0:00:02 > 0:00:06This is Carla's Delight, a native of the county I'm exploring today.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11As you can see, not only is she beautiful but she's also known to be hardy and well-balanced,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15just the sort of characteristics anyone needs to Escape To The Country.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32In today's show, I'll be helping a couple to leave busy suburban life behind
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and find their dream home in the country.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I could cry!
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I'll show them properties that will hopefully cause a splash!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- I'll have to learn to swim now, won't I?- You can't swim?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I can only do doggy-paddle!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49And let's not forget the mystery house.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53So will they decide to stump up the cash on any one of these country homes?
0:00:55 > 0:01:00Well, today I'm in Wales and to be precise, the glorious county of Powys,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04home to many of the country's finest breeds of Welsh pony.
0:01:04 > 0:01:10As you can see, the landscape is particularly rugged and these guys are very, very well-suited to it.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14It's also said that the great Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16was so impressed by many of the native breeds of pony
0:01:16 > 0:01:21that he found on these isles when he invaded that he had some taken back to Rome with him,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24but as for me and Carla's Delight here, I think we'll stay in Wales.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Come on!
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Powys is surrounded by 13 Welsh counties and bordered in the east
0:01:31 > 0:01:34by the English counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38It's the largest county in Wales, covering a quarter of its land mass
0:01:38 > 0:01:44and is a haven for walkers with over 5,700 miles of public footpaths.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46If you want to escape from the madding crowd,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Powys is your place -
0:01:48 > 0:01:51it's the least crowded county in England and Wales.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54As a result, there's some stunning local rural scenery to enjoy,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58including the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01The hills are scattered with working farms and tiny hamlets
0:02:01 > 0:02:05so it's an ideal place for finding a slower pace of life.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Housing stock varies across the county, from grand Victorian houses
0:02:09 > 0:02:12to rural stone-built cottages.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19Now if you think Powys is for you, you may be pleasantly surprised at the house prices.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Your average detached will set you back
0:02:21 > 0:02:24around about 13% below the national average,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29coming in at a cool £211,000 so there is plenty on offer.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Here's a brief selection of what's on the market right now.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37If money's no object, then this spectacular nine bedroomed Arts and Crafts house
0:02:37 > 0:02:40on the banks of the River Wye near Builth Wells
0:02:40 > 0:02:42could be yours for £1.5 million.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46The grand reception rooms still retain their oak panelling
0:02:46 > 0:02:47and the 1920s fireplaces.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51With 25 acres of ground and exclusive fishing rights,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54this house is an impressive rural retreat.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00You can enjoy beautiful countryside views for a more realistic £540,000
0:03:00 > 0:03:04with this extended 18th century farmer's cottage near Newtown.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It's tastefully decorated with flagstone floors,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09a light spacious kitchen/diner
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and a sun terrace from where you can soak up the surroundings
0:03:12 > 0:03:15or for just shy of £400,000,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19you can snap up this four bedroom traditional barn conversion just outside Welshpool.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21It has a welcoming kitchen
0:03:21 > 0:03:23and the dining room features original oak beams
0:03:23 > 0:03:24and exposed stone walls.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28You also get a whopping four acres of land.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35One of the advantages of living in Powys is that everything is fairly spread out,
0:03:35 > 0:03:40but it does mean finding the perfect property for some very fussy househunters can be a bit tricky,
0:03:40 > 0:03:45but I'm always up for a challenge, so let's see who'll be putting me through my paces today.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Today it's the turn of Jane and Geoff,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52a solicitor and IT manager who have been married for 12 years.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55They live in a large Victorian semi-detached house
0:03:55 > 0:03:57in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00We originally moved here in 2002.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03We paid £350,000.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's a six bedroom semi-detached house
0:04:05 > 0:04:08with a garden of about a quarter of an acre,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13three reception rooms and we liked it because it had period features.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16They certainly have enough space in their current property,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19but they're keen to escape from a busy suburban life.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23We'd like to find a property that's in a less built-up area
0:04:23 > 0:04:26than we're currently in to give us a bit more privacy.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Hopefully that would also be detached and not hugely isolated
0:04:30 > 0:04:32but perhaps in a sort of small market town.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So how are they planning to spend their time
0:04:35 > 0:04:37once they've laid down their rural roots?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39In terms of hobbies and pursuits in the country,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43we'd like to have a couple of dogs and that would mean we can go off walking.
0:04:43 > 0:04:50I'd like to explore chilli-growing because I love my chillies so we might need a greenhouse!
0:04:50 > 0:04:54And there are a couple of other things to throw into the mix.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I enjoy playing pool, I used to play a lot of pool at university
0:04:57 > 0:05:04and I'd like to find the time to play more of it so it's coming with us and I need a room to put it in.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07We have a great sized master bedroom in the current house
0:05:07 > 0:05:11and we're lucky enough that the other bedrooms are of a good size as well
0:05:11 > 0:05:15so what we're looking for in the new property is that they are all of a good size.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19This is a long-term move and they have firm ideas about what they want.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I think what we're looking for in our ideal dream home in the country
0:05:22 > 0:05:29is a spacious house with at least three reception rooms and four bedrooms as a minimum.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I think I would want a larger kitchen
0:05:32 > 0:05:34and for that to be a sort of kitchen/diner area
0:05:34 > 0:05:36with a nice view, really, of the garden.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It's not a decision they're undertaking lightly.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44So far they've been trying to find their ideal country home for three years!
0:05:44 > 0:05:47We've seen a number of houses in different parts of the country,
0:05:47 > 0:05:52approximately 20 and that's helped us to whittle down the area that we really want to be in.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54We're looking to hopefully move to Powys,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57a beautiful part of the country.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02We're hoping that we might get a little bit more property for our money, basically.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06But Jane and Geoff aren't planning to sell their house - not for now, anyway.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Our current position is that we're lucky enough that we don't have to sell this property
0:06:10 > 0:06:14to be able to buy hopefully what will be our next sort of dream house,
0:06:14 > 0:06:19the idea being that when the market picks up, we will be putting this property on the market.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22And how much do they have to spend on their dream home?
0:06:22 > 0:06:28If the property has everything that we're looking for, we'd be happy to spend £400,000.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Now with Jane and Geoff looking to buy a house that they can grow old in,
0:06:35 > 0:06:41my sense is that they're gonna be uncompromising and their demands are no less exacting -
0:06:41 > 0:06:46they want at least four bedrooms, a nice big kitchen/diner, preferably with a garden outlook,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50a garden itself in which to grow some vegetables and a number of reception rooms,
0:06:50 > 0:06:54one of which has to contain their great big pool table
0:06:54 > 0:06:59and with £400,000 to spend, I can tell you, this is not gonna be easy!
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Although Powys is Wales' biggest county,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05Geoff and Jane don't want to be too rural or too far north
0:07:05 > 0:07:07as Jane has family in Dorset
0:07:07 > 0:07:09so our search area will radiate outwards
0:07:09 > 0:07:12from the market town of Llandrindod Wells.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15In today's show, I'll take them to see three houses
0:07:15 > 0:07:17that will hopefully win their hearts
0:07:17 > 0:07:20but as always, I'll be holding back on revealing the prices
0:07:20 > 0:07:22until after they've had a thorough look around
0:07:22 > 0:07:25and last of the three will be the mystery house,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28always guaranteed to surprise our buyers at the last hurdle!
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Welcome to Hay-on-Wye, guys.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- Thank you. - Very nice spot it is too!
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Now tell me, why Powys?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Lovely part of the country,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42it's got the rural element that we want,
0:07:42 > 0:07:48- but it's also got an accessibility to the rest of the country to see family and suchlike, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53Now there are a couple of other issues which are important to your new property,
0:07:53 > 0:07:54cos it's not just about you two.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's the enormous, unfeasibly large television!
0:07:57 > 0:08:00The other thing, of course, is the pool table.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Yes.- Beautiful and fun as they are, I love a game of pool myself,
0:08:04 > 0:08:10but that is a pretty uncompromising piece of furniture to bring with you.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14So, size and space of this property is a key ingredient.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Paramount.- And you have been looking at an awful lot?- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- And you have yet to find it?- Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- And you are confident that we can do that?- Yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25OK, all right, let's see how we get on.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26It's not raining...yet.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Come on then, let's see what we can find.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30- Lovely.- Great.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35So Geoff and Jane have a budget of £400,000.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40They would like a four bedroom detached house with period features,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42three reception rooms,
0:08:42 > 0:08:46to be walking distance from a local shop and have a good sized garden.
0:08:47 > 0:08:54So in some ways it's quite a tricky one, this, because whilst Escape To The Country is all things country...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57We want the best of both worlds, you'll say!
0:08:57 > 0:09:00You do! You want a kind of small market town.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04We do. It probably isn't going to be an easy task
0:09:04 > 0:09:07because we haven't found the right mix yet.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11For our first property, we're staying in Hay-on-Wye
0:09:11 > 0:09:13and the house we're showing them
0:09:13 > 0:09:15is only a short drive from the town centre.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20As well as the raft of book shops, there are also plenty of local shops
0:09:20 > 0:09:22where Jane can pick up her provisions.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25'This cottage does fulfil many of Jane and Geoff's requirements
0:09:25 > 0:09:28'so I do hope they give it some serious thought.'
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Now then, what do you think?
0:09:30 > 0:09:34It's...probably what I'd call chocolate box to a certain extent
0:09:34 > 0:09:37with the black and white but it's...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- It's obviously more modern. - It's more modern, the windows are more modern,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45but hey, they're double-glazed presumably so keeps the heat in!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- It's about 11 years old.- Yeah.- OK.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52Made to look older and it reflects a bit of the timber-framed architecture
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- that you get on the Herefordshire/Powys border. - It's very Hereford, isn't it?
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Which it's very famous for. The upside of that is, as you say, it's very kind of efficient
0:10:01 > 0:10:04in the way that it's heated and the way that it works
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and the room sizes have been designed to take in modern living,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11so all the kind of things that you've got in your current home will fit in here...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- even the pool table!- Gosh!
0:10:14 > 0:10:19'Granted, it's modern, but we're a stone's throw from Hay AND in the country.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22'Let's hope the inside raises a smile.'
0:10:22 > 0:10:23Right, come on in.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30Now I suppose as you might expect with a property that's so recently built,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34they've gone for the things that you might if you had a blank piece of paper in front of you,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37so nice big entrance hall, but let's start in the living room.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Have a look in here.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47Now this is arguably, the principal reception room to this property,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50working fireplace, as you can see, crackling away there,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54doors out to the garden which we'll have a look at a little bit later.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I think it's a pleasant living space.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I think what I'm concerned about is seeing this size of space
0:11:00 > 0:11:05is what other space there is because very often when they've got a big lounge like this,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08they don't always then have other rooms
0:11:08 > 0:11:11that can sort of compare to it, but we'll see.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15You will, because that is not the case here - everything is big.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Follow me through here.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21So back across the hallway into here.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Kitchen and dining room attached to it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Oh, very nice!- And you've got loads of space here.- I like that.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30With a slight contemporary feel,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33but there's a few references to where we are in the countryside,
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- this tongue and groove that runs around and so forth. - They've done it well.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41I even like the red counter in the middle, which is quirky.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Yes, it's bold! You've got this lovely big beam over here.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I think they've done it very well.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Yeah?- It's a nice space.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52And the dining room is enormous, I mean, have a look.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56It's certainly big enough, I think, for most people's needs.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- It's a very good size. - I like that and looking out into the garden again.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02No, I think it's nice.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06'So they seem quite pleased with the spacious kitchen/diner arrangement
0:12:06 > 0:12:09'and I've cued up something rather special for Geoff.'
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Now, I'm thinking kind of games wing, potentially,
0:12:13 > 0:12:17because upstairs, there's another room again.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Right.- Right.- Boys' drinking den, maybe, I'm thinking,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- but pool table would fit a treat in here.- Yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27And you could get it in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28Easily!
0:12:29 > 0:12:35'So it looks like it's game-on and upstairs, there's even more space to play with!'
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Come on up, Jane.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Now, Geoff, this is not comparable to your monster pool table,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45you would never get it up here, I'm sure,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47but quite a fun little space, actually,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49and really going begging for something to do in it.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54I think you could probably use it for certain storage, wouldn't you?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56That's a waste, isn't it, for storage!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Put the guests out here!
0:12:58 > 0:13:00How do you like it?
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Because when properties offer choices, it's no bad thing,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06so that's the upstairs here
0:13:06 > 0:13:10but of course there is a pukka upstairs with bedrooms galore.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- After you.- Right, OK. - Let's go back through the house.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15'The annexe provides a great blank canvas
0:13:15 > 0:13:18'which Jane and Geoff could really make their own.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22'Upstairs in the main house, there's a family bathroom with a walk-in shower and bath
0:13:22 > 0:13:26'and four good size bedrooms, three of which could be used for visitors
0:13:26 > 0:13:28'or office space for Geoff,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31'but let's see what they think of their sleeping arrangements.'
0:13:31 > 0:13:36Now this is the master suite, as it is billed here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Very, very fitted look, as you can see, but loads of storage,
0:13:40 > 0:13:45so the whole dressing area thing is combined with area for the bed.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47What do you think?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It's not the look that we would go for
0:13:50 > 0:13:53but I think they've done it very well.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58And through the door is the en suite. Have a look at that.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Oh, that's rather nice.- In you go.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I like how they've done it, and I like the tiles, I like the taps.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Yeah, I like this room. - It's a lovely sized en suite.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Even though it's the en suite,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- it's as big as most family bathrooms.- Yeah.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19OK, so that's us kind of done inside, pretty much,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22but the garden is last, but not least.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Let's go and have a quick look. - OK.- OK.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27'So they may not be sold on the style of the house,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30'but maybe the space it offers might hook 'em!'
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Right then! So last but not least...
0:14:35 > 0:14:38..a bit of outdoors for you.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- I don't get the sense that we are after acres.- No.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- No.- Something manageable that allows you to potter around
0:14:44 > 0:14:48with a bit of a vegetable patch, maybe some raised beds.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52That's what you've got to play with, effectively.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55'Jane and Geoff want a garden that isn't overlooked,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57'but how about a nosy neighbour?'
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Hello, you! - WHISTLES
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Let's have a look at the property from this side.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05I think it's pretty handsome, really,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07for a new-build in this part of the world.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Begs a question, I guess, really -
0:15:09 > 0:15:12how does it compare to your budget of £400,000?
0:15:12 > 0:15:16I think it's probably a bit over.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19I think it is... because of its location,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21because of it being near Hay, I think.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Yeah.- And it's a very practical, usable family house.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28So come on then, make me an offer.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I would guess at 415.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32415, OK.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36I think it's a little bit more than that - maybe 425.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37425...
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- OK, well, you're right in the sense that it's over your budget.- Right.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46But you are in a sense also a little bit under.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50It's currently on the market at 440,000 quid
0:15:50 > 0:15:53for all the reasons you identified, sir -
0:15:53 > 0:15:55family home, where we are, etc.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00The other point to bear in mind though is that it is open to offers, serious offers,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04so to be perfectly honest, the kind of figures you were talking about
0:16:04 > 0:16:07probably would not go unnoticed if it was of interest,
0:16:07 > 0:16:08but go and have a look around,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11see what you get for 440, and I'll catch up with you later.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Off you go.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18Well, there we are, £440,000, the best part of half a million quid.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23You do get an awful lot of house for an awful lot of money and you also get...a four-legged neighbour!
0:16:25 > 0:16:30The reality is that a house close to a town like Hay with the features Jane and Geoff want
0:16:30 > 0:16:32will notch up the price by at least 10%,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34but with the market being as it is,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37they have the chance to make an offer within their budget.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43At £440,000, this house has a large modern kitchen with a centre island,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46a spacious annexe which would be a perfect pool room for Geoff,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49a private garden overlooking countryside
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and it's within walking distance of the town centre.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I like the kitchen.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I think it's been very well done.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00It's even got little spotlights - look at those, how fun are those!
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I like the beams and I like the flow into the dining room.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Yeah, I think it's an excellent kitchen!
0:17:06 > 0:17:10From outside, I think it was more modern than I was expecting
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and although it's got the black and white exterior
0:17:13 > 0:17:17pretending to be old but it's quite clearly not,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20it's clearly modern, inside they've done it very, very well.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23The rooms are very, very large and spacious
0:17:23 > 0:17:27and it's probably the best modern house I've seen.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32Upstairs, you can't fault it. All the rooms are big bedrooms.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36The family bathroom isn't huge but it's perfectly all right
0:17:36 > 0:17:38and I think the en suite's great!
0:17:38 > 0:17:42It's very well located, you know, you can walk into town,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44go to a shop, get what you need.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Undoubtedly a superb house - absolutely immaculate!
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Right, chaps, all good?- Yes.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- OK, right, well, let's see what else we can find you in this part of the world. Come on.- Jolly good.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09With Jane and Geoff keen to explore the great outdoors
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and get some canine companions,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16I've brought them to meet the volunteers of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Peter and Mike are experienced members of the team,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23as is Corrie, who's been on the job for over five years.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Peter.- Hello. - Nice to see you. How are you?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Mike, nice to meet you. Let me introduce you to Jane and to Geoff.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- Nice to meet you.- Now these two intrepid househunters are thinking of moving to this part of Wales.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36They also want a dog,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40so we thought what better way to produce a kind of combination of interests
0:18:40 > 0:18:43than to come and see you guys at Mountain Rescue!
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Why not?- Now who have we got? Who's the star of the show here?
0:18:47 > 0:18:49This is Corrie. She's a five-year-old border collie.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Hello. Now is this the sort of thing you were thinking about in terms of dogs?
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- Yeah, my parents have border collies and they're lovely, yeah. - She's lovely!
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- Geoff - volunteer for the Mountain Rescue?- I'll have to hone my directional skills, but yeah!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Well, you might learn a thing or two from Corrie today!
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Now presumably to train her, you send people out.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- Today we need a willing volunteer. - I'm sure we'll find someone, somewhere!
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- A dogsbody!- Yeah, that's me.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I've been a dogsbody many times!
0:19:17 > 0:19:20So Peter, you're gonna go off and get lost, as it were,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and we're gonna accompany Mike and see how Corrie does it.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Brilliant!
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Hopefully, we'll see you later! - Hopefully!
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'All rescue volunteers must go through a nine-month intensive training programme -
0:19:32 > 0:19:34'and that includes dogs, too.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38'Mike started training Corrie when she was just ten weeks old,
0:19:38 > 0:19:43'so sniffing out lost and injured people in the Welsh mountains is now second nature to her.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48'We've given Peter a head start. It's now time for Corrie to sniff him out.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'The rescue team of 54 volunteers and five dogs
0:19:51 > 0:19:55'responded to around 90 distress call-outs over the past year.'
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Well, you wanted to go walking, guys!
0:19:58 > 0:20:01I think you do need a dog you can keep up with!
0:20:01 > 0:20:04I don't think I'm going to be able to keep up with Corrie!
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Aah, result!
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Oh, look at that!
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Well, congratulations to Corrie!
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- How are you, Peter?- Very well!
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Happy to see the dog, no doubt!
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Yes, indeed!- What did you think of that performance?
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- I thought that was great, yeah. - Are collies still on the cards?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- Collie and a Jack Russell. - Collie and a Jack Russell?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Well, one can find the other, then!
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'Well, Jane and Geoff certainly seem sold on Corrie.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44'Maybe tomorrow our search will take us closer to finding their perfect country home.'
0:20:46 > 0:20:51As the sun sinks into the horizon, day one of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'Jane and Geoff, a solicitor and IT manager'
0:20:56 > 0:20:59want to leave their semi in suburban Basingstoke
0:20:59 > 0:21:03and find their dream home in the Welsh county of Powys.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06For £400,000, they're looking for a spacious period property,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09with land for some dogs and a vegetable patch.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12So far, they've seen one property, but coming up,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Geoff finds the answer to his pool table problem!
0:21:15 > 0:21:17THEY LAUGH
0:21:18 > 0:21:20And Jane has a tearful moment...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23As I say, I feel like crying!
0:21:29 > 0:21:34Our next property takes us 20 miles north of Hay-on-Wye to New Radnor.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37It's a quiet rural village with little more than a local shop.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39If you need more amenities, Builth Wells,
0:21:39 > 0:21:4215 miles down the road, is a good port of call
0:21:42 > 0:21:43for shopping and a drink.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46To hit the jackpot, we need to find a Victorian property
0:21:46 > 0:21:51with large rooms, it needs to be in the countryside, but not isolated
0:21:51 > 0:21:53and all for £400,000.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Frankly, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack!
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Come and have a look at what we've got you here this morning.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- What do you think?- Very attractive.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Yeah?- Yeah, I like it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- You were saying on the way up the track is a thing.- Yes.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It is the most obvious drawback to this property,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17but it does mean that you're not overlooked
0:22:17 > 0:22:19and you are surrounded by beautiful Powys.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Yep, no neighbours at all!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25No neighbours at all, and it's cool,
0:22:25 > 0:22:32you've got a lovely, probably 1800s, domestic cottage
0:22:32 > 0:22:36with a later Victorian extension of a barn, which has itself now been converted.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39They've done it very well. You can see the different stone
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- from that main house to that but it works, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46It does work. Well, let's see if it works inside. Come on!
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Come on in.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04So obviously the dining room, as it's currently set up.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- Good size.- Yeah, quite an elegant space, I think.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- I quite like it.- I like it!
0:23:10 > 0:23:13As I say, dining room at the moment whether you need a dining room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Could be a pool room! - I was about to say.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Depending on what else we see, this would be ideal for the table.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20It would be a cosy place to do it.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23It's almost got a, sort of, gentleman's club feel to it.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28If this had its pool table and a pool light over the table,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30it would probably work, but let's continue.
0:23:32 > 0:23:39Now this is your main reception room, as it were, very much making
0:23:39 > 0:23:46use of this Victorian barn structure that the whole has been pushed out into with that huge glazed window.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Super.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Yeah? - Yeah.- And you're not overlooked.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Apart from the cows, but I don't think they'll talk to the press!
0:23:57 > 0:23:59That window is absolutely fantastic,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02it's terribly attractive actually, the big tall ones.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I think it's a lovely room!
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Yeah, no, I think it will be nice.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08Light.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10'So quite a good impression so far.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14'We're heading back through the hall, past a little utility room
0:24:14 > 0:24:17'and a wet room with a shower and toilet to the kitchen.'
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Now, Jane, what about...this?
0:24:22 > 0:24:23Yeah, no, I like it!
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- Yeah?- Yeah. I like the fact that it's got two windows,
0:24:26 > 0:24:31particularly the one above the sink, so that if you are washing up.
0:24:31 > 0:24:37But it wouldn't be my choice of cabinets, but perfectly...
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- You'd want something more contemporary, I suppose?- Yeah, yeah.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45So in terms of working space and light, I think it does work.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- I think it's nice, yeah. - It's a nice room.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50'So it's an overall thumbs-up for downstairs.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53'Let's take a peek at what upstairs has to offer.'
0:24:55 > 0:25:00Big double in there, OK. But come down here.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03This is the family bathroom.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Not the biggest in the world. - No, but it's big enough.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:14In here, this is the smallest room up here, it's a study, box room.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- Right.- Not an un-useful space, but it's next to
0:25:18 > 0:25:21the galleried landing that overlooks the living space.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24It's a great space, isn't it, really great space.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25It's absolutely superb.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- I think a really clever use of this part of the building.- Yeah.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35In converting this place, it would have been very easy to simply have continued the floor across
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and put in another bedroom here,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40but I really don't think it would benefit from that.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44I think this is one of the things that really, really makes it.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50'Further along the gallery there are two spacious guest bedrooms, one with a useful little en-suite.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55'At the end of the gallery is the master bedroom in its own self-contained wing.'
0:25:55 > 0:25:57So this is for you.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Come on in, guys.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- What do you think?- It's lovely.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04- Nice room.- Big room.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07It's enormous, actually, in many respects.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10It's got some built-in storage over there
0:26:10 > 0:26:14and some of the original features because we're above the original part of the property,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18the original domestic bit, 1800 or so, again, beams running through.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22You've got beams, but not too many of them, so it's not overpowering.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25It's character, as far as I'm concerned, but of course
0:26:25 > 0:26:29it has got an en suite as well, go and have a look, Jane.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- Arguably bigger than the family bathroom...- Yeah, very nice. - ..in some respects.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38The only thing is that you don't have a shower.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40That's one thing you would...
0:26:40 > 0:26:45I mean the shower/wet room arrangement is downstairs.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I don't know if that's a major concern or not?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Not for me, but I would think for you it would be, wouldn't it?
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Yeah, I would want a shower upstairs,
0:26:55 > 0:27:00so possibly the family bathroom change into a shower and...
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- There you go.- Or change this to a shower and put a bath in that one.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- No, I want a bath! - Yeah, there you go.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06You can swap them round!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I'll let you fight about that one!
0:27:09 > 0:27:11So, how are we doing on this one?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- I think it's a lovely house. - I like it, yeah.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Let's go outside and have a look at what's left and then think about the price,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20cos clearly that's gonna have a bearing
0:27:20 > 0:27:23on how attractive this place is or isn't. Let's have a look.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27'So the light spacious rooms seem to have impressed them.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30'Let's see what they think of the outdoors.'
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Let's see what we've got for you...
0:27:35 > 0:27:36up here.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38A very different perspective.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41It's all been whitewashed and so forth.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43The garden is what you see,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46bordered by that stock fence, so you're surrounded just by fields.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50In terms of vegetables and so forth...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- You've got enough space. - There's plenty of space.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54Do chillies grow in Wales?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- It might be a bit wet and cold. - Might need a greenhouse.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58A greenhouse!
0:27:58 > 0:28:01So let's have a think about the money, shall we. Jane?
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I think it's more than 400.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05OK, how much more?
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Well, it's not got the amenities,
0:28:11 > 0:28:19so it's not costing a premium for that, but it's a lovely house, so...
0:28:19 > 0:28:22425, 430.
0:28:22 > 0:28:23425, Geoff?
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I would have guessed at 450.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- 450? OK.- I didn't like to say that!
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I bet you didn't! All right.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34£450,000. You're saying £425,000.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Well, here's the thing... it's under budget.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39It's under budget by a cool £20,000.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43This is on the market for 50 quid shy of 380.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- OK.- So...
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- Nice price?- One to think about? - Yes, definitely.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- Have a look around and I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57This house is well within their budget at just under £380,000
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and offers up some great features.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02There are spacious downstairs rooms,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04so plenty of room for Geoff's pool table,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06a modern kitchen/diner,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10five bedrooms, including a large master en-suite,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12and a good sized garden overlooking fields.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Looking at it from the outside, the chimney is still there.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21I would have thought you could line it and put in a wood-burning stove.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- That would make all the difference.- I think so. It's still a lovely room.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Coming up to the property, I liked it.
0:29:26 > 0:29:32I like the exterior, the stonework and the natural wood.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36The bit that I wasn't quite so keen on is the actual access road,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39in as much as crossing the muddy field!
0:29:39 > 0:29:41But the house itself is very pretty. I like it.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Inside the house, it's been a very pleasant surprise.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49They've used the space well. I think you could make it a lovely home.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54The light and those big windows in the main living area were superb,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57plenty of living space and you had your sort of bedroom area,
0:29:57 > 0:30:03in terms of your master suite in your own wing, if you like. It was lovely!
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Well, finally it is, of course, mystery house time.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20What do you think of this proposition?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Do you think this might satisfy Geoff and Jane?
0:30:23 > 0:30:27To be honest with you, I'm beginning to wonder at this stage what will!
0:30:27 > 0:30:30However, over the tours so far, they have revealed a penchant
0:30:30 > 0:30:34for all things Victorian, but as ever on Escape To The Country,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36there are times when you do have to be
0:30:36 > 0:30:38a little bit careful about what you wish for!
0:30:41 > 0:30:46The mystery house is a stone's throw from the town of Llandrindod Wells.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Often dubbed "the gateway to mid-Wales",
0:30:49 > 0:30:51it's a large Victorian spa town.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54The streets are lined with grand Victorian buildings,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58with an array of shops and good transport links.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Rock Park, in the centre of town,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03offers beautiful woodland walks and waterfalls.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07'I think the mystery house will be a serious contender,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10'but it will challenge Jane and Geoff's desire
0:31:10 > 0:31:13'to keep hold of their current house and buy in Powys.'
0:31:13 > 0:31:15OK, so Victorian, then?
0:31:18 > 0:31:19How about that one?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21That's more like it!
0:31:21 > 0:31:23That's more like it!
0:31:23 > 0:31:25I could cry!
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- Now you were keen on getting more for your money.- Yep.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35This gives you an awful lot more. Are you ready for this?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- Yep!- Come on, then!
0:31:38 > 0:31:40'Well, how about that!
0:31:40 > 0:31:42'I think we might have struck gold after all,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44'especially judging by Jane's reaction!
0:31:44 > 0:31:46'Let's hope they love the inside, too.'
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Come on in.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Oh, look at that door!
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- What do you think of this lot?- Wow!
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Awash with Victoriana.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- That's more like it.- Superb!
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Quite a start. Come through here.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Let's start in this, one of three reception rooms here.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Superb. Exactly what I was after.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- Look at that ceiling! - Are you remotely excited?
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Yeah, as I say, I'm gonna cry!
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Why the tears?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I don't know, it's just so lovely, it's just what we're looking for!
0:32:25 > 0:32:26OK, good.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It doesn't stop here, though.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Oh, look at you!
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Come with me, there's plenty more. Look at this.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Another enormous reception room, as you can see.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Fabulous fireplace, look at that!
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- How about that!- Beautiful. - Isn't that superb?
0:32:44 > 0:32:49And what you've got running on the outside is a sort of garden room, if you like.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52You've got access to it through those original French doors,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54which went out to the garden.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- I love it. - Smiles, look, hooray, come on!
0:33:01 > 0:33:04THEY LAUGH
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Look at the fireplace!
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Unbelievable. Unbelievable!
0:33:13 > 0:33:15That fireplace is gorgeous!
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Usually I like things quite plain, but I actually quite like it!
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- It's as gaudy... - It makes a statement, doesn't it!
0:33:21 > 0:33:22Gaudy Victorian.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26So is this the pool room now? It's gotta be, hasn't it!
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- Snooker table room. - Is it a snooker table? Oh, god, no!
0:33:29 > 0:33:33You could have, yeah. Never mind the pool table, you could have a pukka full sized...
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Oh, don't! No! Well, you know what that means...we will!
0:33:36 > 0:33:40The kitchen does need a bit of attention.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- OK.- But I'm sure you can make that happen.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Come and have a look, it's through here, through another door.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Right, this is currently the kitchen.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53As you can see, it does need a bit of upgrading.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- but yeah, you can really make the space your own, yep?- Great!
0:33:58 > 0:34:00I'm quite pleased it's not perfect.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04I'm not saying it's not nice, but obviously it clearly does need a bit of TLC,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08cos it gives you that opportunity. But it's serviceable, usable.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10But what's through that door, you won't wanna change!
0:34:16 > 0:34:17THEY LAUGH
0:34:19 > 0:34:21What about it?!
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- Bonus! Yeah, absolutely!- I'll have to learn to swim now, won't I?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- You can't swim? - I can only do doggy-paddle!
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- And a little Jacuzzi.- That will be used now more than that will, yeah!
0:34:36 > 0:34:39'Well, the pool's certainly an impressive extra.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42'Upstairs there are two good sized single bedrooms with high ceilings,
0:34:42 > 0:34:49'two large well-decorated double bedrooms, with those sought-after period features,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52'and a stylish family bathroom.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56'But now to the master bedroom, which I think will take their breath away!'
0:35:03 > 0:35:04I've always wanted a four-poster!
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- I don't know if that comes with it! Everything's negotiable!- Curtains!
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- What do you say!- Well, come on, Geoff, what do you say? Come on!
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I mean, look at the size of it!
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- Great, yeah!- Go through that door, on your left, there's an en suite through there.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25And a walk-in wardrobe.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It certainly is, isn't it!
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- Look at it!- How about that? - It is a walk-in wardrobe!
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- It's a proper walk-in wardrobe! - It's a walk-in room, really.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36Go in there. That's the en-suite.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Oh, look at the bath!
0:35:42 > 0:35:45And you've got your shower this time!
0:35:46 > 0:35:48You wouldn't need to do anything in here.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51No. I'd do it exactly this sort of style.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- It's all modern - white, clean. - The silver.- The silver!
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- So you like?- Yeah, we like! - Very much so! Love it!
0:36:00 > 0:36:04'On this floor, there is a further modern bathroom with another roll-top bath.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08'Still going up, there is a second floor, formerly servants' quarters,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11'with yet another three well-decorated guest rooms
0:36:11 > 0:36:14'and a further room in the eaves, currently used as a gym.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17'Well, the house certainly scores high on grandeur.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20'Let's see if the grounds can deliver the same reaction.'
0:36:21 > 0:36:25And then down these steps... into the garden.
0:36:25 > 0:36:31In its day, you can imagine this would have been a very formal kind of space,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34of course, before a lot of the other properties were built.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37I'd keep your ride-on mower, if I were you!
0:36:37 > 0:36:40You're gonna need it, mate, while I'm cleaning the windows!
0:36:40 > 0:36:44What you would actually buy, as it currently stands,
0:36:44 > 0:36:48is the garden to a line across there.
0:36:48 > 0:36:54- Right.- I know that you are currently not selling your current home.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- Yep.- All right. Bearing that in mind,
0:36:56 > 0:37:01there is a plan to develop that part of the garden.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Right, OK.- OK.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- But there may be an option for that not to happen and for you to purchase the whole lot.- Right.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13But bearing that in mind, how much do you think it's worth?
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I would have said it's over budget!
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Nine bedrooms, go on, yeah! Pool!
0:37:18 > 0:37:22- Are you talking up to, sort of, 500? - Mm-hm.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- I'm surprised it would even be that, to be honest.- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- 500 would still be cheap?- Yeah, it would. Yeah, yeah.- OK.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32It's currently on the market for...
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- 475.- Right.
0:37:34 > 0:37:42- OK.- OK, so it is over your current wish to spend £400,000,
0:37:42 > 0:37:46but bearing in mind you're not selling what you've already got, there is money there.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51Now I know that's not part of your master plan, but because this property is so exceptional,
0:37:51 > 0:37:57it seems crazy not to show this to you, given that it is exactly what you're after and it is a one-off.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01Yes, it's wonderful! It's an absolutely wonderful property, yeah.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Now, to buy the whole lot,
0:38:04 > 0:38:09- all in, it would cost you seven, OK. - OK.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Quite a lot to think about - a lot of number-crunching to be done.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18Very unusual kind of sell this, on Escape To The Country,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21but I think it could be the one.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Who knows? Your face says it all, doesn't it?!
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Go and have a good old explore.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Check out the cellar. There's so much to this to look at.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30I'll catch up with you later.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34This house clearly has the wow factor that Jane and Geoff are looking for
0:38:34 > 0:38:37and if they plough the assets from the sale of their current property
0:38:37 > 0:38:39into buying this, they could have it all.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41If they wanted to hedge their bets,
0:38:41 > 0:38:46they could still opt for the house, and less garden, at £475,000.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50It has Victorian period features in spades,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52large reception rooms - and plenty of them -
0:38:52 > 0:38:54an enormous master bedroom with en suite
0:38:54 > 0:38:58and it's close to a local market town.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03I think the only thing you'd use this for is storing our red wine.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05What, when you've got all that space upstairs?
0:39:05 > 0:39:10My first impressions of the property were I loved it - one in a million, really.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14You thought you'd seen a room that you went "Wow!" and then you
0:39:14 > 0:39:21went into another one and then yet another one and you didn't think it could get any better and it just did!
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Bang on the period I was hoping for.
0:39:24 > 0:39:31Character-wise it's superb. You've got all the coving, fireplaces, which is exactly what we were looking for.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35The garden on its own is a lovely size anyway and clearly
0:39:35 > 0:39:39I would have a concern over what got developed on the proposed plots.
0:39:39 > 0:39:45It did bring a tear to my eye going round the house, quite definitely, because it was just so sort of "Cor!"
0:39:45 > 0:39:47One thing the Victorians did like
0:39:47 > 0:39:52was a nice tidy porch, to reveal those lovely tiles.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53- Hello, you two!- Hello!
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Am I going to have to drag you away from here with some horses?
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- I think you are, yes! - Pretty special!
0:39:59 > 0:40:00- Yes!- Glad you've seen it?- Yes.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Yes.- Good. Lots to think about, then.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- Most definitely.- Let's go and think.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08I love it when a plan comes together!
0:40:15 > 0:40:19'Now that Jane and Geoff have looked around all the properties,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22'it's time to take stock of what they've seen.'
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Well, the show, as they say, is nearly over,
0:40:26 > 0:40:30but not before we've found out if any of the houses we've shown Geoff and Jane
0:40:30 > 0:40:32are gonna be the one for them.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37There's no doubt this has been a pretty tough search, with its fair share of ups and downs,
0:40:37 > 0:40:41but I do believe one clear contender has emerged. Let's see if I'm right.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49Back to the beginning, on the edge of the beautiful town of Hay.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Very new, only 11 years old. What happened there?
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I liked it inside.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I think they've done a wonderful job, actually.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01I think it's probably one of the nicest new houses I've seen,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but it's just missing a little bit of a wow factor,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07but they've done it to a spotless finish, really.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11Then we took you to a barn conversion, much bigger,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Victorian in its origins. What did you think?
0:41:14 > 0:41:19It gave us what we wanted from what we were looking for, in terms of a Victorian property,
0:41:19 > 0:41:24which was the light and the space, and that's what it gave you, plus, of course, the privacy.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27I thought it was a cracking property, in many ways.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32- Not the style I would normally go for, but you could see yourself sort of living there.- OK.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Let's cut to the chase, shall we?
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Last, but not least, the mystery house. What did you think, Geoff?
0:41:38 > 0:41:45Oh, yeah, it had that absolute wow factor you'd die for, really.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49That red room, the dining room. Oh, I mean...
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- Lovely fireplace!- Yeah, yeah.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Just the dimensions of it and the grandeur of it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59But let's think about the difficult bit, the money, OK?
0:41:59 > 0:42:06Ostensibly, £75,000 over budget at 475. Is it a goer in principle?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09It would be if it was £400,000!
0:42:11 > 0:42:15I think we're very interested and we haven't ruled it out...
0:42:15 > 0:42:17At the right price!
0:42:17 > 0:42:19We need to think upon it further.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23Well, you've clearly got an awful lot still to consider there, a lot to take on board.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28It has been quite a journey of twists and turns,
0:42:28 > 0:42:34but I hope we've got somewhere towards showing you what is possible and what might work.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- No, it's been great. - Definitely, definitely!
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- Thank you very much.- Thank you for being on the show and let us know how you get on.
0:42:41 > 0:42:42- We will.- Yeah, we will.- Thank you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Best of luck! You might need it!
0:42:49 > 0:42:52You know, when we started this house-hunt,
0:42:52 > 0:42:57I thought we were going in search of a good old-fashioned Escape To The Country,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00but as it's turned out, in trying to meet my buyers' every exacting needs,
0:43:00 > 0:43:05we've ended up in a glorious Victorian pile on the edge of a market town.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Chasing the rural dream is all very well -
0:43:07 > 0:43:12it can be an intoxicating idea, the start of a great adventure -
0:43:12 > 0:43:15but I'm left wondering, is it really for Geoff and Jane?
0:43:15 > 0:43:17Who knows? I'll see you next time.
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0:43:20 > 0:43:23Escape To The Country and would like our help,
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