
0:37:02 > 0:37:05'and outside there are more surprises.'
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- Look, it's a hydropool. - What? Oh, Suzanne, look.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- I've never seen anything like this. - What is it?
0:37:12 > 0:37:17The way it works is, it pumps water at you through those big jets and you swim against it.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19It's like a water treadmill.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24All of this slides back, so it becomes open.
0:37:24 > 0:37:25- I see, for nice weather.- Yeah.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Great fun that, but it also allows us to get a real sense of how this
0:37:29 > 0:37:32property works, because you couldn't really see it on the way in.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- Not at all.- But there it is.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36That's a lovely looking thing.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- What do you think, Suzanne? - It's absolutely stunning.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42I've fallen in love with it.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46'Clearly Suzanne doesn't need any more convincing,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50'but I haven't forgotten Sharon still needs space for the cattery.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55'Just to the side of the house is an out building which could be a good starting point for the business.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59'All in all this house sits on two acres of land, with staggering
0:37:59 > 0:38:02'views of the river and their native Wales beyond.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04'And there is even more.'
0:38:04 > 0:38:08You've also got a couple of stables.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Oh, you're joking. I don't believe it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I'm saying there's nowhere for a horse here.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- I'm speechless.- I don't think my purse is big enough.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24Well, let's have a think, shall we, because currently you've got £550,000 stuffed into it.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28How much of that are you going to have to take out, to get this, do you think?
0:38:28 > 0:38:32OK, off the top of my head, 595 I think it has to be.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Yes, I'm round about the same.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38It was on the market for a figure in that order.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41The good news, however, is that it has been reduced.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46- Right.- To 539.- Good grief.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51That's done her now. she's gone. Has it?
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Don't forget you have an established B&B here. It's well-known.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57It's well rated.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58This is a business ready to go.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Which is a very attractive offer.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- It gives you options.- It does.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06All your eggs won't be in one basket when it comes to the cattery.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07OK.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- Go and have a look round. - OK.- Go and explore.- OK.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12And I'll see you later.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17At £539,000, this property is comfortably within their budget,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and although it's in England, it has everything they're looking for.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23There are four bedrooms, with a master en suite.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27An outbuilding for starting the cattery business, two stables,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31and it all sits on a two acre plot with first class views.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33I was convinced there wouldn't be any stables.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37I couldn't see any more space, but it's fitted in really well.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40It's far away from the house, but you can keep an eye on them.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43I thought it was absolutely stunning.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47I think they would be shocked by this house.
0:39:47 > 0:39:54The pool you know would be a huge bonus for her, the size of the rooms are also perfect for the both of us.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56A lovely, lovely house.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58The view is stunning.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02B&B potential as well which is something I hadn't actually fully considered.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07The cattery, I'm still focused on that idea, that is my reason
0:40:07 > 0:40:09and there is potential to still do that here.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- And there's stables. - The whole house works really well.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16It's got everything that you've asked for really.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- That's true.- So many extra features as well which work
0:40:20 > 0:40:24really well with the house, just an extra bonus really, aren't they?
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I agree with you. There's lots you could do. Yeah, definitely.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30I got quite excited at the thought of the price.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33I've got to think very carefully about that now.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37You know, there are days when I love by job and this is one of them.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Turned out nice, really. Hello.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- Hi, how are you?- How about it?
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- Yes, lovely. - Am I going to have to drag you out of here with a team of horses?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Possibly. We'll have the horses back.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56- It's a lovely property and the price reduction is very attractive. - It's good.- Yeah.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Don't make up your minds just yet because there is one more to come, the mystery house.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- Yes.- Will that throw a spanner in the works, I wonder.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Probably knowing the way you seem to be doing things, yes.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Let's see, come on.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17With its towering castles and impressive churches,
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Monmouthshire has a plethora of majestic stained-glass windows.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Since Victorian times, stained glass has become more popular
0:41:25 > 0:41:27and can look great in private homes.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31As Sharon and Suzanne are both enthusiastic artists
0:41:31 > 0:41:33and keen to flex their creative muscles,
0:41:33 > 0:41:35we've arranged for them to meet Bruce May
0:41:35 > 0:41:39who owns a local stained glass studio to find out more.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Bruce has been making stained glass for 30 years.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Much of his work involves restoration of traditional windows
0:41:45 > 0:41:49but a large part of his business includes private commissions for homes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53Oh, gosh, its gorgeous.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55This is a coloured glass window.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59This is made up of individual pieces of glass
0:41:59 > 0:42:02that are held together within a lead framework.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04This is coloured glass.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Yes.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09This is stained glass. On this one you can see all the different
0:42:09 > 0:42:13coloured pieces of glass have been cut and leaded together,
0:42:13 > 0:42:18- but before you lead it together you actually paint detail on to it.- Right.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Lesson over, it's time for the girls to have a go.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26First the shape is drawn on a piece of paper.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Than the glass is scored with a tungsten wheel and then snapped.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30Press hard.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33That's it.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35We just do that sort of action.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- There you go.- Oh.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- That's it, just bend it. There you go.- Oh, wow.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Once all the glass has been cut, it's
0:42:42 > 0:42:45laid out on the template and farrier nails are used to hold it in place.
