0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country
0:00:04 > 0:00:08and it was here, over 200 years ago, that a historic event,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12as dramatic as this stunning stretch of coastline, took place.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Curious? Well hold fire as we escape to the country.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32'In today's show, I'll be helping a couple escape the rat race
0:00:32 > 0:00:35'and find a relaxing retreat in the country.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38'We come across the ultimate bathroom.'
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Oh, wow! - You could be in there for hours.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44We find kitchen gadget heaven.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45That looks to me like a work of art.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49And there's the mystery house to pick from this colourful assortment.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Today, I'm in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57near the coastal town of Fishguard,
0:00:57 > 0:01:02and it was here in 1797, that the last invasion of Britain took place.
0:01:02 > 0:01:09Over 1,000 Frenchman landed on these shores, but the delights of Wales proved to be their downfall.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13After three days of looting and sampling Welsh tipple, they were overthrown.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17These days, Pembrokeshire plays host to a much more friendlier invasion
0:01:17 > 0:01:22of people in search of this truly stunning coastline.
0:01:22 > 0:01:29And with 186 miles of it and more blue flag beaches than any other county in the UK,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33it's no surprise that Pembrokeshire has the booming tourist industry
0:01:33 > 0:01:36with well above £500 million spent each year
0:01:36 > 0:01:39by more than four million visitors.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It's also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
0:01:42 > 0:01:46with a wealth of protected environmental sites and historic remains.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Norman castles rub shoulders with medieval churches
0:01:49 > 0:01:55and industrial buildings, and all set within 240 square miles.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Inland, there are plenty of places to explore, such as the county town
0:01:58 > 0:02:04of Haverfordwest, one of the many charming towns that feature throughout this glorious landscape.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Property prices in Pembrokeshire vary dramatically
0:02:11 > 0:02:14depending on the particular area that you're looking at.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17A beachfront house in a popular tourist destination,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20like Saundersfoot or Tenby in the south of the county,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24could set you back a whopping £1 million.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27But a four bedroom house in or around Haverfordwest
0:02:27 > 0:02:30would average at £270,000.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33So whatever your budget, you're going to be spoilt for choice.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Take a look.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39For rural splendour, there's this eight bedroom, Grade II listed
0:02:39 > 0:02:43country house in Mathrey for £1.25 million.
0:02:43 > 0:02:49Besides its grand reception areas and games room, the west wing is currently used as a holiday let.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Outside is a gardener's dream,
0:02:51 > 0:02:56with a superb Victorian greenhouse and over 13 acres of land.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01For £530,000 this five bedroom detached house in Haverfordwest
0:03:01 > 0:03:03has a large kitchen with breakfast bar
0:03:03 > 0:03:07leading to a pleasant dining room, light, spacious bedrooms,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and a high-spec bathroom with walk-in shower.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15And there's this four bedroom cottage in Castle Morris,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19on the market for just under £390,000,
0:03:19 > 0:03:24with an original inglenook fireplace, a well-fitted kitchen and a cottage garden.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30What a great range of houses, so let's hope
0:03:30 > 0:03:35we can find this week's buyers exactly what they're looking for.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Today's house hunters are Selina and Jamie,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41who currently live in a large, six bedroom Victorian house
0:03:41 > 0:03:44in Hertfordshire within the London commuter belt.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50They have three children - two who are now grown-up and flying the nest, and four-year-old Ben.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56Jamie has recently left his job as a fund manager in the city, but it's very much a blessing in disguise
0:03:56 > 0:04:00as they've been yearning for a lifestyle change for some time.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04The reason for this move is to sort of, I suppose, seek fulfilment and happiness.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Jamie felt he was existing, going to work and come home,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10and he didn't really feel he had a life.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And they're keen to build up a new business venture.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17We're looking for somewhere with a view acres and ideally something that comes with
0:04:17 > 0:04:20some outbuildings that are either already used for holiday lets,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23or have the scope to be converted to holiday lets.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28They've drawn up a clear wish list for their new home in the country.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31The most important room in the house for me is the kitchen,
0:04:31 > 0:04:36and when we move, we would like something similar in size that
0:04:36 > 0:04:40we can eat in the kitchen, as well as it being practical to cook in.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41My study's important to me
0:04:41 > 0:04:43because I do spend a fair bit of my day in here.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46What I'm looking to do is invest some of the money that
0:04:46 > 0:04:48we might release from the property to generate
0:04:48 > 0:04:52an income to fund the lifestyle that we're looking to lead in the country.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54There are some other considerations too.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Must haves in the next house are enough bedrooms to accommodate ourselves
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and perhaps visitors, so at least four bedrooms.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Open fire or wood-burning stove in the living room.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09I'd have an en-suite for ourselves and may be a guest bathroom as well.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13What are Jamie and Selina expecting from their new life in Pembrokeshire?
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Just enjoying some of the outdoor pursuits you can get involved with,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20mountain biking, more walking, that sort of thing.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Simple things like taking Ben to school, being able to enjoy that.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Spend more time with him and see him growing up.
0:05:25 > 0:05:32Growing our own vegetables, having chickens. Generally, sort of chilling out.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Jamie and Selina need to know how much they have to spend,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40so we've arranged for local estate agent to value their home.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43This is a beautifully presented, six-bedroomed detached home
0:05:43 > 0:05:46close to local shops, therefore, I feel the value
0:05:46 > 0:05:49is in the order of 850,000 to £875,000.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53So, what's their budget for their move to Pembrokeshire?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Our budget for the move is £600,000.
0:05:58 > 0:06:06It sounds lovely, but finding the perfect package for home and business can be a real challenge.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Selina and Jamie's choice of Pembrokeshire is a good one.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12We will focus our search around the tourist hotspots
0:06:12 > 0:06:17of Tenby and Saundersfoot, which offers a great rural location
0:06:17 > 0:06:19and a healthy demand for holiday lets.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22We will be showing them some of the best houses on offer in the area,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26and asking them to guess the price of each after they have seen them.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30And there's the mystery house, to really get Jamie and Selina
0:06:30 > 0:06:33thinking outside their comfort zone.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Selina and Jamie, welcome to Pembrokeshire!
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Thank you.- Are you looking forward to the next few days?
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- We are.- Yeah?- Certainly are, yeah.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Got some amazing things to show you, but first of all, how well do you know Pembrokeshire?
0:06:45 > 0:06:51We don't know it very well. We've been to Wales before, but we haven't actually made it to Pembrokeshire.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- So, your first time to this county? - Yes, that's right.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Now, your budget.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Are we still looking round the £600,000 mark?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- That's right, yes.- Is there any flexibility to that amount?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03There is a little bit of flexibility.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08If we found a dream house that tipped all the boxes and really wanted to
0:07:08 > 0:07:12go for it and could push the boat out, as they say, I think we could go to maybe 650 or 700.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15We'd like to try and get a place that has potential to convert
0:07:15 > 0:07:20some existing outbuildings to holiday lets, or maybe a property that's already got holiday lets,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24so that we can get an extra income from the property that we end up buying.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28We've got some amazing properties lined up for you in this beautiful county
0:07:28 > 0:07:34and, of course, we've got the mystery property, which is always very exciting. So, shall we start?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Yes.- Come on then.- Great.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Selina and Jamie have a budget of £600,000.
0:07:41 > 0:07:48But they can stretch to £700,000 to convert holiday lets if there is good earning potential.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51They are looking for a four-bedroomed house with master en suite,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55a large country kitchen for Selina, a study for Jamie,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58a big enough garden to accommodate a vegetable plot,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and some outbuildings which, subject to planning,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03could be used as holiday lets.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Have either of you stayed in holiday lets yourselves?
0:08:09 > 0:08:13We did last summer and we really enjoyed it. The whole family went along.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18Had a lovely time and had lovely views from the bedroom window.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19That was what set you off, wasn't it?
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Looking out of the window and saying, "It would be lovely to wake up to this every day."
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Our first property takes us 13 miles inland from Saundersfoot
0:08:28 > 0:08:30to the quiet village of Whiston.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Besides its beautifully remote location,
0:08:32 > 0:08:39Whiston boasts 12th-century castle remains and has a very well regarded primary school for Ben.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43There are traditional stone farmhouses dotted around,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46but our property is this barn conversion on the outskirts of the village.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51We're just outside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55so we've got all the beauty around, but we're just on the border.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58And this is your property.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Quite looking forward to getting inside.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04It's got the roses round the door, like the country cottage image that you'd expect.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Lovely stone building, very natural.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11I'm guessing it's going to be quite modern inside, because it looks like a barn that has been renovated.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Very perceptive, very perceptive.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Do you like the idea of a barn?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- Had you considered it? - Got an open mind, yeah.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Great, we like open minds. So, are you ready to have a look?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Yeah.- Let's get going.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Well, Jamie and Selina seem to like the idea of a barn conversion,
0:09:27 > 0:09:32and this is an historic one, thought to date back to the 14th century.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Come through into the hallway.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Now, this is quite a big hallway, isn't it?- Very spacious.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- Like the tiles. Good.- Lovely slate, and under-floor heating throughout the downstairs of this property.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Very spacious, nice entrance hall. Good first impression, yep.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50The first thing I want to show you is the kitchen.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52The heart of the house.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Let's take a look.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04So, a large kitchen diner, because I know that's important for you.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08One of the main things we wanted to look for was a kitchen that we could eat in,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11and use as a family room as well as a kitchen.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Nice. Is this what you had in mind?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Yes, sort of country-style.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18This is sort of what we were hoping for.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Good. Shall we keep going?- Yeah.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23I think so.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28On the other side of the hallway, there is a useful cloakroom and a light-filled home office for Jamie.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33And there are some impressive living areas to explore.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Mind the steps. So, here's your dining room.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41I like the beams - that's an interesting feature.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Got the skylight, so you get lots of light in here.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- It's nice. A nice and airy feel to it.- Bright. Yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Because this part of the property's sort of divided into two rooms,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55you could use this as a family room instead of a dining area.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Let me take you through here and show you the next bit.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04So here's your drawing room with your wood-burning stove.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Yes, we wanted one of those. It was on our wish list.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- The question is, who will be cutting the logs in the winter?- Jamie.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Gee, thanks. A bit of exercise for me.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20You wouldn't have too far to go round here, would you? Just look at the views from this room.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Absolutely beautiful.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Is this what you had in mind?
0:11:24 > 0:11:29Yes, location-wise, definitely, and the house is looking good so far.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Have you ever considered having your bedroom on the ground floor?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Well, we've not had one before. - Let me show you how it works here.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Follow me.
0:11:38 > 0:11:44'This converted barn has large, versatile spaces which fit the bill for family living.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47'We'll go back across the hall to check out where
0:11:47 > 0:11:51'Jamie and Selina would sleep, in one of the four bedrooms.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:56So, here's the master. It is on the ground floor.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57Would that worry you at all?
0:11:57 > 0:11:59No, not got a problem with that.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05- Different.- Certainly different. I suppose no staggering upstairs to bed.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Perfect, you see? I like the optimism.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- It is a huge space for a master bedroom, isn't it?- Yeah, it's nice.
0:12:11 > 0:12:18Loads of natural light. Got the exposed stone wall there again, but that, that's what excited me.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20It's the minstrels gallery.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21So much storage space.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24So, who's got all the clothes, who's got all the shoes?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27It's basically Jamie with the clothes, me with the shoes.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31But I won't need so much space now because I won't be wearing so many suits, will I?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There you are. Country casuals.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37You've got your own walk in wardrobe there.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I've spied a door over there. I'm hoping that's an en suite.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42It is. Let's take a look through here.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Go through. The all-important en suite.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50You like roll-top baths, don't you?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Yes, very much so.- I see there's a nice shower here as well.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- I like my showers. That's good. - Great power shower.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- If this is your taste, this is great decorative order, you wouldn't need to do anything to it.- Yep.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05It definitely looks... You wouldn't need to change a thing, really.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09It'd be fair to say, in most properties, this would be the size of a family bathroom.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- That's true.- And it's just for you.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17Because there's more to see upstairs. So, go through.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24So, with our tour of downstairs over, we'll head upstairs.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Off the landing, there's a large double with a vaulted ceiling,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32a single, and a smart bathroom with overhanging shower.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But we'll take a peek at where their son, Ben, could sleep.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38So, potential for Ben's room?
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Yeah, very nice and bright and airy. Got the beams there, so that's good.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Big enough for him? Because I know he likes space.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- He's at that age.- Yes, yes.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You can see him climbing up to that window there, and looking out.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53He's got an amazing view, if this was his room.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Shall we go downstairs and look at the garden?
0:13:55 > 0:13:56That'd be great.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02'Although there isn't an existing holiday let, Jamie has said he is happy to build from scratch,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'and there's certainly plenty of space to do just that.'
0:14:09 > 0:14:13So, this, as far as you can see, is your land. The full five acres.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Did you have that much in mind when you said you wanted land with your property?
0:14:17 > 0:14:22Yes, we said about that much, or maybe more, just depends on the property.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26You do have the potential because, if you wanted to build,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30there's plenty of space here and it wouldn't spoil your view or the look of the house.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33I suppose you've got access here as well, yes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36The important question is guess the price.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39How much is it currently on the market for?
0:14:39 > 0:14:44Because we are not in the National Park, there's a bit of road noise over there,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48we haven't got the outbuildings, so I'd go low on this one and say, 500.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50£500,000. Selina?
0:14:50 > 0:14:55About 450.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57450,000.
0:14:57 > 0:15:04It's currently on the market - you're the closest - for £499,950.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Not bad. £50 out.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Why don't you go and have a good look around? Have an explore, and I'll catch up with you in a minute.
0:15:11 > 0:15:18- OK, great, thanks. - So, under budget for just shy of £500,000, with £100,000
0:15:18 > 0:15:24freed up to build holiday lets, this barn conversion offerings a large country-style kitchen for Selina,
0:15:24 > 0:15:31two flexible family reception areas, four bedrooms with a master en suite, and over 4.5 acres
0:15:31 > 0:15:34of land which, with planning consent, could easily accommodate
0:15:34 > 0:15:36the two holiday lets Jamie would like.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39This is a good sized room. Make a good guest room.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42When we first saw the property, I was quite intrigued, wanted to come in.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48I like the stonework on the house, it's got a lovely sort of country feel to it.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53The quirkiness as well, the old stable doors are really very nice.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57This property obviously gives the potential to build some new holiday lets from scratch.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Obviously, the fact that it's under budget means there's money available to do that.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04A lot to think about but it certainly has that potential.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Are you happy? Have you seen enough? - I have.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- OK, let's keep going, because we've got plenty more to show you.- Great!
0:16:16 > 0:16:21With a move to Pembrokeshire, Jamie and Selina would be able to enjoy some of the most
0:16:21 > 0:16:27spectacular coastline in Wales and St David's will no doubt be a convenient stop-off point for them.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33With just 2,000 residents, St David's is dubbed the UK's smallest city,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35courtesy of its magnificent cathedral.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39With a religious history stretching back some 1,500 years,
0:16:39 > 0:16:44St David's today is alive with boutique shops, cafes and a thriving local arts scene.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50Jamie and Selina are meeting Rob Scourfield, the National Park's building conservation officer,
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- to find out more about this fascinating little city. - Welcome to St David's.
0:16:55 > 0:17:01We are standing here in front of the city cross, the 14th century market cross of St David's.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05We'll go and have a look at some other treats that St David's has in store.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07If we head off in this direction.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Built in the 12th century, St David's Cathedral became
0:17:12 > 0:17:16one of the most important pilgrim sites in medieval Christendom.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22It's said that the Pope decreed that two pilgrimages here were equivalent to one pilgrimage to Rome.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Here we are in St David's Cathedral itself.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27A very fine specimen of architecture.
0:17:27 > 0:17:34Rebuilt in the late 12th century, right on the cusp of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39You can see here, we've got the round arches of the Norman style with the typical detail.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Within the arcade, we have got pointed arches.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Why did they choose to build it here?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47The Normans built the cathedral on the site of the monastery
0:17:47 > 0:17:51that was established here by St David in the 6th century.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56So, it was really continuity that they sought to build the cathedral on that very same site.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00It was sited on very marshy ground, so when the cathedral was built here,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03they had difficulty finding foundations.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Hence the fact that the arcades are leaning outwards.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10The cathedral really has been on the move since it was built.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13And now we're on the move to see another gem in St David's.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21Just across the stream from the cathedral lie the ruins of the 14th century bishop's palace,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24which still shows off its decorative splendour today.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30- When does it actually date back from?- The building was here in the 12th century but was largely rebuilt
0:18:30 > 0:18:33in the early 14th century by Bishop Henry de Gower.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Why has it been allowed to fall into rack and ruin like this?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37After the Reformation, it was abandoned.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43The new bishop, William Barlow, wanted to move the whole seat of the diocese near Carmarthen.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48He succeeded in moving the Bishop's Palace but not the cathedral,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51so there was simply no use for the building after that.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54It is a conserved ruin. Hopefully, when you come down to Pembrokeshire
0:18:54 > 0:18:57to live, you can go to one of the open air concerts in the Palace.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00That would be terrific. Thank you very much.
0:19:00 > 0:19:07St David's is a wonder that Jamie and Selina could enjoy regularly if they make Pembrokeshire their home.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Our next house is again on the edge of Whiston.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17But if Jamie and Selina need to pick up provisions,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Haverfordwest, five miles away, has a vast array of independent shops.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25It has a pleasant feel and plenty of history,
0:19:25 > 0:19:30with imposing castle remains dating back to the 13th century overlooking the town.
0:19:30 > 0:19:37Our next property is a new build with a business proposition that should whet Jamie's appetite.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40This is the property. It's about half an acre all round.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45And if you look just behind you to that outbuilding, that is actually included with this property.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47I'm going to show you that in more detail later.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- It's a bit blustery. So, shall we take a step inside?- Yes.- Come on.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57'This new-build property has never been lived in, so it's a complete blank canvas.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59'Let's see what they make of it.'
0:20:00 > 0:20:04So here we are, straight into the hallway.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Very spacious.- Nice stairs, yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Beautiful oak stairs, aren't they? A real feature as you walk in.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- Good start.- Jamie?- Impressive start. Interested to see more.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17So with your creative hat on, let's do the tour.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22'We'll start by peeling off the hallway to look at the first of two main reception rooms.'
0:20:22 > 0:20:25So here's your drawing/sitting room.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Is it odd looking at it without any furniture in?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32It feels quite cold because of that,
0:20:32 > 0:20:38- and definitely needs a fire of some kind in here.- Yeah. Warm it up.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43We've got an open flue there, so you could have a wood burner there,
0:20:43 > 0:20:47or you could make it larger and have a big fireplace if you wanted to.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52It's a nice, bright room. Although it's a modern house, it's not like other modern houses on a big estate.
0:20:52 > 0:20:58You've got countryside around and no busy road or anything so quite good in that sense.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02We've done this room. Let's see what we can do with the next one.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05'Across the hallway is a light and spacious dining room
0:21:05 > 0:21:10'that's conveniently joined to the kitchen, which we'll look at next.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:11It's a huge size.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13It's nice.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19I wouldn't have chosen it myself, but I could live with this sort of kitchen.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- And the style?- Yeah.- And you want another area possibly to eat.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- I mean, you could easily get a dining table in there.- Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30And you have the option actually of the sun room/conservatory,
0:21:30 > 0:21:35you could convert that either into a family room or a dining room.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Sure. No study down here?
0:21:37 > 0:21:42No study down here. However, with the three reception rooms,
0:21:42 > 0:21:50- you could convert one of those, or you could use one of the bedrooms as a study, so let's take a look.- OK.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54'Leading off the kitchen is a small bathroom with shower,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58'and useful storage space in the large well-designed utility room.
0:21:58 > 0:22:05'It's hard to read whether Jamie and Selina could really see themselves living here, so let's move upstairs
0:22:05 > 0:22:08'and see whether the bedrooms will excite them.'
0:22:08 > 0:22:13The upstairs reminds me of a manor house, the way it's set out.
0:22:13 > 0:22:20'There are four bedrooms, including two double rooms, one of which would be great for Ben.
0:22:20 > 0:22:27'The third bedroom has its own en-suite with shower, perfect for the older children when they stay.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31'Next door to that, there's a family bathroom with bath and shower.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35'But we'll cross the landing and look at a master bedroom.'
0:22:35 > 0:22:42Do you think this would be big enough as one of the masters? You've got two this size either side.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46You'd certainly get a double bed in here, but storage might be an issue,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48although you've got the wardrobes on the landing there.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50That's slightly strange, maybe.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Not quite enough space for us.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55All my country casuals.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59It's all change, isn't it? You could put walk-in wardrobes...
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Well, not walk-in wardrobes, but you could have fitted wardrobes here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Yeah, sure. And you've got the view from here as well.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11Now, that's what you want from a bedroom, isn't it, a view like that?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14And the en-suite, which is through here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20The all-important en-suite.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25It's quite large, but it doesn't have the bath. I know you like your bath, Selina.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29I do like my baths, so that's a little bit of a downside.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I'd have to use the family bathroom.
0:23:32 > 0:23:38So time to look outside and, more importantly, at those outbuildings, for your future potential business.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43Jamie, we're going to follow you down the stairs.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46'I'm not sure they're able to imagine how they could turn
0:23:46 > 0:23:50'this spacious blank canvas into a character family home to suit them.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55'Perhaps they'll find the prospects on offer outside more enticing.'
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Well, it might be a bit windy and bit blustery,
0:23:58 > 0:24:03but it's not going to take it away from that stunning view.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09- How do you fancy waking up every morning and looking out of your window at that?- Yeah, it's gorgeous.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13So, the outbuildings. Did you guess what they were?
0:24:13 > 0:24:17I guessed they were stables, but I guess they could be converted to holiday lets.
0:24:17 > 0:24:23You'd need planning permission, but because we're outside the National Park, it's much easier to get,
0:24:23 > 0:24:28so it could be the answer to your holiday lets. So with that in mind,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:24:31 > 0:24:36Quite tricky. It's a new property but it doesn't have much land, although it does have those outbuildings,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39so I'm going to say 550.
0:24:39 > 0:24:47- OK. Selina.- It needs a bit of work doing on it, so I think about 525.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51The current asking price is £650,000.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55So quite a bit more than you thought, although the current owners
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- are keen to sell, and they will consider offers.- That's encouraging.
0:25:00 > 0:25:06So, have a think about it. Take a look around the stable block and then a final look around the house.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08OK, thanks.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13At £650,000, Jamie and Selina would have £50,000 left from their budget
0:25:13 > 0:25:17to convert the stables into holiday lets,
0:25:17 > 0:25:22but this brand-new property also offers two spacious reception rooms,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24a large kitchen/breakfast room,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26four bedrooms, two with en-suites,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29and although there's only half an acre of land,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33there are the pluses of spectacular views and the stable building,
0:25:33 > 0:25:38which could be converted, with planning permission, into holiday lets.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40But are they up for the challenge?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43We've got two units here that could be converted.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- Plenty of space.- You could...
0:25:45 > 0:25:53bit of glass there, make two living rooms and take this wall down so they've got the view over the fields.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56I believe I could put my own mark on this property.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59It wouldn't take as long as the house we're in now.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Being modern, it should be a lot easier to get the decorating done.
0:26:02 > 0:26:08It's interesting to find a new-build property in such a rural and idyllic location, so that was interesting.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14The property sits in about half an acre, which is probably less than we were thinking of.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18You envisage yourself buying a place with quite a few acres.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23It had quite a lot of features we were looking for in terms of four bedrooms,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27holiday let potential as well, so that was interesting, also.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Well, you've had a final look around the house.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- Jamie, marks out of ten?- Eight.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Eight, that's very good. Selina?
0:26:35 > 0:26:36Eight, maybe nine.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- Even better. On that positive note, we're going to keep going.- Let's go.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Pembrokeshire's a clever choice of location by Jamie and Selina,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54especially if they're serious about running a holiday let business.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57The National Park is a real pull for the tourist industry
0:26:57 > 0:27:00and would be a great day out for their holiday guests.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03At its heart are the Teifi Marshes,
0:27:03 > 0:27:08an enchanting 246-acre conservation site, close to the town of Cardigan,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11which attracts around 20,000 visitors a year.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18I've come to meet Nathan Walton, Pembrokeshire's Wildlife Trust officer,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22to find out more about the conservation work they do here.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- Hi, Nathan.- Hi, Nicky.- Great to meet you. What an amazing spot!
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- It is, isn't it?- So what type of conservation work do you do here?
0:27:30 > 0:27:36It's quite varied. We do a lot of survey work, so we do butterfly transects and floral surveys,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and then scrub management, that's one of the main things -
0:27:39 > 0:27:44preventing scrub from encroaching on to other valuable habitats.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48A lot of the reserve work involves maintaining the reserve infrastructure -
0:27:48 > 0:27:51boardwalks and benches and interpretation panels.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55So it's very varied and you gain a lot of skills from that.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59I've heard you've got some unusual helpers here.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- Yeah, and I'll show you them now.- OK.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08The River Teifi and surrounding woodland areas are home to a rich variety of wildlife,
0:28:08 > 0:28:14including badgers, otters, water shrews and red deer, as well as migrating ospreys.
0:28:14 > 0:28:21But I'm dying to find out who Nathan's special helpers are, and what they do around here.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25So here we are. Let me introduce you to our groundsmen and women.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Are they water buffalo?- They are.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30We've got five females and one male here.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33So what exactly are they doing here in Pembrokeshire?
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Well, they're hoping to keep the marshland in the correct condition,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40in the pristine state that we need to help conservation on site.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42And how do they do that for you?
0:28:42 > 0:28:48A variety of ways, mainly by keeping areas of open water open. They like to wallow a lot in the muddy areas.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54They help also to graze the grassland and push through all the scrub and anything that's encroaching.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59But why would you use water buffalo? Why couldn't you use horse or sheep?
0:28:59 > 0:29:05We have tried horses and ponies and cattle, but with the horses and ponies,
0:29:05 > 0:29:11they don't tend to go into the wetter areas too much. And with the cattle, they were getting in there,
0:29:11 > 0:29:16but they're more prone to water-borne diseases which the water buffalo don't seem to be affected by.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19They're a much more hardier animal and create the right conditions
0:29:19 > 0:29:22for a variety of species, including dragonflies and damselflies and amphibians.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24They're the best animal for the job.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is one of three wildlife trusts in Wales which use them
0:29:28 > 0:29:35and more conservation organisations and groups are realising their importance in managing habitat.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40I must admit, when I came to Pembrokeshire, I really didn't think I was going to see water buffalo.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45No, it is an unusual sight, and again, it attracts many people to the area, which is great.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Nathan, thanks very much. - You're very welcome.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54And, as the first day of our house search draws to a close,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58our couple have a chance to reflect on the properties they've seen.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02- The stone barn. What did you think of it?- It had lots of character.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06The space was good, the layout was nice.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11The land, I suppose, it was a bit unfinished, wasn't it?
0:30:11 > 0:30:15But I guess the plot size was nice enough for the house itself.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Didn't have any outbuildings for the holiday let.
0:30:18 > 0:30:24It has extra land which you could build on but that means extra cost, planning permission.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26What did you think of the new build?
0:30:26 > 0:30:33The new build was interesting because I wasn't expecting to see a new-build property in a location like that.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36It obviously had some attractive features,
0:30:36 > 0:30:41insofar as it was a blank canvas you could just move into, and relatively low maintenance, I suppose.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46And also it had the stables which have potential for the holiday letting business,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50so it had a lot of positives to it.
0:30:56 > 0:31:02Selina and Jamie are looking to quit life in London's commuter land and head for the peace of Pembrokeshire.
0:31:02 > 0:31:08With up to £700,000, they are after a four-bedroom home in the country,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11with the scope to make holiday lets into a money spinner.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16They've seen two properties, but, coming up, Selina has a plan to escape the kitchen.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- We might have to eat out more.- Yes!
0:31:19 > 0:31:23And they meet one of Pembrokeshire's most passionate gardeners.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Woah, down, boy!
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Finally there's the mystery house, which will give them a completely different perspective.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Yesterday was a very interesting day.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37One thing I did find out, is that I wouldn't want to play
0:31:37 > 0:31:42Selina or Jamie at poker, because they gave very little away.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47I was pleasantly surprised when they rated what they had seen so highly.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49But today, it's a new day.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54And we've got some aces up our sleeve, including the mystery house.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59The remote village of Cresselly is only five miles from the coast
0:31:59 > 0:32:02and within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07This remote landscape is not only great walking territory, but home to many historic landmarks.
0:32:07 > 0:32:15Such as the remains of the nearby Carew Castle, a restored tidal mill and a medieval bridge.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21Now, I wasn't convinced yesterday that the prospect of a holiday let project filled them with excitement,
0:32:21 > 0:32:28so our next house is a family home with no work to be done and enough money left to invest elsewhere.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30And this is it.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34At the heart of it is a 200-year-old cottage which you can see in front of you
0:32:34 > 0:32:40and then, extended at the side, this is like a barn at the back and that was completed just two years ago.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45Shall we go and explore before we get too wet? Come on.
0:32:45 > 0:32:52'So, we'll go round the old cottage to the side entrance and I'm sure they'll like what they see.'
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Come on in.
0:32:56 > 0:33:03This part is the oldest part of the property, this is the 200-year-old part. And this is the extension.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08It's a lot brighter than I expected. From the outside, it looked dark, but it's very, very bright.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13You've got the utility room which is a good size and the downstairs cloakroom.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17You've got the most amazing larder there. It's a cook's dream.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22This side of the property, you have got the stairs up to the bedrooms,
0:33:22 > 0:33:24but I want to show you the living quarters through here.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36When you look at this property from the outside,
0:33:36 > 0:33:43- looking at the old part of the cottage, you would never think it's like this inside?- Absolutely not.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- They've done it very well. - It's obviously very well equipped.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Just look at the appliances, the double butler sink.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Look at that as an extractor fan. That looks to me like a work of art.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55I think it's fantastic.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It's pretty special.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Wouldn't change a thing. It's perfect.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03You've got the dining area there. And over here,
0:34:03 > 0:34:07this is where you'd relax in the evenings.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- Have you lived in an open-plan space before?- No, we haven't, actually.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16Our current house has traditional kind of rooms, so this would be completely different for us.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21It would work a bit better for us, actually. It flows together well.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26And the sort of social aspect, it would lend itself now to our family as it has got a bit smaller
0:34:26 > 0:34:28so we will be together a bit more.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I love the window, I love the light that sort of floods in.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35You've got your wood burner there, which you could open up
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- to make into a fireplace if you wanted to.- Yes, it's very nice.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42One thing you do need, Jamie, is a study.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46So, you lead the way back through and we will follow you.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50'Selina loves the convivial open-plan kitchen sitting room,
0:34:50 > 0:34:54'and it could be a step forward for how they live as a family.
0:34:54 > 0:34:59'We are going back through to the old part of the cottage to see if Jamie likes his study.'
0:34:59 > 0:35:02So, would this work as an office study?
0:35:02 > 0:35:08It could do. It's tucked away from the main part of the house, so if I need to do some quiet work,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11I could get in here and get some serious work done.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- I can see my desk fitting in there. - Good, good.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Lovely fireplace. Adds to the character.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22There's plenty more to explore with this house. So let's keep going.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27'Brilliant - the downstairs of this amazing house gets the thumbs-up from both of them.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31'And I'm sure the three bedrooms upstairs will please them, too.'
0:35:31 > 0:35:37Here we are upstairs. You've got the oak throughout the whole house, including all the doors.
0:35:37 > 0:35:43You've got cloakroom here, a shower room there, it's like a wet room.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45This could be Ben's room.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Big enough for him?
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Yes, very much so. He's only small as well, so...
0:35:50 > 0:35:53the ceiling's not going to be a problem.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57He would like the windows as well, especially the one at the end.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59I can see him climbing up there.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02'Off the landing is also a single bedroom
0:36:02 > 0:36:07'and a tip top guest room for their older children when they stay,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11'with its own oak-panelled bath in the bedroom, and en suite.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16'But the real icing on the cake is waiting downstairs
0:36:16 > 0:36:19'in the fourth bedroom where Jamie and Selina could sleep.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22'It has some breathtaking extras.'
0:36:22 > 0:36:27So, here is your master bedroom, but it is downstairs.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29It's a good size. This would work for you?
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- Yes?- Got no problems with it.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- Reasonably light and bright as well. - So, this works.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40But something else really works here as well.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42I'm guessing an en-suite?
0:36:42 > 0:36:46It is an en-suite, but it is an en-suite like I have never seen.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52Of all the times on Escape to the Country, this has to be my favourite bathroom ever.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Let's take a look.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01And this, this is it.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04I've never seen a bath quite like that before.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07That has to be the ultimate in indulgence. It's a copper bath.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09They use copper to keep the heat in.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12You could be in there for hours.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14What about you, Jamie? Is that shower going to be quite big enough?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17That's big enough for me, I should think, yes.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21This is fantastic. Wouldn't change any of it.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I just hope they are not going to take the bath with them.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Well, it's time I showed you the rest of the property.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29So let's go outside and explore the grounds.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Jamie, we're going to follow you.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Oh! The sun's come out to show us this garden in all its glory.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46You've got an acre. If you look through the shrubs and trees, you can roughly see the border.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49It's quite a wild garden. It's been left quite natural.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52You've got a raised vegetable patch.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55The building at the end is a piggery which has been restored.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59So if you fancy getting a few animals - pop them in there.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Now I've shown you all there is to see, so it's crunch time.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:38:06 > 0:38:11They've spent a lot of money on doing it up. I suspect they're probably asking over budget on this.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15I'm going to say 700 on this, that they have put it on for.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- OK, Selina? - I would think more like 595.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22You're both way out.
0:38:22 > 0:38:30The current asking price is £499,950.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Selina, you were closer but still 100 grand out.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Not only is it a fantastic property, it would also leave you
0:38:36 > 0:38:41quite a lot of money to play with out of your budget,
0:38:41 > 0:38:46so if you wanted to consider moving home and business separately, you could actually look
0:38:46 > 0:38:52for a holiday let accommodation not too far away, to run your business away from your home.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56Have a wander around the grounds and I'll catch up with you in a minute.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02So, under budget at just shy of £500,000, that's £200,000 under
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Jamie's guess, our couple could land themselves that perfect family home.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10This amazing country cottage conversion offers
0:39:10 > 0:39:13a huge, high-spec kitchen-lounge,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16four bedrooms with an incredible master en-suite,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20a stunning location within the National Park,
0:39:20 > 0:39:25and with £200,000 of their budget left to invest in a holiday let close by.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27What do you think of the garden? Pretty wild?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Yes, it would need quite a bit of work doing on it.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35It's the sort of house I could be quite happy in.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Ticks some of the boxes we were looking for in terms of bedrooms
0:39:38 > 0:39:44and a garden for Selina to do growing vegetables and things.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49Maybe doesn't have the outbuildings, that's why it's not the perfect 10 as such, but I suppose the positives
0:39:49 > 0:39:54against that would be the fact that it's fantastically appointed and has been done to high-spec.
0:39:54 > 0:40:01Sometimes when you walk into a place, you get the feeling that you could possibly live there.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04And this does have that feeling. So...
0:40:06 > 0:40:11So it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful house, and let's make tracks.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Selina and Jamie are keen to grow their own vegetables,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25so to find out how to get started with arranged for
0:40:25 > 0:40:30them to meet Christina Shand, local resident who leads the good life and has transformed
0:40:30 > 0:40:36six acres of forgotten bogland into the stunning Dufferin Vernant Gardens.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Have you grown vegetables before? - No, we haven't.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I can tell you a little bit about how I set out here.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48This was a wilderness when I came. My first priority was access.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51I wanted to be able to hop out of the kitchen in bare feet,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54in the rain if necessary, pick fresh herbs, fresh vegetables,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57and not have to put my wellies on and trudge down to the bottom of the garden.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02Aspect, site, is very important, if you are looking at properties
0:41:02 > 0:41:05and you want to grow vegetables, you must have light.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09It's really important to get the aspect right. Maximum sun.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Second to that is shelter. As you can see it's pretty windy here.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18It comes straight off the Atlantic. That's why I've got a shelter belt there, a willow hurdle.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22the more shelter you have got, the more wonderful things you can grow.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25What's the climate like, here in Pembrokeshire?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28It's very soft, and you've got a lovely, long growing season.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31You can start things off early and carry them on late.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35And very, very mild winters.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37We've also got lovely soil.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Obviously in a kitchen garden, you have worked your own soil.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44This has got lovely structure.
0:41:44 > 0:41:51You do that to soil, that's a good test, and it should hold together but not crumble apart completely.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54That means it will hold nutrients and it will hold
0:41:54 > 0:41:59moisture and that the same time, be free draining - no plant likes to be waterlogged.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And now I'd like to show you another part of the garden.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03If you follow me. Thank you.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08In addition to her vegetable garden, Christina has also developed
0:42:08 > 0:42:10a lovely floral garden full of exotic plants.
0:42:10 > 0:42:16Where the likes of lilies, agapanthus, and the rich variety of dahlias and alliums flourish.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19But Christina is taking Selina and Jamie down
0:42:19 > 0:42:23the garden to see the crowning glory of her horticultural efforts.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28There are a lot of things that like it seriously wet, and I made this
0:42:28 > 0:42:32garden because I really wanted it to flow into the landscape.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35I wanted the whole garden to be incorporated, so you got a
0:42:35 > 0:42:41transition between the ancient rush pasture and the more formal garden.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Is it hard, keeping the garden looking so lush?
0:42:43 > 0:42:47No, it's really containing it and going, "down boy!"
0:42:47 > 0:42:49It's very verdant here.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51And what's the obelisk here for?
0:42:51 > 0:42:57The obelisk was designed by my partner David and it's a kind of an energy point.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02Into the middle of what is really quite a primeval area, very verdant,
0:43:02 > 0:43:07and shows the lush kind of growth that you get into this county.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12And now I've got a surprise for you, so follow me.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Not only is Christina's garden a complete inspiration
0:43:15 > 0:43:19but she's going to show our couple how they can reap the rewards
0:43:19 > 0:43:21from a business venture close to their hearts.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24And this is my holiday let.
0:43:24 > 0:43:29- Excellent.- I made this a few years ago from an old cowshed.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31How do you find running it?
0:43:31 > 0:43:37It's a complete joy. I meet all sorts of interesting, creative people
0:43:37 > 0:43:41and the income supports the garden, basically.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Well, hopefully Selina and Jamie Field his visit has brought them
0:43:44 > 0:43:48one step nearer to moving to the country.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52So, it's mystery property time.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56Is there anything you are hoping to see, or anything you hoping we are not going to take you to see?
0:43:56 > 0:44:00I know there's lots of castles, so I hope we're not going
0:44:00 > 0:44:03to go and see a broken-down castle that we need to renovate completely.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07Oh, Jamie, we wouldn't make you rebuild a castle!
0:44:07 > 0:44:12But they will have to get their head round the complete lifestyle change with our mystery house.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15We've lined up a property slap-bang in the middle of a seaside town.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20What's more, there's no land, except for the stunning beach.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23So we are heading to the coastal town of Saundersfoot,
0:44:23 > 0:44:26a perfect location for our couple to have a holiday let bolthole.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29Over 70,000 tourists per year flock here
0:44:29 > 0:44:34to enjoy his Blue Flag beach and strolls around the harbour.
0:44:34 > 0:44:40The mystery house is one of the oldest buildings in Saundersfoot and has wonderful views over the Bay.
0:44:40 > 0:44:47Just take a look in front of you, because, your mystery house is one of those
0:44:47 > 0:44:49and if you just look up the hill,
0:44:49 > 0:44:52you'll see a pink house with a veranda.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54That is your mystery house.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- Oh, right. - Surprised?- Yes.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59- A bit of mystery?- Yes.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02We've done our work. Come on, let's take a look.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05So now we've pinpointed our mystery house,
0:45:05 > 0:45:09let's take a closer look at this 200 year-old property,
0:45:09 > 0:45:11formerly two captains' cottages
0:45:11 > 0:45:14now knocked into one and with some very quirky features.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18So come on in to your unique mystery property.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20I can see you taking it all in.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23You've got the skylight, which gives you that lovely light.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25Got the open, exposed stone there.
0:45:25 > 0:45:30It's not on one level, it's not on two, it's not on three, it's actually on four.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32So are you ready to explore?
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- Yes, I am.- Let's start.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39We begin our tour by going upstairs to the second floor
0:45:39 > 0:45:42to look at the main reception room.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44So, here's the main living area.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- Really good space, actually.- Yes.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51And they use this side as the dining part.
0:45:51 > 0:45:52A nice balcony with views over the sea, yes?
0:45:52 > 0:45:56A fantastic view over the sea, which I'm going to show you in a minute,
0:45:56 > 0:46:00- but what do you think of this as a living space?- It's workable.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02- Spacious.- Yes? This would work?
0:46:02 > 0:46:04Definitely, yes. It's big enough.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09Got a kitchen through there, but I'm going to let you admire that view.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13How's that for a million-dollar view?
0:46:13 > 0:46:16Surely you're never going to tire of that?
0:46:16 > 0:46:18No, definitely not, it's fantastic.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20It's going to change, different seasons,
0:46:20 > 0:46:23people coming and going, always something going on. Fantastic.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25Are you keen on eating outside?
0:46:25 > 0:46:27Yeah, as long as the weather's good.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Hopefully we'll get lots of good weather here.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32And lovely for breakfast in the morning.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36Definitely. Talking of breakfasts, shall we take a look at the kitchen?
0:46:36 > 0:46:41'It seems like Selina is already picturing herself eating on the balcony.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45'I wonder whether she'll picture herself cooking in the kitchen too?'
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Hopefully, we can all squeeze in.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52It's not that big.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- I can't dress it up in any other way.- It's certainly small.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57We might have to eat out a lot more, I think.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Oh, yes. A girl after my own heart.
0:47:01 > 0:47:02Anything to get out of cooking.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05I was expecting to come into a little bit of a larger kitchen
0:47:05 > 0:47:07than this. Let's see what else there is.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12OK, well, we've got three more levels. Jamie, you lead the way out.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15We're going to go upstairs.
0:47:15 > 0:47:20'Don't worry, Selina, I've got another kitchen up my sleeve for later in our house tour.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22'We'll head up to the top floor, which is completely
0:47:22 > 0:47:26'given over to the master and is one of the four bedrooms in this house.'
0:47:30 > 0:47:34I'm glad you're used to stairs in your current property,
0:47:34 > 0:47:36because there's quite a few here.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40- This is the master. - The beams, that's nice.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42Lots of character.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- The views, of course. - Great views from this bedroom.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50You've got a walk-in wardrobe there. The actual current owners have divided it up
0:47:50 > 0:47:53and they keep their computer and office stuff in the other side.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Would this room be right for you two?
0:47:56 > 0:47:58It would work as a bedroom, yes.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03- Is this an en suite?- There's a large en suite in there, which I'll let you investigate in a while.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05I want you now to go downstairs to the lower part of the house.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07Jamie, we're going to follow you.
0:48:09 > 0:48:15'With the top two levels covered, we'll go back downstairs past the living areas on the second floor
0:48:15 > 0:48:19'and past the first floor with the other three bedrooms, a large light twin,
0:48:19 > 0:48:24'another good size single currently with bunk beds and a comfortable double room.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28'There's also a sweet little bathroom with shower and bath.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33'Now time to check out the ground floor, where there's a pleasant surprise in store.'
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Here's the other living space.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38- And another kitchen. - Bigger than the other one.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41That's better, isn't it?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Yes, it's more like it, it's more workable.
0:48:44 > 0:48:50You've got a downstairs utility room and there's a shower and toilet in there as well.
0:48:50 > 0:48:51The way the house is set up,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54when the current owners have their family to stay,
0:48:54 > 0:48:58they use the top part of the house and then the family use
0:48:58 > 0:49:01the bedrooms and then this part as their living area.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03So they've sort of separated it.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05That could work for us as well I suppose,
0:49:05 > 0:49:07if our elder children came to stay as well.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11Not only does it have loads of space, but it's also quite unique,
0:49:11 > 0:49:14because many of the properties on this part of the front,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17they don't have gardens, but this one certainly does.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21'With the tour of the inside complete, Selina and Jamie aren't giving away too much.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24'What will they make of this low-maintenance garden?'
0:49:24 > 0:49:27This is a great outdoor space.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30Not the biggest of areas, but I'm sure we could have some fun here.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32Standing here,
0:49:32 > 0:49:36I would normally ask you to guess the price.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39But on this occasion, I'm going to hold back slightly,
0:49:39 > 0:49:43because you've seen the house, what I haven't shown you yet
0:49:43 > 0:49:47is the holiday let potential that comes with this property.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49- Are you surprised?- Yes.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51- Intrigued?- Yes, let's have a look.
0:49:51 > 0:49:52Excellent.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55'Not only do they get two living rooms and two kitchens,
0:49:55 > 0:49:59'but also two properties in our mystery house package.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03'Less than a minute's walk from the cottage is our mystery ingredient.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07'Besides the garage, they'd get this ready-to-let holiday apartment.'
0:50:09 > 0:50:11The entrance hall leads through to an open-plan area,
0:50:11 > 0:50:17which creates a real impression of space with the A frame ceiling.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19So this place sleeps four.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22You've got the double bunks, the shower room,
0:50:22 > 0:50:24and the pull out bed there.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28How much do you think roughly you could make renting this out?
0:50:28 > 0:50:30What do you think?
0:50:30 > 0:50:34Somewhere between, I don't know, 5000 to 8000 a year, maybe.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38The current owners don't let it go out at Christmas or new year, because they
0:50:38 > 0:50:42hold it back for friends and family, but they do during the summer months
0:50:42 > 0:50:46and they get a minimum of £12,000 a year, net.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50'So, knowing this holiday let could earn them quite an income, it's time
0:50:50 > 0:50:54'to go outside and take a punt on the price. There you have it.'
0:50:54 > 0:50:58You've now seen the mystery property with the additional holiday let.
0:50:58 > 0:51:02How much do you think it's currently on the market for?
0:51:02 > 0:51:04Selina's turn to go first, I think.
0:51:04 > 0:51:10I think with the holiday let, £650,000?
0:51:10 > 0:51:12I'd come up £560,000 myself.
0:51:12 > 0:51:21Selina, you're actually closer because the asking price for both properties together is £670,000.
0:51:21 > 0:51:28The top end of your budget was £700,000, if you found the right holiday let, accommodation.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Lots to think about.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34Why don't see take one final look and I'll meet you at the front?
0:51:34 > 0:51:37'Our mystery proposition stretches Selina and Jamie's
0:51:37 > 0:51:43'budget to their maximum, but offers up two properties, one, a unique seaside family home
0:51:43 > 0:51:47'and the holiday apartment as a guaranteed source of income.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51'For £670,000, they would get -
0:51:51 > 0:51:54'Two self-contained living kitchen areas,
0:51:54 > 0:51:56'useful when the older children come to stay,
0:51:56 > 0:51:58'four bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:51:58 > 0:52:01'a spectacular coastal location and views
0:52:01 > 0:52:06'and an annual income of around £12,000 from the holiday let.'
0:52:06 > 0:52:10It's a relief there's this other kitchen here, because I
0:52:10 > 0:52:14don't think you'd be happy about paying out for meals every day.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17The mystery house was a little bit of a surprise.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20Especially from the outside, it looked like a tiny a little cottage.
0:52:20 > 0:52:25The mystery house was interesting, because it had character and quite
0:52:25 > 0:52:28a lot of quirks, being on four levels is quite unusual.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31I was hoping there might be something in the holiday let, so we had that here.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34I love the views.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38But the house, not quite sure if it's me.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42- Have you seen enough?- Yes, think so.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45That's it, guys, that's the final property.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47Let's take you somewhere quiet
0:52:47 > 0:52:50- where you can have a think about what you've seen.- OK.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00Time now for Selina and Jamie to enjoy the fresh sea air
0:53:00 > 0:53:03and think about the options here in Pembrokeshire.
0:53:07 > 0:53:12We've shown Jamie and Selina all that South Pembrokeshire has to offer.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15Now, this is the first time the couple have actually
0:53:15 > 0:53:19ever been to this county and, if I'm being honest,
0:53:19 > 0:53:21I found them very difficult to read.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25So I'm intrigued to find out if they've actually made a final decision.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27The only way to find out,
0:53:27 > 0:53:29is to ask them.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35Jamie and Selina, how have you found the last few days?
0:53:35 > 0:53:39More importantly, what do you think of Pembrokeshire?
0:53:39 > 0:53:43Pembrokeshire, I think it's fantastic. It sort of draws you in.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Let's talk property.
0:53:45 > 0:53:49That stone barn with the five acres, what were your thoughts on that?
0:53:49 > 0:53:51It's a very nice property.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53It's been done up very well.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56The formal gardens perhaps needed a bit more work,
0:53:56 > 0:54:02but having the extra four acres gave the potential to maybe build some other properties if we wanted to.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Maybe it wasn't for us at the end of the day.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07We showed you a new build property, what did you think of that house?
0:54:07 > 0:54:12I thought the view was fantastic, that really appealed.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15It did have the advantage of the stable block,
0:54:15 > 0:54:18which had been built with conversion in mind.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Did that appeal to you at all?
0:54:20 > 0:54:23It was quite interesting because it was nicely set aside from the house
0:54:23 > 0:54:28and you had the potential to turn it into two separate units which could have been quite lucrative.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30It was only half an acre with the new build.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33I think the price didn't seem to reflect that, I thought.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35That was the end of day one.
0:54:35 > 0:54:40We started off our second day with that 200 year-old cottage, which was beautiful.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42It was really, really fantastic.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47And then inside was quite a surprise because it was done out in such a way that it was quite modern.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50- It was very, very nice. - So you liked it?
0:54:50 > 0:54:53- Yes, I liked it very much. - What about you, Jamie?
0:54:53 > 0:54:56I liked it as well. But I slightly struggle with the appearance
0:54:56 > 0:54:59on the outside being very old and cottagey
0:54:59 > 0:55:03and the ultra-modern interior and then the land, it was an acre,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06but it was quite wild, I suppose and perhaps
0:55:06 > 0:55:08needed a fair bit of work doing to it,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11but it did have potential for the vegetable patch for Selina.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13Finally, it's time to talk about the mystery house.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16The house itself was really, really lovely.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19The views were spectacular, couldn't fault that at all.
0:55:19 > 0:55:24But the only issue was living on so many levels with Ben.
0:55:24 > 0:55:29and I think we were looking for something a little less built up.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32What did you think about the holiday let accommodation?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34It was separate from the main house.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37I thought that was excellent. It had been done well
0:55:37 > 0:55:39and I was pleasantly surprised by, obviously,
0:55:39 > 0:55:42the amount of revenue they managed to generate from it.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45So finally, it's decision time.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47Did any of those properties whet your appetite?
0:55:47 > 0:55:51I'd have said the 200 year-old cottage was the nearest.
0:55:51 > 0:55:57If we could get our head around the land site and perhaps if we could
0:55:57 > 0:56:02do something with the acre, perhaps level it up a little bit,
0:56:02 > 0:56:04that would be, the most spot on.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07There was a very wise surveyor who said to me once,
0:56:07 > 0:56:10if you're looking for the perfect house, then you'll never buy a house.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13We're going to have to make some compromises along the way.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15You never know, we might do on that one.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Guys, thank you so much and if anything changes,
0:56:18 > 0:56:21please keep in touch and tell us how you get on, won't you?
0:56:21 > 0:56:22- Will do, yes.- Thanks very much.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30It's been quite a journey for Jamie and Selina, but we've shown them
0:56:30 > 0:56:34the beauty of the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire
0:56:34 > 0:56:36and some stunning properties to match.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40But it's a huge decision for anybody wanting to move.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43So, will Jamie and Selina ever make it here?
0:56:43 > 0:56:44Who knows?
0:56:44 > 0:56:46Until the next time.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50If you would like to escape to the country
0:56:50 > 0:56:53and would like our help, please apply online...
0:57:12 > 0:57:15Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:15 > 0:57:18E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk