0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm on the only cable-tour tramway in Britain,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06a feat of engineering
0:00:06 > 0:00:09which leads to this region's most famous coastal landmark,
0:00:09 > 0:00:14the Great Orme. A limestone outcrop stretching across two miles,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17it's also home to several hundred Kashmiri goats,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21descended from Queen Victoria's very own private goat herd.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26So where am I? Find out as we Escape To The Country.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40In today's show, I'll be helping a couple relocate
0:00:40 > 0:00:46from the suburbs of South Wales, and head for a completely new start in the north of the country.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Our house-hunters seem to be in property paradise.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- Perfect.- Perfect, yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Perfect again! - SHE GASPS
0:00:54 > 0:00:57And they're even prepared to compromise to get there.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- We'll manage. - THEY LAUGH
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- You're going to find a way to manage, aren't you?- Yes.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08But we might be sailing close to the wind with the mystery house.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15'Today we're in North Wales, and this is the Great Orme Tramway,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18'which, along with Lisbon and San Francisco,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20'is one of only three such tramways in the world.'
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Since 1902, it's been ferrying visitors
0:01:23 > 0:01:27between Great Orme and the seaside town of Llandudno.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30As well as stunning coastline, North Wales's great natural asset
0:01:30 > 0:01:32is the Snowdonia National Park,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35which stretches over 820 square miles.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Over half a million people a year visit its mountain range
0:01:39 > 0:01:41and the crowning glory, Mount Snowdon,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45which was the training ground for the first expedition team
0:01:45 > 0:01:47to conquer Everest in 1953.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Amongst them was Sir Edmund Hillary.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Back down to earth, man has made his mark,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55from the medieval fortress of Conwy Castle
0:01:55 > 0:01:57to the £20-million cutting-edge building
0:01:57 > 0:02:01for the Welsh Assembly Government in Llandudno Junction.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04In fact, the fortunes of North Wales's coastal region
0:02:04 > 0:02:09are looking rosy, so this could be a good time for property spotting.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14So what's it going to cost to buy in this up-and-coming area?
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Well, buying a property in this part of North Wales,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20in the regions of Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23is actually really good value for money.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25The cost of a detached house here
0:02:25 > 0:02:28is 48 percent below the national average,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and, with £35 million of regeneration money
0:02:31 > 0:02:33being poured into this area,
0:02:33 > 0:02:38now could be a very good time to invest in a slice of North Wales.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40For a country seat in the Welsh mountains,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44there's this eight-bedroom Victorian lodge in Salem,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46for £885,000.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49It's been mostly converted from a former guesthouse
0:02:49 > 0:02:51to a sprawling family home.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Outside there's 11 and a half acres of grounds
0:02:55 > 0:02:57and views of the valley to enjoy.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00For £575,000,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04there's this real one-off five-bedroom Italian-style villa
0:03:04 > 0:03:07in St Asaph. Inside it's high-spec throughout,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09from the kitchen's granite worktops
0:03:09 > 0:03:12to the oak floor and French doors in the sitting room.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Outside, there are stunning views to the Vale of Clwyd.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19And what about this three-bedroom converted church school
0:03:19 > 0:03:23in Glasfryn, for £378,000?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25It's awash with beautiful original features,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29and surprisingly spacious, with two characterful sitting rooms
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and a charming kitchen/diner.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34With such lovely properties out there,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36things look promising for today's house-hunters.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39It's time to meet them.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Tanis, a civil servant, and Andrew, a retired community-education officer,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46currently live in a three-bedroom house in Neath, South Wales.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50With a job promotion and relocation on the cards for Tanis,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53they need to uproot to North Wales.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56We want to improve the quality of our lives,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00but the reason why we're specifically moving to North Wales
0:04:00 > 0:04:03is because I recently secured a new post
0:04:03 > 0:04:06as head of Youth Work Strategy in the Welsh Assembly Government,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I'm delighted to say.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13The actual team will be located in Llandudno Junction,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17so we need to look at a property in that region, really.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21They've spent seven happy years in their current home,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24but they've got a clear wish-list for their new house.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28We're looking for a detached, minimum of three-bedroom property,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31ideally a nice-size lounge. Don't want to be cramped.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36I like to cook, and having people round for a meal and drinks,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39so I'd want a separate dining room.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42We're not able to put a conservatory on this house, which I would like to have,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45but I would also like a piece of garden
0:04:45 > 0:04:47which I could use as a veggie patch.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51They'd also like outdoor space for other projects.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53A big bonus for us, as well,
0:04:53 > 0:04:58would be, perhaps, an opportunity to have a granny flat,
0:04:58 > 0:05:03or to modify a garage or whatever,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so that friends and family could come and stay with us
0:05:06 > 0:05:09in total privacy then. They could stay a week,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and there wouldn't be any interruptions,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and they could make it as a holiday.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18With a move so far away, there will be some compromises.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21One of the biggest wrenches, moving to North Wales,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24is leaving my granddaughter Leah, who is four years old now.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28But the up side is that she'll be able to come and visit us
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and stay with us for longer periods of time.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33And there are some other considerations.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37We have lovely views here, and one of the things
0:05:37 > 0:05:40we would like to have in North Wales is to continue to enjoy that.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44One of the things Tanis and I are really looking forward to
0:05:44 > 0:05:47in our move to North Wales is to indulge our passion
0:05:47 > 0:05:49in walking and hiking,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and having beautiful countryside right on our doorstep,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56without having to use the car first of all to get somewhere to walk.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Before Andrew and Tanis make their move to the country,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03they need to find out how much money they have to play with,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06so we've asked a local estate agent to value their home.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08This is a modern, three-bedroom detached house.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Superb condition, a nice location, super views from the front.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15It should achieve £235,000.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21A little bit disappointed with the valuation of the property.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24My concern is that, up in North Wales,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26it could be a little bit more expensive,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29because it is more rural, more sought-after.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33So how much do they have to spend on their next home?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35If we find everything we want,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38then, our budget would be £300,000.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46So, the pressure's on to find Andrew and Tanis their new home
0:06:46 > 0:06:48before Tanis starts her new job.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50So, what are they after?
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Essentially they want a three-bedroom detached house
0:06:53 > 0:06:56with a separate dining room and study
0:06:56 > 0:06:58and a large-size garden.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01That shouldn't be too difficult.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Our house search will focus on rural locations
0:07:04 > 0:07:06around Llandudno Junction,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09where Tanis will be based for her new job.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12I'll be showing them some prize properties on the market,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16but, as always, I won't be revealing the price straight away.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21And then there's our mystery house, which offers a grand alternative they might love or loathe.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Andrew and Tanis, welcome to a beautiful, sunny North Wales.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Thank you.- I think the weather will be kind to us on our search.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Beautiful day. - Are you looking forward to it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Really, very much so. - Well, I can't wait,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41because standing here today, just looking at this view,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I think we've found the perfect location already.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46But we've got to find the right house.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- We're currently looking at a budget of £300,000.- Yes.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Has that changed, or are we going to stick to that?
0:07:52 > 0:07:56No. We need to stick to that. We've just recently bought a property
0:07:56 > 0:08:01in Portugal, so our limit, really, is governed by that.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06We have no additional funding, then, to be able to put into the purchase.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11So 300 is the top line, but anything a bit lower would be helpful as well.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15This area is a bit more expensive than where you currently live,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19but we've got some amazing properties lined up for you to see,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and, of course, little bit of a curve ball, the mystery property,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25which I can't wait to show you. Shall we get started?
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- We shall.- I'm all excited now. - Great! Come on, let's go.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33So, Andrew and Tanis have a budget of £300,000,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37which would ideally get them a three-bedroom detached house.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Tanis wants a large kitchen and separate dining room,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43while top of Andrew's wish-list is a garden
0:08:43 > 0:08:46big enough for a vegetable patch
0:08:46 > 0:08:49with the added plus of a conservatory.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The journey from South to North Wales is quite a long one, isn't it?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57You can't just pop up here for a day.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59It's about three and a half to four hours,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03and the journey isn't an easy one,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06cos the roads are not extremely good.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But we are fortunate that my parents live up this way,
0:09:09 > 0:09:15so we can fit in a visit to them and then go across to look at properties
0:09:15 > 0:09:17whilst we're visiting.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20They must be thrilled that you're moving up to this area.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I think so. I've also got two sisters in the area,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26so I've got family up this way as well.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Well, it looks like family reunions might be a regular fixture
0:09:30 > 0:09:32with this move.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Our first property is just outside the village of Llandyrnog,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37which would be a 25-mile commute for Tanis.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41It's a pretty village with a couple of local pubs,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44a handy village shop, and a typical Vale of Clwyd church
0:09:44 > 0:09:46with its double nave,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49and this indeed would be walking heaven for Andrew,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53with the Clwydian mountains right on their doorstep.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57The property is this restored cottage, formerly a rectory lodge.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00So, here's your first property.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Very quaint. - Yeah, I like the setting.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Lovely setting. Plenty of character from the outside.- Yes.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- Got the slate roof... - Yes.- ..three bedrooms...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- OK.- ..but not set out in a traditional style.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Right. OK.- That's interesting.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18This lodge is very quirky. It's got a lot of character.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I think we should go in and take a good look.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27So, come on in.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Thank you.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Ooh, it's bigger than I thought.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- It's deceiving, isn't it... - It is, isn't it?
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- ..from the outside. - Oh, it's really nice.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Yes. Oh, it's a bit of a "wow" here.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I thought the ceilings were going to be low, and they're not.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Are you pleasantly surprised? - Pleasantly surprised.- Yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- Very much.- Yes.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Got your wood-burner. - Really special.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57Yeah. We wanted one of those. We've always said we'd like to have a wood-burning stove.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00You can imagine it in the winter, with a Christmas tree,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02lovely hot fire, warm fire.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Nice!- Smashing. - There's a nice smile there.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Just take a look at this mezzanine, actually.- OK.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13Because up here, that actually is your bedroom.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Oh, is it?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Oh, right.- I see.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20So, you like the dimensions of this room?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Yes.- Not sure about that open bedroom, that's all.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Let's take you upstairs and have a look at that first,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28see what you think. So, it's up here.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34So, here's your open-plan master.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- OK.- OK, right.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Do you think this might work for you, or...
0:11:38 > 0:11:43The size is perfect. Like Andrew, the mezzanine doesn't work for me,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46so we'd probably take that off and extend the floor.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Which you could easily do.- And the bedroom would be bigger as a result.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Yeah. It would be a nice size. - That's a good point, actually.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56And the en suite, which I know was on your wish-list.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Do you want to have a look through? - OK.- Go on, Andrew.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Thank you. - Oh, it's fine. A nice size.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05It's got everything that you need,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07but it does need sprucing up a bit.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11The plumbing's here, so we could change that quite easily, I think.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Good.- Mm.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Let's keep going.- Let's.- Thank you.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18'Although they're not smitten by the mezzanine,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21'they seem positive about its potential.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:23So, you've got quite a modern kitchen...
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Yeah.- ..with one of the original beams above.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- They've kept it.- That's nice.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32It could be big enough to have a formal dining table here.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Mm-hm.- Yeah. - Oh, there's plenty room here.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The size is fine, but, um...
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Yeah.- ..it needs renewing.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- And a fabulous view to the garden. - Oh, it is, isn't it?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45And the mountains in the back.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48You certainly know you're out in the country.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Yeah.- We like that. Great. Shall we keep going?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Well, hopefully this room will be... - SHE SPEAKS WELSH
0:12:54 > 0:12:57THEY LAUGH Gosh!
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Because there's conservatories and there's conservatories.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Huge! - Now, you wanted a conservatory.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- We did. Yes, yes. - Is this what you had in mind?
0:13:08 > 0:13:11No. I haven't seen a conservatory like this before.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- It's very unusual.- When we first walked into the property,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17you probably remember I said it had three bedrooms.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- We've seen one.- We've only seen one,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- and obviously there's nothing upstairs.- No.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- The other two... You were ahead of me there.- Downstairs.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- We've got to go below stairs. - Right.- So, follow me.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32As these rooms are separate from the main house,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35they could make great guest accommodation.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Oh, it's quite tight! - Steep and narrow.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- They are, quite.- Yeah.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44But down here, you've got a double bedroom through there,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47so that would be the second one. You've got a family bathroom
0:13:47 > 0:13:49in there, but it is quite basic.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54And then you've got the third double actually in here.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Right.- Yeah.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58I'm not overwhelmed with this room.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00I don't like the height of the ceiling.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04You have got the feeling that you are down below stairs.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Yeah.- A bit claustrophobic.- Yeah.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10If you did want to look at those configurations again,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14you'd have to go back upstairs, possibly extending out the side.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19I think the only purpose I could see would be as a study or something.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21'Well, at least they're being open-minded.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24'They may not have been inspired downstairs,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28'but I think they'll be wowed by this wonderfully landscaped half-acre garden.'
0:14:28 > 0:14:31So, a very quaint property, very quirky,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34but I do feel we've left the best till last.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- I think you're right. - It's absolutely amazing.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It's a beautiful garden. It's well landscaped.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43I like the way they've done it. I could keep it like this.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46It is quite stunning. A mature garden.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Obviously a lot of love and attention has been taken into it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Yes.- And potentially it could be followed on by you.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It could. Find a spot for my greenhouse and my veggie patch.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- We would be away then. - Perfect. Perfect.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Is this the sort of thing you had in mind?
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- It's more than we expected. - This is nice.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- The only concern is the price. - HE LAUGHS
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Shall we have a think about that? - Yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Let's take a wander through.- OK.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Yeah.- Oh, wow.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- It is beautiful. - Yeah.- It's just perfect.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- It is. It's just what we want. - Perfect.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23And you've got the double garage, with the study at the top,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25with a potential, perhaps, of being a granny flat,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28with the right permission. And you've got the workshop.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- It's got everything. - A lot of potential.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- The potential's there. - The potential's definitely there.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It all boils down to money, really, doesn't it?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:39 > 0:15:45I think it's on the upper end of our bracket,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48er, probably more.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Yeah.- Um...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54About...315?
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Mm. I was going to say 320.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- OK.- So, it's, er...
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- It's only just gone on the market. - Right.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The asking price is £275,000.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Oh, my...
0:16:07 > 0:16:09SHE WHISPERS AND LAUGHS
0:16:12 > 0:16:14That's a shock!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Now, is that music to your ears or not?
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Yes.- Oh, it is, yes!- Absolutely,
0:16:19 > 0:16:23because I think that we would have to bear the cost of the extension,
0:16:23 > 0:16:28because we're not happy with those two rooms in the basement.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- To know that we could afford that as well...- Mm.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- That'll be...- Yeah!
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- ..perfect.- It is a lovely...
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- I mean, the grounds sell it.- Yes.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Do you want to take one final look around the whole of the house
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and this building, and I'll meet you in a minute.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- Brilliant.- See you. Bye.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Well, they seem bowled over that they could afford this house,
0:16:50 > 0:16:55and have £25,000 left for any work that might need doing.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58So, at £275,000,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02this house offers them a spacious lounge with inglenook fireplace,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05three bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:17:05 > 0:17:10a large conservatory overlooking a stunning half-acre garden,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and outbuildings which, with planning approval,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16could be useful guest rooms.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19This is the space above the garage that Nicki was telling us about.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Yeah. It's really big. Great that it's got a toilet facility as well.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Potential little granny flat.- Yeah!
0:17:26 > 0:17:28The location of the house is perfect.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's very rural, exactly what we wanted.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34The garden is absolutely overwhelming. It's just perfect.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37There are a lot of pros to the property,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41mainly the garden. I think the house, with a little bit of thought,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- we could bring it to our liking. - Yes, it is definitely a contender.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Have you seen enough of the lodge? - We have.- Yes, thank you.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It's certainly an interesting property.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Very. Lots to think about. - Good! And I've got more to show you,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- so shall we get going?- Yes, please.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Once Tanis starts work, she'll only be ten minutes' drive
0:18:05 > 0:18:08from the spectacular scenery in and around Llandudno,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11where the Snowdonia mountains meet the Victorian seaside resort
0:18:11 > 0:18:16in this crescent-shaped bay. On the headland stands the Great Orme,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19where copper mining thrived until the mid-1800s,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23when wealthy local landowners transformed Llandudno
0:18:23 > 0:18:26into a holiday haven for the Victorian industrial workers.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Andrew and Tanis are meeting local guide Judy Brough
0:18:29 > 0:18:34on Llandudno Pier, to find out more about its heritage.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37So, welcome to this lovely seaside resort of Llandudno.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It's an elegant Victorian seaside resort,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44and we've got the pier, where the liners would've arrived
0:18:44 > 0:18:46right from 1877, when it was built.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49But let's see what more Llandudno has to offer. OK?
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- All right?- Thank you.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56This Grade II listed marvel of a pier was rebuilt in 1877,
0:18:56 > 0:19:01and, at nearly 2,300 feet, is the longest in Wales.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03For the best views of Llandudno, though,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05a trip up the Great Orme is a must.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09But there's no need to trudge the 680 feet to the top.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Tanis and Andrew enjoy a bird's-eye view for just over a mile
0:19:13 > 0:19:16from Britain's longest cable-car ride.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18But, if you don't have a head for heights,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21there's the Great Orme Tramway,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23which winds its way up through the town to the summit,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26where they take in the gorgeous coastline.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Here we are. We've arrived up on the Great Orme,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- and it's just so quiet up here. - It is. Very peaceful.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Just got the sheep in the background.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38But just the views that we have from here,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40you're looking to the corner of the Lake District,
0:19:40 > 0:19:45and we sweep right the way round to the Rhyl Flats,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47where you do have the wind turbines,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50the modern industry,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52and we have the St Tudno's church.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Of course, that's where Llandudno takes its name from -
0:19:56 > 0:19:58"llan", religious enclosure,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02and "Tudno" as the saint.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06And Tudno actually arrived around the sixth century,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10and he set up a small missionary where the church is.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13With scenery like this, I don't think Tanis and Andrew
0:20:13 > 0:20:16will look back once they've made their move north.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19We've just got to find them their perfect house.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Our next property takes us to Betws-y-Coed,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27which would be a 25-minute drive to work for Tanis.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Set against the spectacular scenery of the Snowdonia National Park,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35this well preserved village has been a popular destination
0:20:35 > 0:20:38since the 19th century, and, along with rural charm,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40has an array of independent shops
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and plenty of walking opportunities for our couple.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48So, we've brought you to the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- I hope I've said that right. - You did. Spot-on.- Well done.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Because this house overlooks it,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58and has the most stunning views.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Excellent. OK. - Shall we go and have a look inside?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Yes, please. - Come on, then.- Come on, then.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06'This split-level house is cleverly built into the hillside,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'and has an upside-down layout, so we enter on the upper level.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Come on inside.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Let's go straight through into the sitting room.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Yes. Oh, a fireplace.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- You like your fires. - There's plenty of room.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- I think that's fine. - Really fresh. Smashing.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30And I like those doors. That's really nice. Perfect.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- And you've got the view of the woodland there.- Excellent.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- It's very peaceful.- Yeah.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Well, you spotted those doors straight away.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41I'm going to take you through them now.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43This leads to your private dining room,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46which I know you were both quite keen on.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I like to cook, and I like friends coming over,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and it's easy access to the kitchen as well as the lounge,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- so it's just perfect. - And also I can see the conservatory.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- You've spotted it. You like your conservatories!- I do, yes.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05We like to read and relax, and a conservatory's the perfect place.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- It's a huge bonus. - Good.- It's a big room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Well, let's go through into the kitchen.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14Perfect.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17That's a word I don't often hear!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Yeah. It's just... The kitchen's just lovely and compact.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It's got everything that you would need.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Breakfast area there. - And I like the view again...
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- View again. - ..from the kitchen window.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- That's Capel Garmon mountain. - Right.- Right.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35So, you can both fight over who does the washing up.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38THEY LAUGH OK.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42They love those views, and I'm sure they'll think the large utility room
0:22:42 > 0:22:45just off the kitchen is a real plus too.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48So, we're back in the hallway, and the bedrooms and the bathrooms
0:22:48 > 0:22:50all work off this part of the house.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53As you can see, it's been built on the hill,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56so two of the bedrooms are down these stairs.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Oh, nice. So, you've got a double bedroom and a single,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and they both work with this family bathroom.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Right.- Oh!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- OK, that's nice.- Cupboard...
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- Yep, storage. Got the shower there. - Shower there.- Everything you need.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Perfect.- Yeah. Perfect again!
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- SHE GASPS - It's that magic word, twice!
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Got to keep this going now. Let's see if the rest of it is perfect.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- Andrew, we'll follow you.- Thank you.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Further down the hallway you've got the other two bedrooms.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Right.- This is a large bedroom.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I think it would suit, probably, as a study.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Yeah. - You could put the piano in there,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38so that, when we have guests, they're downstairs
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- and we're on this floor. - We didn't expect four bedrooms,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- so that's a bonus. - It just gives you that flexibility,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and having your guests downstairs,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51it's like it's their own private wing,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and you keep upstairs for you. Let's see your bedroom,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57because we've got to get that right.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Oh! Right.- Oh, this is good.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- Yes.- The L-shape is nice. Bit of a feature, isn't it?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Plenty of room.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- The views are there all the time, as you said earlier.- Fabulous.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16- And this room has the en suite. - Oh, good.- Yes, spotted that.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Really well done. - It's a shower room.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Yeah. So you've got your shower in there.- Perfect.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'It's another "perfect" from Tanis,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28'and I think they'll like what they see outside.'
0:24:28 > 0:24:32So, the actual house itself is on different levels,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- but so's the garden.- Right.- Right.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39So, the first level is here. Got a nice dining area here.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- Barbecue.- Barbecue could be perfect.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44And you've got an original stone wall.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Different bits to enjoy.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- OK.- And then...sturdy gate...
0:24:50 > 0:24:53..you've got the more formal part of the garden.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- Right. - Another nice area for entertaining.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01A lot of privacy because of this very high hedge,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and you've got the stone wall. So that's the second half of the garden
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- if you like.- So, we've got all this, which is fine,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09but where's my vegetable patch? SHE LAUGHS
0:25:09 > 0:25:12You didn't forget, did you? If you look just behind you...
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Oh, right! - ..there's quite a lot of land there.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It's certainly big enough for a vegetable patch
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- and a large shed.- Shed.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Every man has to have a shed. It's the criteria, isn't it?
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Goes with the vegetable patch. - Somewhere to hide.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29THEY LAUGH
0:25:29 > 0:25:32You've seen the whole house. You've seen the garden.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35How much do you think the current asking price is?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Well, I think Betws-y-Coed is a very sought-after area.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It's an expensive place to live,
0:25:41 > 0:25:47so I think it would still be at the top of our budget,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51so in the region of 305?
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Yeah.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I might go for that. 300, I would stop at.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Current asking price
0:25:58 > 0:26:03is £289,950.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Right. OK. - So it is under your budget.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Right.- And nothing to do.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- No work.- And nothing to do.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16The only reservation I have is about the amount of sunlight
0:26:16 > 0:26:21that's left at the end of the day. I think it might be an issue.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- Well, it is a fabulous property. - It is.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Why don't you take another look around?- Right.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30And I'll catch up with you in a minute. Off you go.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33'Andrew and Tanis seem delighted by the price,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36'space and location of this property.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38'It may not have the light,
0:26:38 > 0:26:40'as it has a north-easterly-facing garden,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43'but it's certainly got views to die for.'
0:26:43 > 0:26:46And, just shy of £290,000, it's under budget,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and offers a kitchen and separate dining room for Tanis,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52four bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57a conservatory for Andrew, and it's in a desirable village
0:26:57 > 0:27:00within half an hour's commute for Tanis.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Oh, that's a single.- Right.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- This is fine as a guest bedroom. - Yeah.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It's just a shame there's no bathroom on this level,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- cos we'd get guests here, and... - Go up and down the stairs.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- That's right. - Yeah.- Otherwise the size is fine.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19I think it's a superb location.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24It's a really smashing property, superb condition.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- You couldn't fault it at all. - I like the conservatory.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I like the fact there's four bedrooms.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32The fourth bedroom could be used as a study.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35I have a couple of reservations. The size of the garden -
0:27:35 > 0:27:38we were looking for something a little bit larger,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42and also the amount of light that we have here.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47During the summer it's fine, but obviously during the other seasons,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50then it may be a major issue.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Seen enough? - Yes, thank you very much.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Good. Right, let's keep going.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Once Andrew and Tanis move to North Wales,
0:28:05 > 0:28:10they'll be making the most of the Great Orme's fantastic walking territory,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14and they'll be stumbling across its ancient Bronze Age copper mines,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16the largest of their kind in the world.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20It's astonishing to think that, when these 4,000-year-old mines
0:28:20 > 0:28:24were discovered in 1987, the area was destined to be a car park,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27until a small group of locals bought the lease
0:28:27 > 0:28:29and opened the site to the public.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I'm here to meet archaeologist Sian James,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34the Great Orme's very own Indiana Jones,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36to find out more.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- Hello, Sian.- Hi, Nicki.- These mines are really special, aren't they,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43not just for the local community,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46but they've changed the way we look at Bronze Age Britain.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Absolutely. Before these mines were found,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53it was thought that Britain imported all its copper in the Bronze Age.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Suddenly we've got a copper mine that dates back 3,500 to 4,000 years,
0:28:57 > 0:29:02that has about 2,000 tons of copper, enough to make ten million axes,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05so we were probably leading the world in copper production.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Are we able to go down into the mine and have a good look?
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Absolutely. You'll need one of these, and off we go.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Excellent.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18'Excavation work has uncovered over five miles of underground tunnels
0:29:18 > 0:29:23'and prehistoric passageways that go as deep as 220 feet underground,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27'and some are so small they must have been dug by children
0:29:27 > 0:29:30'as young as five years old. It's certainly a squeeze,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'as Sian leads me through to look at some of the artefacts.'
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Now, that's really green.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38This is the malachite they were digging out.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41It's a mixture of copper and carbon and oxygen.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Obviously they were just after the copper,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47so they've got to heat it up with charcoal to 1,000 degrees centigrade
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- to turn it into the copper ore. - And what did they actually use
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- to excavate it?- We've got some of the tools just on the side here.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58This is a cow's rib, stained green from the malachite.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01We've found about 30,000 animal bones down here so far.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- That's a lot of animals, isn't it? - It is.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08And what did they actually produce once they'd managed to mine it?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Once they've turned that into the copper,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14they're finally pouring it into a mould and making something like this.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18This is a palstave axe, about 3,500 years old,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21one that's been found in the local area, actually.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24This might be the sort of thing you'd find in your back garden.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28We might find one in one of the gardens we're looking at.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- If you do, give me a call.- I will!
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Right, let's head back to the surface.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36'North Wales is a popular stomping ground for walkers,
0:30:36 > 0:30:39'and this underground walk back through time
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'has unearthed a fascinating story of how we lived 4,000 years ago.'
0:30:45 > 0:30:49As our first day of house-hunting draws to a close,
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Andrew and Tanis compare notes on what they think of the properties they've seen so far.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- What do you think about the lodge? - The location was excellent,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00beautiful views of the mountain range.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- That's right. - The garden was spectacular.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05The garden made that property. The house itself?
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I liked the cottagey feel, but I was very disappointed
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- with the second and third bedroom. - Yeah. The open-plan bedroom,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15that didn't work for me. I could never live with that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- No, I agree.- Yeah. OK.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20And the modern property in Betws-y-Coed
0:31:20 > 0:31:23was really, really super. The layout was ideal
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- for modern living. - I liked it from the start.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I particularly liked the slate on the back walls.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31That was really, really nice.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35And the inside, modern. It had everything - little conservatory,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37- which was nice. - The garden wasn't big enough.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- No. - And I was a bit concerned, as well,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43about the amount of light that we would get.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Even in the summer, you wouldn't have any sun after about 5:30,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50in the height of the summer, so by the time you came home from work,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52it would be no good for a barbecue.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Well, we've seen two very different properties today.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- Let's see what tomorrow brings.- Yes.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05Andrew and Tanis are upping sticks from their home in Neath, South Wales,
0:32:05 > 0:32:09and relocating to North Wales, where Tanis's new job is based.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11With a budget of £300,000,
0:32:11 > 0:32:14they've embraced this house-hunt with gusto.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17'Coming up, Andrew gets decisive.'
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Why don't you go and have another good look around?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- I don't think we need to. - Even better!
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I don't feel at home in it, though.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27And then there's the mystery house,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30which is sure to stir up their emotions.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Yesterday went really well with Andrew and Tanis.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Although they know what they want, what I love about this couple
0:32:39 > 0:32:42is they're very open-minded and willing to compromise.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46So today we've got something very special to show them.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I just hope it hits the mark.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Our next house is in the village of Llansannan,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54a half-hour drive from Llandudno Junction
0:32:54 > 0:32:57where Tanis will be working.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Set in the vales overlooking the Clwydian mountains,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Llansannan is about as rural as you can get,
0:33:02 > 0:33:06and it looks like Andrew and Tanis would get a warm welcome
0:33:06 > 0:33:08from these local residents.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11This restored property, dating back to the mid-1800s,
0:33:11 > 0:33:15was formerly two farmers' cottages now knocked into one.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20So, this is your next property. When you said you wanted rural
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- I think we might have found it for you.- Right. OK!
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- Here is your cottage.- Oh, gosh.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- First impressions, very nice. - Yeah?- Yes.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- It's very peaceful. Lovely atmosphere already.- Good!
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- Nice feeling.- Good. Is this what you had in mind
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- when you thought "escape to the country"?- Yes. Absolutely.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- Good. Shall we take a look inside? - Yes, please.- Come on, then.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50So, come through the porch. Plenty of space for muddy boots and coats.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55- Straight into a very snug kitchen. - It is. It's very quaint.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- A true farmhouse kitchen. - It is, isn't it?
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- It's really lovely.- And you got the wood-burning stove over there.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Oh, it's really delightful. - I think this could work.- Mm.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11The only thing I'm not sure of is if there's enough storage space
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- for everything. That's the only thing I would say.- We'll manage.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17THEY LAUGH
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- You're going to find a way to manage, aren't you?- Yes.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- OK.- It's really lovely.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26Good. I can imagine you having your breakfasts in here together,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29but for more formal dining, let's go through here.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34- Ah!- Oh!
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- Right.- Look at this!
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Nice little room. - It's compact. I love the brickwork,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42and retained the stone. It's really superb.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- A lot of character. - Yeah.- Nice feature.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48I can just see it would be really cosy.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Christmas dinners? - Be lovely, wouldn't it?- Yes!
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Yes.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57'If they liked the stone in the dining room, they're going to love this.'
0:34:57 > 0:35:00And this is your sitting room.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Oh! - NICKI LAUGHS
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- That is absolutely fabulous! - A working fireplace?
0:35:08 > 0:35:13A working fireplace. I think this room is full of character.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Yeah, it is.- Look at that beam!
0:35:15 > 0:35:19I mean, it tells a story in itself, doesn't it?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Can you imagine yourselves here in the winter, snuggled up on the sofa?
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- It would be very cosy, yeah. - We can picture that, can't we?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Yes, we can.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31They've clearly fallen in love with what they've seen so far.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Next door there's a double room, one of the three in the house
0:35:34 > 0:35:37which would make a great office for Tanis.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40'We'll go upstairs to take a look at the other two bedrooms.'
0:35:41 > 0:35:44You've got a long hallway here.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Leading off it is the master bedroom.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- Right.- Right. That's fine. - Plenty of light.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52The skylight makes a big difference.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54The only thing I'm a bit concerned
0:35:54 > 0:35:57is that I've got quite a lot of clothes.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Find me a woman that hasn't.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02You'll just have to get rid of some of them, that's all.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05No. No. That's not what you ever want to hear.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09It does have quite large wardrobes in here already,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12so that's something to think about.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15OK. Well, let's go back through to the third bedroom.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Oh, this is nice.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Bit of a recess there for a drawing unit.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27You could put it there, couldn't you?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- This could be your dressing room when you don't have guests.- Yes.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- Or your granddaughter. Got to think of Leah.- Leah's room.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Excellent. Let's keep going. - Wonderful.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42At the end of the hallway you've got the family bathroom.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44- Lovely.- This is nice.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- A lot of work in here again.- Yeah.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50This bathroom is the only one in the property.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54You've probably noticed there isn't a downstairs cloakroom.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Perhaps a solution would be a downstairs extension or something.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02Perhaps it's time to go downstairs and have a look at all that land.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06'They seem to have lost their heart to this house,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'and outside is just as impressive.'
0:37:12 > 0:37:17I know land is important to you, for your gardens, your vegetables,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19so you get plenty here, over an acre.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22And the boundary goes right the way along.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26You can see where the trees are, all the way around the house.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28But I wanted to show you these outbuildings -
0:37:28 > 0:37:31storage, and you've got your workshop,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- so you might not need to have a shed.- Right!
0:37:34 > 0:37:38There's a bit of width there. Maybe I could put my car...
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Perfect. But there's something else I want to show you.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Something else!
0:37:44 > 0:37:46There is more. Through this gate.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48I'm not sure if either of you ride...
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Oh, wow!- ..but you've got your very own stable block.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57- I wasn't expecting that. - If you weren't sure what to buy your granddaughter for Christmas,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59perhaps you want a little Shetland pony.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Do you think?- Perfect home.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Right. Leah would have that as her play-house.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- THEY LAUGH - Excellent.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I got to come back to that stunning view over there.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14It is ideal. And what I like about it as well,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- is that you're just completely private.- It would be lovely.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Now, you love your wildlife. - Yeah.- You love your walks.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Absolutely. - There's plenty of that around us.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28But the beloved vegetable patch - hopefully there's enough land here
0:38:28 > 0:38:34- to keep you very happy.- I think I could plant a few potatoes somewhere.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- It's time...- Yes. - ..to make some tough decisions.
0:38:37 > 0:38:42So, how much do you think the house is on the market for?
0:38:42 > 0:38:45I would pitch it at about 290. Yeah.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49I'd go slightly higher and say 295.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Well, you got a budget of £300,000,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55and if you were to buy this property,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58you'd get £50 change.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- OK.- The asking price is £299,950.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Right.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- That's, er, really good.- Your face!
0:39:08 > 0:39:10THEY LAUGH
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- I think that's something we could work on.- Yeah.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16When we walk into a property, we know if we like it straight away,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- and I think we had that vibe between us.- We did.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Brilliant. Why don't you go and have another good look around?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- I don't think we need to. - Even better!
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Well, please do, and I'll meet you out the front.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- Thank you.- Bye.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Well, they certainly seem head-over-heels about this house,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37and I think it could be their ideal home.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39For just under £300,000,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43they would get a country kitchen with separate dining room,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46a lounge with period features, three bedrooms,
0:39:46 > 0:39:501.3 acres of land set in glorious countryside,
0:39:50 > 0:39:54and it's just over a 20-mile commute for Tanis.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59- It's just brilliant, isn't it? - Yeah. Inglenook fireplace.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Solid beam. Brilliant.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- Terrific character. - Yeah, yeah. And plenty of light.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08It's just been fabulous to see this house.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11The kitchen in particular, very cosy feel.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15The amount of land with it, and the opportunities that are there
0:40:15 > 0:40:19for us to make it our own are excellent.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21I'm very enthusiastic about this property.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23From the moment I came into the driveway
0:40:23 > 0:40:27and saw the house, how well it had been restored from the outside,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30and I wasn't disappointed when I came inside.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32I would say that it's a very serious contender.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Happy faces! Do you know,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I don't want to take you away from this property!
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- We don't want to go. - You really like it, don't you?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- We do, yes. - Well, we're all in a very good mood,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48having found this one, but... we've got another one to show you.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Yeah. So let's keep going.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Earlier in the week, keen nature-lovers Tanis and Andrew
0:41:00 > 0:41:03met with Rebecca Clews from the RSPB Cymru
0:41:03 > 0:41:05to find out more about the Menai Strait,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09one of the most important conservation wildlife hot spots
0:41:09 > 0:41:11in Wales.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14We've picked a fantastic day to go round Puffin Island.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17We're going to go out on the boat, see the breeding seabirds,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20and in particular those lovely puffins.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- I hope we find some. - Me too! OK, let's go!
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Thank you.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28The Menai Strait separates Anglesey from the mainland,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31and there's plenty to see, including the grey seals,
0:41:31 > 0:41:35with three quarters of the world's population making their home in UK waters.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38And, scouring the shoreline for shellfish and worms,
0:41:38 > 0:41:42there's a flock of oystercatchers, who do an impressive fly-past.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Half an hour's sail up the coast brings them to Puffin Island,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48dated at 320 million years old,
0:41:48 > 0:41:53and now a Special Protection Area for the seabird colonies.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56And there's a noisy welcome from the residents.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01On this side of the island tends to be where the majority of the guillemots are nesting.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05They're on the ledges. They've got a special adaptation with the eggs,
0:42:05 > 0:42:08so instead of a round egg, which is usual,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11they've got a special-shaped egg, kind of a pear shape,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14so if a bird knocks the egg, it'll just roll round
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- instead of rolling off the edge. - Amazing!
0:42:16 > 0:42:21- Are any puffins here, then? - There are some puffins, certainly.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23There's a lot of cracks or fissures,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26and this is where the puffins tend to be.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Although it's called Puffin Island,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- at the moment there aren't hundreds of puffins.- Why is that?
0:42:31 > 0:42:34There has been a problem with rats in the past.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38So puffins, they tend to breed in burrows.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40There used to be rats on the island.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44Rats would go into the burrows, eat the eggs or even eat the chicks.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47But in 1998, the Countryside Council for Wales
0:42:47 > 0:42:51eradicated the rats, and the puffins have started to make a comeback.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- That's good.- So, there were some counts carried out recently,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58and there was about 50 individual puffins.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Although Andrew and Tanis are relocating for practical reasons,
0:43:02 > 0:43:06their move will allow them to experience unique sites
0:43:06 > 0:43:09such as Puffin Island on a regular basis.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18It's mystery-house time,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22and so far Andrew and Tanis have liked and seen the positive
0:43:22 > 0:43:24in every property we've shown them.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27But this house - this is completely different,
0:43:27 > 0:43:31so it's going to be interesting to hear what they've got to say,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35and whether it'll change their opinion of their dream home.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- So, today we're going to be looking at the mystery property...- Right.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44..which I always think is really exciting,
0:43:44 > 0:43:47because it's always something a little bit different.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50Is there anything you're hoping I'm not going to take you to see?
0:43:50 > 0:43:52I think that the only concern I have
0:43:52 > 0:43:58is that it might not be within our budget.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01- OK.- Yeah. I'm looking forward to the mystery property.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- Yeah. - Although they're all a mystery to me,
0:44:04 > 0:44:07because we don't know where we're going.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12The mystery house is right on the coast in Y Felinheli,
0:44:12 > 0:44:15meaning a half-hour drive to work for Tanis.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Looking out over the Menai Strait to Anglesey,
0:44:18 > 0:44:21the village was historically a port for locally mined slate,
0:44:21 > 0:44:25but nowadays its harbour caters more for messing about in boats.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28With vistas out to sea and dramatic skies,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31it's a perfect setting for a gentler pace of life.
0:44:31 > 0:44:36During our house-hunt we've seen some really different properties,
0:44:36 > 0:44:40but it's time now for the mystery property,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43which is the bit I must admit I really love,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46because it's something completely different,
0:44:46 > 0:44:50pushing the boundaries, perhaps taking you out of your comfort zone.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- So are you looking forward to it? - Very much. I'm very excited.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- Yeah?- Yeah. Can't wait. - Well, have a look down this lane.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58That is your mystery property.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- Right. OK. - But we're not millionaires.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- SHE LAUGHS - It does look extremely grand,
0:45:05 > 0:45:08doesn't it? But I'll let you into a secret.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11The house has been divided up into six separate apartments.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- OK. Interesting.- OK.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- Do you like a bit of history?- I do. - Do you like plenty of character?
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- Yes.- Well, hopefully you're going to love this house.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27Don't worry, Tanis - it's only the west wing that's for sale.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30This is a unique opportunity to buy a slice
0:45:30 > 0:45:35of an iconic local property, so a perfect mystery house.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37'It's a 17th-century Georgian mansion,
0:45:37 > 0:45:41'where wealthy dignitaries of the day would have gathered,
0:45:41 > 0:45:43'and it's now a magnificent conversion
0:45:43 > 0:45:46'with bucketloads of original features.'
0:45:46 > 0:45:48So, your front door is at the side of the property,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51and it leads straight into your kitchen.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53Hmm!
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- Right.- I like the range.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00- It's very nice. - It's very old, cold...
0:46:00 > 0:46:04Er... Hasn't got that feel to it which I want
0:46:04 > 0:46:07when I walk into a house. It's not there.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- Well, it is the mystery property. - OK.- Yes.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12So we always try and make things a little bit different,
0:46:12 > 0:46:16perhaps shake them up a bit. So shall we carry on exploring?
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- Yes.- I'm sure there's elements of this house you might like.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- You think so?- I hope so, Andrew!
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- I hope so.- Come on, then. - Let's go through.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27So this could be a dining room,
0:46:27 > 0:46:31- or it could be like a reception room.- Right.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35The wood panelling... This wood panelling dates back to the 1700s.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38I'm sure it would do it for some people, but not for us.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Are you still intrigued by this property?
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- Oh, I'd love to see it.- Come on. Let's go round and enjoy it.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- All right.- OK.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50I'm glad they're intrigued. This house is a voyage of discovery,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53as every room has its own identity.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55We'll go through and size up next door.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58So, how's this for a reception room?
0:46:58 > 0:47:00Oh, that's nice and airy.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- Oh, I love the high ceilings. - It's a big room.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07It is. Very generous windows.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10And the fireplace is nice, as well. Lovely!
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- Tremendous amount of character. - It's a much better room.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16Can you imagine having one of your dinner parties in here?
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- It would be nice.- Only to hire. - THEY LAUGH
0:47:19 > 0:47:23- You could see where I was going there, couldn't you?- Yes, I know.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- Time to go upstairs. - Yes. Thank you.- All right.
0:47:31 > 0:47:36How is this for a hallway? And just look at that chandelier!
0:47:36 > 0:47:39And that's an original Georgian rose feature...
0:47:39 > 0:47:42- All right!- ..on the ceiling. - Very nice. Yeah.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44And then in here is the master bedroom.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Spacious.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51It has quite an opulent feel.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53Yes. Yeah, definitely.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Yep. Yeah. Another fireplace.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59I don't feel at home in it, though. THEY LAUGH
0:47:59 > 0:48:03One thing about this room is, you've got so much space.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- Oh, there's plenty space. - You could have a dressing area.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09You could do so much to it. But if the feeling isn't there,
0:48:09 > 0:48:13it's going to be a bit different. But you might like the bathroom.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- This is the family bathroom.- Right.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26This property only has one bathroom. There's no downstairs cloakroom.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28I'm surprised at that, the size of the building.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33Nice touch in the beams, and I even like the blue.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- I quite like this room. - Yes.- I can say that.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38- Good! - I like the bath in the middle there.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40- This is cosy.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43Wonderful. And then the other way out through the bathroom
0:48:43 > 0:48:46is through into - well, this could be a second bedroom.
0:48:46 > 0:48:51- It's currently being used as a reception room.- Right.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53- This does feel a little bit warmer. - Yeah.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57The mixture of colours just makes a difference already.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00- I like the size of the room for a lounge.- Yes.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03Well, you like cosy, so there is one more room
0:49:03 > 0:49:06- that you might love.- Right.- OK.
0:49:06 > 0:49:12And the way to the third bedroom is up this amazing staircase.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14Staircase.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19So with any guests staying,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22you could always put them up here.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24- Oh! - NICKI LAUGHS
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Oh, those beams are absolutely amazing!
0:49:28 > 0:49:30- How is this?- Yeah, OK.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33- You've got to admit this is a spectacular room.- Oh, it is, yes.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36- Up in the attic. - Really nice.- Very warm.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40- And what about that staircase? - It's something else, isn't it?
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- I really like that staircase. - You do?- I do.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45I think it's superb. Yeah, really nice.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47It's unique, I think.
0:49:47 > 0:49:52It looks like we've definitely succeeded in taking them out of their comfort zone.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54'I love the authenticity of this house,
0:49:54 > 0:49:58'but I understand it may be too grand a statement for them.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01'And outside there's more to discover.'
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Now, this country house does have a garden,
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- but it's not attached to the main property.- OK.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Because here, this would all be yours.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14- This is where you'd park your two cars.- Right.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- And this is actually the garden. - Right. That could be nice.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21- Getting plenty of sunlight.- Mm-hm. - It's not very large, though.
0:50:21 > 0:50:26No. But just take a look at this as a treat. Down here.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Residents have a right of access across this field...
0:50:33 > 0:50:36..to these magnificent views of Anglesey.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38- Right.- This is the Menai Strait.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41You're allowed access through the farmer's field,
0:50:41 > 0:50:43and then down there is a little beach
0:50:43 > 0:50:47- which you're allowed to use. - Ah! Very nice.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50- How's that for a view? - Oh, it's a beautiful view.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53- You couldn't beat that.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55It is quite a magnificent property.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59So, you've got to start thinking. Numbers time.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02How much do you think it's currently on the market for?
0:51:02 > 0:51:05I think I would put it around about 269.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07OK.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11I was thinking something similar. Yeah.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14Well, the original price was over 400,000,
0:51:14 > 0:51:18but it has come down recently. A little bit more than that -
0:51:18 > 0:51:21- it's £298,000.- Oh, right!
0:51:21 > 0:51:25It's a beautiful home, but it's not the right home for you.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28- No, it's not. No. But thanks anyway. - That's all right.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32Our mystery property offers living like a lord
0:51:32 > 0:51:34with change in the pocket left over,
0:51:34 > 0:51:38but its period splendour was lost on Andrew and Tanis.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Even the beautiful countryside and the beach didn't convince them.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45Reduced from £425,000
0:51:45 > 0:51:50and now under budget at £298,000, it commands respect,
0:51:50 > 0:51:54offering two grand reception rooms with lots of Georgian features,
0:51:54 > 0:51:57three large bedrooms,
0:51:57 > 0:51:59spectacular views over the Menai Strait,
0:51:59 > 0:52:04and it's half an hour's drive for Tanis to work.
0:52:04 > 0:52:05This is quite a cosy room.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08- Yes.- It's a bit warmer.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12- I think, um, it's got a lot of potential.- Yeah.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15It's not for me. It's not something that we were looking for.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18It isn't something that we were really planning for.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20But we can appreciate all the good points
0:52:20 > 0:52:22as well as our personal taste.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25Well, it's a very old property,
0:52:25 > 0:52:27retaining many of the original features.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31I'm certain that somebody will find this ideal for them,
0:52:31 > 0:52:33but it's not for us.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38- Well, have you seen enough now? - I think so, yes. Thank you.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Well, it's decision time, so let's go and find somewhere quiet
0:52:41 > 0:52:45where we can have a talk and go through the properties you've seen.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47Great. Thank you.
0:52:48 > 0:52:53Well, I think our house-hunt has been a real eye-opener
0:52:53 > 0:52:57for Andrew and Tanis, and has given them a lot to think about.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01It's decision time for Andrew and Tanis,
0:53:01 > 0:53:03and I don't think I'll be far off the truth
0:53:03 > 0:53:06if I say that the cottage was by far their favourite.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10But do they like it enough to put in an offer?
0:53:10 > 0:53:13Let's see what they've got to say.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16Well, it's hard to believe, but it was only a few days ago
0:53:16 > 0:53:20we were actually standing here contemplating our house search.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23- Mm-hm.- But how's it been for the both of you?
0:53:23 > 0:53:27- It's been very, very interesting. - Fantastic experience.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31- Very worthwhile.- Well, I'm really pleased we were able to help you.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35But let's start off with the lodge in Llandyrnog.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38What were your impressions of that property?
0:53:38 > 0:53:42Wonderful garden. Absolutely fabulous position,
0:53:42 > 0:53:47mountain views. The house itself really done nicely,
0:53:47 > 0:53:49and had a lot of potential.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52We weren't happy with bedroom two and three.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55Still not sure about the open-plan bedroom,
0:53:55 > 0:53:58and also there was still quite a lot of work to do
0:53:58 > 0:54:00to turn it into what we would really like.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03Now, we went to the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed
0:54:03 > 0:54:06and we saw the property that was on the hill.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09It was a modern property. The kitchen was really nice.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11I liked the small conservatory.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14The layout was excellent, and it was the right size,
0:54:14 > 0:54:18but the garden wasn't large enough, really,
0:54:18 > 0:54:21for what we wanted, and I was concerned, as well,
0:54:21 > 0:54:23about the amount of light that would be there.
0:54:23 > 0:54:27- Because of all the woodland and the mountains around.- Precisely, yes.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31Now, you were very taken with the farmers' cottages
0:54:31 > 0:54:35- which had well over an acre of land. - Yes.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39The location was absolutely superb. Fantastic mountain views,
0:54:39 > 0:54:44and we could just see ourselves in that house.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47The size was excellent. It had three bedrooms,
0:54:47 > 0:54:50everything that we could want.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Although it was only 20 minutes away from your new offices,
0:54:53 > 0:54:57it was very rural. The property had been very tastefully modernised,
0:54:57 > 0:55:00but retained many of the original features.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02It just was absolutely gorgeous.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06There's a large amount of land there, but it is a blank canvas,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09open for us to put our mark on that exactly how we wanted,
0:55:09 > 0:55:12- and that was nice.- Yes.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15So, from a property that really excited you
0:55:15 > 0:55:19to the mystery house, and I don't think the reactions
0:55:19 > 0:55:21- could be any more different.- No.- No.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24It was an apartment with close neighbours,
0:55:24 > 0:55:29which we're not used to. I said we are not anti-social,
0:55:29 > 0:55:31but we do like our own space.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34And also there was an issue about the garden.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36It wasn't very large and it was on a slope,
0:55:36 > 0:55:41and it wasn't ideal for the purpose that we would like to use it for.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43So, bearing all that in mind,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46what's the next step for you both?
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Our house in Neath is currently on the market,
0:55:48 > 0:55:51so we have to wait to see what happens there,
0:55:51 > 0:55:55if we get enough interest. Then, if all things go to plan,
0:55:55 > 0:55:58then, I think we will contact the vendors of the cottages
0:55:58 > 0:56:01- and see if we can negotiate.- Yes.
0:56:01 > 0:56:06That's amazing news. So you're seriously thinking of putting in an offer?
0:56:06 > 0:56:07Absolutely.
0:56:07 > 0:56:12- Yes.- Oh! I'm over the moon! That's absolutely brilliant.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you. You've been wonderful,
0:56:15 > 0:56:19and you've done a lot of work on our behalf, and it's helped a great deal.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22And it's been an experience that we'll never forget.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25- All the best with your retirement. - Thank you very much.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28- All the best with your promotion. - Diolch.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:56:34 > 0:56:39Well, it's been a very successful few days here in North Wales.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42Not only have Andrew and Tanis been pleasantly surprised
0:56:42 > 0:56:47with what they could afford to buy, we also may have found them their dream property.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50If they manage to sell their own home in South Wales,
0:56:50 > 0:56:53they seriously want to put an offer in on that cottage,
0:56:53 > 0:56:55so we wish them the very best of luck.
0:56:55 > 0:56:59Join us again next time on Escape To The Country.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04If you would like to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:57:04 > 0:57:06please apply online at...
0:57:10 > 0:57:14Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
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0:57:18 > 0:57:18.