0:42:45 > 0:42:50The lead frames are then cut to size.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52And placed to join the glass shapes.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Just slide it back in.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Finally the joins are soldered to bind them together.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02Then you'll end up eventually with one of those for your front door.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- It's lovely. Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:43:05 > 0:43:11Now Sharon and Suzanne have a memento of Monmouthshire to take with them to their new home.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13What a view, you can't beat it.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17Wales bathed in glorious, hazy sunshine.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21So far we've concentrated on properties that are full of good old-fashioned rural charm
0:43:21 > 0:43:27and character particularly with Sharon in mind, but now it's time for the mystery house.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31We often talk about houses with kerb appeal, but how about something for
0:43:31 > 0:43:34the younger generation, something with a bit of property bling.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39What do you think
0:43:39 > 0:43:42would make a good mystery house, Sharon?
0:43:42 > 0:43:46Probably one that throws me into total chaos, I would imagine.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49This one is very different to anything that we have shown you.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53I can't wait to see what Suzanne thinks of it.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57That's all I'm saying.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01Suzanne will be delighted to know that we've headed back
0:44:01 > 0:44:07into Wales for the mystery house which is in Blaenavon, six miles from the market town of Abergavenny.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Now a World Heritage Site, Blaenavon was well known
0:44:10 > 0:44:13for its iron ore and coal. The ironworks date back to 1789
0:44:13 > 0:44:16and were one of the largest in the world.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21The remains, along with that of an old coal mine, stand testament to the heritage of the area.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24This final house is a real wild card,
0:44:24 > 0:44:28but, after all, that is exactly what the mystery house is all about.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34So this is really with your daughter in mind.
0:44:34 > 0:44:39It doesn't come much slicker or more contemporary than this.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42There is a remote control for literally everything.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45What do you think Suzanne? It's all about you.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48Well, exactly what I'm looking for.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Right, come on then, let's have a look.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57Come on in.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59Look at the walls!
0:45:04 > 0:45:07Stop laughing at me, will you.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10The staircase is absolutely amazing.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14- Yes.- Have a guess at what it would cost you to buy a staircase at like?
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I'm going to say something silly like 10 grand, but I'm sure it isn't.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- Treble it. - You're joking! I wasn't so silly.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22Oh, my God!
0:45:22 > 0:45:28Come through here because the whole thing works, kind of very open plan, in the round, as it were.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31This is your principal living area.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34Look at the fire.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36It's actually remote control.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38That is a feature.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43It's beautiful. It's a bit like being in a cell, you can't hear anything.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45- You're shut right off. - But a nice cell.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47- It's a beautiful cell. - You're not in solitary.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50It's not padded!
0:45:50 > 0:45:55Come through here because the open-plan thing is quite exciting, huge doors out there.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57Look at the windows above the doors.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00Doors out to the garden which we'll explore a bit later.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04Then here something of a dining area underneath this enormous staircase.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07It's amazing. I have not seen anything like that.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10Come and look at this, the kitchen is one of the high points of this place.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13I love glossy worktops, it's got all the reflection.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16- All the light is in here.- You got loads of a storage under here,
0:46:16 > 0:46:19these lovely stainless-steel drawers.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21Yeah. As islands go...
0:46:21 > 0:46:23This is some island.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26This is a continent not an island. It's amazing.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28It's gorgeous.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32Now tell me, Suzanne, what are you thinking?
0:46:32 > 0:46:37It's absolutely stunning, but I couldn't see myself living here at all.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- Really?- No.- How come?
0:46:39 > 0:46:43I wouldn't want to spoil anything.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- What would Faye think? - I think she'd like it.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- I think she'd like it more than me. - Yeah.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51'I don't believe it.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54'I thought this house would be right up Suzanne's street.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56'Still, there's plenty more to see.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00'Next to the kitchen is a utility area and also a cloakroom,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03'but we're heading up that £30,000 staircase.'
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- That's lovely. - Yes.- Yeah. Lovely light.
0:47:09 > 0:47:14Needless to say all of the blinds and shutters are remote control.
0:47:14 > 0:47:15You would need long arms, wouldn't you.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18The only thing that isn't remote is cleaning them.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Let's have a look in the family bathroom.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23Check it out. There is your bathroom.
0:47:23 > 0:47:28- Wow, that's a gorgeous bathroom. - Look at the shower.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- I don't know about that mirror. - Look at the shower.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35- Stunning, absolutely stunning. I like the two windows.- Yeah.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38I like all the tiles, and the fact it all goes together.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41'It's a room that certainly has the wow factor.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45'Next up, the sleeping quarters. There are four doubles up here.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48'They're all good sizes and the wooden floor runs throughout.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52'One of them is currently used as a second sitting room but I'm going to
0:47:52 > 0:47:56'cut to the chase and show them the most impressive one of all.'
0:47:56 > 0:48:00Now Sharon, this is all for you.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Nice size, yes.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04A lovely size.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08- I love the two windows, that's lovely.- I personally love it.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10I just don't think it's your...
0:48:10 > 0:48:14If you take this furniture out, which is lovely,
0:48:14 > 0:48:19but if we put my furniture in it would be different.
0:48:19 > 0:48:20- More traditional?- Yes.
0:48:20 > 0:48:25Other than the actual look of the shape of the room with the soft curves of the wall.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27There's a good reason for these curves.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29They're all part of the design of this place.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34There we've got you a huge dressing area and in here...
0:48:34 > 0:48:38Go in there and tell me what you find. Have a look in this one. Suzanne, look in that one.
0:48:38 > 0:48:44- That's very nice. Lovely space. - The shower is amazing.- Is it?
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- Yep. Absolutely amazing.- Is it?
0:48:47 > 0:48:51- You swap over, go on.- That's lovely.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Really pretty bathroom. Very modern.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57I love it. Yes.
0:48:57 > 0:49:02OK. That's pretty much it inside so let's go outside because,
0:49:02 > 0:49:04no surprise, that's pretty different too.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06OK.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09'At least they like the bathrooms but I'm surprised
0:49:09 > 0:49:12'Suzanne isn't more wowed by the bling factor with this place.
0:49:12 > 0:49:17'But, it's Sharon's money and she'll be keen to see what's on offer outside.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20#There isn't any space on the plot for a cattery but there is the
0:49:20 > 0:49:24#possibility of renting some land opposite to develop the business.'
0:49:24 > 0:49:28As you would expect, a very contemporary garden.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Probably one of the most contemporary we've ever seen.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34This is lovely. This is very, very nice.
0:49:34 > 0:49:42Of course, you've got this huge... runway of hard wood decking,
0:49:42 > 0:49:46surrounding that seating area.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50On the other side, that sweeping slate wall contains a fish tank.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- Oh, gosh.- Six of them, apparently.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55The waterfalls and everything else, guess what?
0:49:55 > 0:49:58They're also remote controlled and you can turn those on from the house.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01- A nice sound.- Yeah.- I like the sound.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Up here we've got the rest of it.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08This is another seating area with a view down into the top of the fish tank.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10That's a nice thought.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13Let's have a think about how much the mystery house is worth.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15I'm dying to know...
0:50:15 > 0:50:19- Oh, gosh.- ..what you might think.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23- I'll say 650.- £650,000.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26I reckon a bit less. I reckon 625.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29Listen to those numbers hitting the floor.
0:50:29 > 0:50:34Well it may well be worth £650,000 to somebody,
0:50:34 > 0:50:37but the good news is you wouldn't have to pay that.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42You would get this for a cool £550,000.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44Your budget.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48I got that wrong. Big time, didn't I. I'm amazed at that.
0:50:48 > 0:50:54I think this is worth seeing, not only from your point of view, but I think particularly as a
0:50:54 > 0:51:00comparative example and also to give you a sense of what's available at
0:51:00 > 0:51:04the other end of the spectrum in terms of style and design.
0:51:04 > 0:51:09Go on, have a good look around and I'll catch up with you later.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11- OK.- Thank you.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15At £550,000 this house is bang on budget
0:51:15 > 0:51:18and offers sleek, hi-tech, contemporary living.
0:51:18 > 0:51:23It has open-plan accommodation, an impressive central staircase,
0:51:23 > 0:51:26four bedrooms with a funky master en-suite
0:51:26 > 0:51:29and a terraced garden with a feature fish tank.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31This kitchen, I do actually like.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33It feels a little impersonal for me.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37It's beautifully done, like you said.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39- Controls.- Don't touch those.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42Leave them there, you don't know what they're going to do.
0:51:42 > 0:51:47Straightaway when we walked, the stairs going up, just stunning. I love those.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49I have to take my hat off to the way it's done.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51It's beautifully done.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53It is a stunning looking place.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56- I preferred the upstairs to the downstairs.- Yes.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58You can have your own personal space.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02Down here everything seems to be too open for me.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06Yes, it's definitely difficult to have your own space downstairs.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Now I've seen the other houses,
0:52:09 > 0:52:13it's opened my eyes to what I'd really like.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17For my other daughter, Faye, I think she will be wowed.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22She will think, "Gosh, mum how could you not like this house, it's absolutely fantastic."
0:52:22 > 0:52:25It may be much more for Faye than it is for me.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31Right, so...
0:52:31 > 0:52:32That was the mystery house.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37- It certainly was. - House tours are now officially over.
0:52:37 > 0:52:38No more to look at.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40You're probably very pleased to know.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Lots for you to think about, I suspect.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44Yes. Definitely.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Let's get you somewhere where you can have a think about everything
0:52:47 > 0:52:51we've shown you and then we'll catch up and see if you've made a decision.
0:52:51 > 0:52:52All right. Lovely.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06This move to Monmouthshire is an exciting new start for Sharon and her daughters.
0:53:06 > 0:53:11It's important the house feels like home for everyone and also has the land Sharon needs for the cattery.
0:53:11 > 0:53:16I've given them plenty to think about so I'm looking forward to hearing their thoughts.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22- Here we are in the ruins of the glorious Usk Castle.- Gorgeous.
0:53:22 > 0:53:23A lovely way to finish off.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26How have you found the whole experience?
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Has it given you lots of ideas?
0:53:28 > 0:53:33You have, you've given me more than I even could have asked for now. That's a real quandary.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36It all started with that quite elevated house
0:53:36 > 0:53:39with fantastic views surrounded by lovely woodland.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42- What did you think of that one? - It was a charming house.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44Good potential for the cattery.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48Equestrian facilities and the price was good, but just a little small.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50What did you think, Suzanne?
0:53:50 > 0:53:56The outdoor school was a huge bonus for me with that house but just a little bit small.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59We then went to something much bigger, the old inn.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02Yeah. That house did wow me.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Absolutely stunning property.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08The kitchen really did take your breath away, didn't it, Sharon?
0:54:08 > 0:54:10It was amazing, it was a wow kitchen.
0:54:10 > 0:54:14Well, of course, I love these moments because I know what's coming.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17Then we took you through to the living room and that extraordinary fireplace.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21- Yeah.- That definitely made the room.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23A feature that I will never forget.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25- Your breath was taken away.- Yeah.
0:54:25 > 0:54:30Not only just with the views and the windows, but that fireplace is something that's unique.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33Well, the sun came out the following day and we took you to
0:54:33 > 0:54:36the house just over the border in Gloucestershire.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38What did you think, Suzanne?
0:54:38 > 0:54:40It was such a beautiful house.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43The more I looked around it, the more it grew on me
0:54:43 > 0:54:45and I just felt really at home there.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49I couldn't believe it when that bookcase opened, it was really bizarre.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54That was amazing, it was a lovely feature and the spiral staircase was lovely as well.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58There was a lovely aspect which I hadn't thought of with the B&B side.
0:54:58 > 0:54:59- Yeah.- Just about ticked every box.
0:54:59 > 0:55:05- Yeah.- Last, but not least...
0:55:05 > 0:55:07The mystery house.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09What did you make of it?
0:55:09 > 0:55:11I loved the outside look of the house.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15I loved how in the main master bedroom the en-suite,
0:55:15 > 0:55:17- how that was done.- Yeah.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20It was just too open planned for me.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23And Sharon you probably echo that?
0:55:23 > 0:55:27It was stunning, lovely features, lovely staircase, beautiful front
0:55:27 > 0:55:32door, all done with quality, but very clinical for me.
0:55:32 > 0:55:33What happens next?
0:55:33 > 0:55:36What happens next, quite genuinely,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39is to go back and speak to my younger daughter, Faye.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43- Yeah.- I would like to take her to see the house in Gloucestershire,
0:55:43 > 0:55:45that one I think she needs to see.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47And think about the Old Inn.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50- The Old Inn. - That's the next step for us.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54I hope we have taken you a little bit further down the road
0:55:54 > 0:55:56to your new life, your new lifestyle.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59- Yes.- And hopefully we've opened your eyes to the possibilities,
0:55:59 > 0:56:04not just of making the dream of the cattery come into being,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06but some other notions, as well.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10- You have, you've been super. - It's been a real pleasure showing you both around.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14Let us know how you get on. I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25Sadly our tour through the county of castles is nearly at an end,
0:56:25 > 0:56:29but I have to say it has been a wonderful experience.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Both Sharon and, in particular, Suzanne, have approached
0:56:32 > 0:56:36all the houses we've shown them with the right kind of attitude and that is so important.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39The other thing, of course, is that they do make a great team.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42They balance each other out and they've certainly landed on a choice
0:56:42 > 0:56:47of properties which could suit them absolutely down to the ground.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50It is, of course, ultimately, that attitude that is the key thing.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Open your mind to what's out there and who knows you may well find
0:56:53 > 0:56:56your very own escape 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 > 0:57:02then please contact us through our website.
0:57:24 > 0:57:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:26 > 0:57:29E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk