0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today's county is home to the oldest licensed working brewery in Britain.
0:00:05 > 0:00:11It's been producing local ale since at least 1642. Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28Today we're helping a medical couple return to their roots in the countryside.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33'We'll be spoiling them with extravagant equestrian accommodation...'
0:00:33 > 0:00:36One stable would have been brilliant but to have three, excellent.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- You'll have to get another horse! - Two more.- Don't say that!- Two more!
0:00:39 > 0:00:42'..we'll be throwing in water features to tempt them...'
0:00:42 > 0:00:45We didn't ask for this!
0:00:45 > 0:00:49'..and we've got a mystery house which could just beat the rest.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- That is my cup of tea.- Definitely - Big-time my cup of tea, that is.
0:00:54 > 0:01:00Today I'm in Shropshire and this is the Three Tons Brewery in the little market town of Bishop's Castle.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It's one of 16 independent brewers in the county
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and it was given its licence back in the 17th century by Charles I
0:01:06 > 0:01:08who was raising money for his civil war.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Today, customers in their county's 900 pubs raise their glasses
0:01:12 > 0:01:14filled with beer from brewers like this.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18The West Midland county of Shropshire is landlocked
0:01:18 > 0:01:22by Wales to the west and four other English counties.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Shropshire is justifiably proud of its beautiful countryside,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30with neatly ploughed fields and hillsides dotted with
0:01:30 > 0:01:32grazing cows and sheep. It takes you far, far away
0:01:32 > 0:01:36from the smoke and grime of the city and its competitive hustle and industry,
0:01:36 > 0:01:42but this rural idyll has been at the heart of some fairly revolutionary activity -
0:01:42 > 0:01:46the Industrial Revolution, to be precise.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52At Coalbrookdale the world's first cast-iron bridge was built in 1779 to span the River Severn,
0:01:52 > 0:01:57inspiring a global transformation in construction and engineering.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01The importance of this historic achievement was recognised in 1986
0:02:01 > 0:02:05when Iron Bridge Gorge was awarded World Heritage status,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08and the county is a boon for architectural buffs too,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12as this beautiful countryside is dotted with impressive examples
0:02:12 > 0:02:16of black and white timber-framed architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries
0:02:16 > 0:02:19in historic towns like Ludlow and Shrewsbury.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Shropshire is one of the least densely populated counties in England.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32There are 65% less people per square mile here than any other part of the country
0:02:32 > 0:02:36and that's largely due to the fact that it's a stronghold of agriculture.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Even in these lean times, farmers are hanging on in there, and at current count,
0:02:40 > 0:02:45there are more than 5,000 of them preserving the landscape for people to move here and live,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and in amongst all these fields, some beautiful property.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53This striking bit of architectural loveliness in Meadowcroft
0:02:53 > 0:02:59comes with no less than four reception rooms, five bedrooms and beautiful exposed wood throughout.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Tinkle the ivories on the grand piano in the main hall,
0:03:02 > 0:03:08explore the 4.4 acres of grounds or take a dip in the heated swimming pool.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10The price? £1.2 million.
0:03:10 > 0:03:17£575,000 will buy you this four bedroom detached cottage in Albrighton.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Originally timber framed, it's been renovated, extended and improved,
0:03:22 > 0:03:28leaving a mixture of period features like exposed beams and an Inglenook fireplace
0:03:28 > 0:03:31and modern comforts like underfloor heating and a shiny new kitchen.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36Outside a well-tended garden looks out on the rolling countryside.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41This L-shaped three bedroom barn conversion in Longdon-upon-Tern was finished in 2007
0:03:41 > 0:03:47and comes complete with three reception rooms, underfloor heating and a patio garden,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51all yours for £355,000.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Shropshire's finest and I think it's going to be just the sort of thing that will lure our buyers today.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Let's meet them.
0:03:59 > 0:04:06With origins in Wales, army dentist Jeremy and GP Charlotte have been married for nearly nine years
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and currently live along with two young children,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13in a rented four-bedroom house on an army base in Colchester, Essex.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19With Jeremy's retirement from the military looming, they are hoping to fulfil their dream of
0:04:19 > 0:04:22going back to their roots in the countryside.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We want to move to the country because we were both brought up in the country
0:04:26 > 0:04:31and we want our children to have that freedom of the wide open spaces and clean air and be able to
0:04:31 > 0:04:36just do simple things like going for walks and mountain-biking and getting involved with the horse and...
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Getting back to village life.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43They're currently ready to move, but since they've decided to make the change,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47their busy professional lives haven't allowed them to do that much house-hunting.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51In the last couple of years whilst we've been looking, we've had a very nomadic lifestyle and existence.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57We've got two young children now so trying to view properties is quite a problem, logistically.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00So what kind of dream home are they after?
0:05:00 > 0:05:04What we would really like is four bedrooms, in an ideal world
0:05:04 > 0:05:09a period property with large rooms rather than sort of small, low ceiling,
0:05:09 > 0:05:16cottagey feel, two acres is a minimum need, but obviously what we'd like
0:05:16 > 0:05:21is a little bit more land or outside space, particularly with the children growing up.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24We'd like a big kitchen/living space, really.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We have a small playroom here but a bigger playroom would be brilliant
0:05:28 > 0:05:31because there are toys littered all over the house.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35We'd like a study if we could and an en-suite bathroom would be a real treat.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37We haven't had that for some time.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Charlotte has a particular reason for wanting all that land.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47One of my passions in life are horses and at the moment obviously we haven't got enough land
0:05:47 > 0:05:53to accommodate my current horse and I'm really looking forward to us having a bit more acreage
0:05:53 > 0:05:57so we can graze her at home and see her at any time of day.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01What about location?
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Our ideal situation would be moving to a small village.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07We would also consider a rural area.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Ideally we want to be away from a busy road
0:06:10 > 0:06:15and away from pylons and any large industrial type structures.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20So how much do Jeremy and Charlotte have to spend in order to buy this idyllic dream home?
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Our current budget for this project is £750,000,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28but really on account of the state of the market, we're willing
0:06:28 > 0:06:35to look to a higher budget with a view to bringing the price down into our £750,000 range.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44So this is going to be quite a move for Jes and Charlotte from an army base in Essex
0:06:44 > 0:06:48to the rural charms of Shropshire and they want four bedrooms at least
0:06:48 > 0:06:52for them and their two boys who will be running around in lots and lots of land
0:06:52 > 0:06:55which is also going to be home to Charlotte's foal.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58As they're prepared to push the top limit of their budget,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02we'll be viewing properties valued at up to £800,000,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05and we're taking in the entire county.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09I'll be showing them around some of the best properties on the market right now,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12but as ever, I won't reveal the price until the end,
0:07:12 > 0:07:17and today's mystery house comes with an added bonus in the garden.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Welcome to Shropshire. How are you doing?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Well, thank you.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Very good. Now you went to school here, didn't you?- I did. I was at Shrewsbury School.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- And you're from Wales?- Mid Wales, yes.- So this is like a home from home for you two?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33It is, really.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- And you've got a quite healthy budget?- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38How much are you going to spend?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Well, 750 is our target,
0:07:40 > 0:07:46and up to 800 would be the absolute maximum.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- So 800 is the pain limit?- Yes!
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Great! And you've got lots of reasons to come here?
0:07:52 > 0:07:58Obviously, you've got roots, but also it offers lots in terms of what you're looking for?
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Yeah. I mean for us, we've got two small children, the great outdoor life that Shropshire offers,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07it's a very rural county, Charlotte has got a horse, I'm a very keen golfer,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10so it ticks lots of boxes on that scale.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Good. So the little ones are important in terms of schools?
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Yes, yes. A village school would be lovely but there's lots of nice prep schools here too, as well.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25Well, it's a beautiful county and there's lots of lovely property, some of which we've found for you.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Armed with a sizeable budget of up to £800,000,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Jeremy and Charlotte have quite a shopping list.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37They want a large detached family home with at least four bedrooms and a large kitchen/living space.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40They also want a playroom for their two boys
0:08:40 > 0:08:43and outside space for them to build tree houses,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and the boys will also have to share that land with Charlotte's horse,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48so stables top off the list.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Well, their wish is our command,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55so we had better get on the road.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- Have you guys ever bought a house together?- Yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00And was it easy or was there a lot of negotiation?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03It was easy because we walked in and immediately loved it.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Both of you?- Yeah, and there were a lot of compromises with it but...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10It really gave us that instant vibe when we went in there.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15So you're pretty much singing from the same song sheet when it comes to house-buying?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I think so, yeah.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22Well, let's hope our selection will have them singing our praises by the end of the show.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26For our first property we're heading way up north to Hengoed,
0:09:26 > 0:09:31a hamlet which sits just on the other side of Oswestry, about 25 miles north-west of Shrewsbury.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34"Hengoed" meaning "old forest" in Welsh
0:09:34 > 0:09:38is part of the parish of nearby Selattyn, which in comparison
0:09:38 > 0:09:41is positively cosmopolitan with local amenities, a church and even a school,
0:09:41 > 0:09:46but Charlotte and Jeremy are here to escape to the country
0:09:46 > 0:09:51and our first house is right out in the sticks, nestled in the Shropshire countryside.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53'Let's hope it's not TOO rural!'
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It's quite a substantial property. What do you think?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Well, first impressions, it's very neat and looks well looked-after.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Mmm, what about you, Jes?
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Yes, it's got a nice country feel to it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Originally, it would have been a farmhouse and this was all a farmyard,
0:10:09 > 0:10:14probably from the 18th century/19th century, but it's been extensively remodelled in the last ten years.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Are you keen on renovation?
0:10:16 > 0:10:22It's something we would consider. Obviously it would be nicer to have the finished product, but yeah.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Good, because you'll not have to do anything in here!
0:10:25 > 0:10:29This stone-built farmhouse is an impressive-looking building from the outside
0:10:29 > 0:10:34and it sits in some pretty impressive grounds too, but we're going to start inside to see if it
0:10:34 > 0:10:37makes the right impression on Charlotte and Jeremy.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46We're hanging a right... into one of the two sitting rooms.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Right. Good headroom. - Good headroom.- That's important.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Again, this would have been in the original part of the house,
0:10:53 > 0:10:59the original cottage, but as you can see it's been incredibly beautifully remodelled in the last ten years.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03You've got gorgeous slate flags in front of the fireplace.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- I really like it.- Yeah, I mean, as you say, it gives a cottagey-feel almost,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11but we've got a decent amount of headroom so we're not restricted,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15because being quite tall, that's an issue for me sometimes.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Good. Well, let's go and look at the second lounge.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25Built around this central hearth, again another huge multi-fuel burner.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- It looks good. - Snug and warm in the winter.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So this is the extension, the secondary part of the house.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It wouldn't have been in the original, but very sunny...
0:11:37 > 0:11:39light coming in from both sides.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Very nice...it's a good space. - A good size again, yes.- It's light.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46There's a bit of a headroom issue but it's only one beam.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Yes, I think there's a joist in there.- Yeah, so it's necessary!
0:11:50 > 0:11:53It's nice though, it has a nice feel to it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- It does. I really like it, yeah. - 'All good, so far then... fingers crossed for the kitchen.'
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- This really is the heart of the house.- Yes, it's a beautiful space!
0:12:02 > 0:12:06It is excellent, yeah. It's my ideal kitchen, this is how I would plan it.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11I was just going to say with the oak units, I'm not a big fan of the oak units.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14A very sort of traditional country kitchen I suppose, that.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- You mean you'd change the units? - Yeah, I think I'd go with something a bit more contemporary.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Great stuff! They can always change the decor but they're happy with the size.
0:12:24 > 0:12:31Also on the ground floor is a large utility room but we're heading up to check out the six bedrooms.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- So lovely and sunny up here. It's so nice to have a big landing. - That's a lovely area, yeah.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43I wanted to take you over in here, actually. This is the modern wing.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- They're good size rooms. - Great for one of the boys.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I was thinking this would be a nice wing for the children because
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- you've got a family bathroom and amazing views.- Amazing views, yeah!
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Wasted on the boys, I expect!- It's your cup of tea and beyond, yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59In the meantime, this is your study.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04Well, there are lots of options in this house as just next door is a single and next to that,
0:13:04 > 0:13:12an ample double, but we're heading past all of those to take a look at the fourth bedroom on this floor.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16As I say, this is being used as the master bedroom by the current owner.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20My initial thought was, "Oh, it's a bit small", because we've got quite a big bed,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22but I think it would be OK, actually.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25But you are really spoilt for choice in terms of bedrooms here,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28so you might want to kind of live in each of them for a while.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34I'd like to live on the same floor as the boys and have the guests on a different level.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37There's no shortage of guest accommodation with this property.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Now, this is great! I don't often get to show houses that have another floor and if they do,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47they're tiny and this is really rather spacious.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Spacious and very characterful, with lots of features.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- This room is wonderful, I think. - It's beautiful!
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Lots of features.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59It's lovely having the exposed brickwork, something I'm a big fan of.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- You don't get to see this very often on the show but you are spoilt for choice in terms of space.- Mmm.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07You've got oodles of bedrooms... six at least.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13The final bedroom is across the landing and is divided in two...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17as a large double and games room, but Jeremy and Charlotte are moving to the country
0:14:17 > 0:14:22to get back to the outdoor lifestyle, so it's no good hanging around indoors.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Come on out. So much to show you out here.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Beautiful double garage and shed next door,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35all in stone but this is the real jewel, I think...
0:14:35 > 0:14:41- triple stable, tack room. - Beautiful, yeah.- Very big barn.- Yes, this would be perfect,
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- one stable would have been brilliant but to have three, excellent. - You'll have to get another horse!
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- Don't say that!- Two more!
0:14:49 > 0:14:55Well, this is going down very well indeed. Charlotte is loving the stables, just the land to go
0:14:55 > 0:15:00and I don't think this is going to disappoint.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04You've got a horse, a horse needs grass, grass grows in fields,
0:15:04 > 0:15:10this is your field!
0:15:10 > 0:15:17- Wow!- That's amazing! - It's a huge field!- How big is that? - Eight and a half acres.- Gosh, ooh!
0:15:17 > 0:15:19This is all geared up for horses.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25- The previous owners had racehorses and they bred a Grand National winner on this paddock.- Amazing!
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- A lot to live up to!- Claim to fame!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Well, a nearly perfect package, but we haven't talked about the price.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36How much do you think this lovely little slice of Shropshire, eight and a half acres, is worth?
0:15:36 > 0:15:42I think with the outbuildings and all the space you could want and a huge field, 850.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I'm going to have a concerted guess at 795.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50Well, that's very interesting. You'll be glad to know that it's actually on the market for 775.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- Aah!- That's interesting.- Yeah.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Yeah...because it does tick an awful lot of boxes and the land, as you say,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02is more than we expected so yeah, there's lots of positives about this property.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Mmm.- Go in, have a look around
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- and then we'll meet out the front and then see what happens next.- OK. - Grand.- Thank you.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16Well, I seemed to have pulled out all the stops for the very first property.
0:16:16 > 0:16:23"Perfect", I think Charlotte said, but, the location might be an issue, otherwise it is perfect!
0:16:23 > 0:16:29At £775,000 it's £25,000 less than the upper limit
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and it delivers on pretty much every level.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37It's a period property, it has six bedrooms and a playroom for the kids,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40there's more than enough stabling for Charlotte's horse
0:16:40 > 0:16:42and an impressive 8.5 acres of land...
0:16:42 > 0:16:45what more could they ask for?
0:16:45 > 0:16:47They're really pretty, aren't they?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49They're quite ornate and well-maintained
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and I really like the way that you've got a stable door both sides
0:16:52 > 0:16:57so the horse can look out over the fields as well...
0:16:57 > 0:17:00This property is a very strong contender.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I'm very impressed with the size of the property, the rural location,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06there's some good sized rooms.
0:17:06 > 0:17:13On a downside, the main thing for me is I have conked my head a few times going around the property,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17but generally, lots of positives here, and yes, something I could see as a very distinct possibility.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Oh, what's this room?
0:17:19 > 0:17:23This is one of the boys' rooms. It would be great for Oscar, our oldest.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Do you think it would make a better master?
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I could definitely envisage us living here.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32It's got a lovely family feel, there's plenty of space for the boys.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36The only worry for me is perhaps the location but we'll look into that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- All done?- All done, yeah. - Gently pull the door. Let's press on.- OK.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57Country lovers Charlotte and Jeremy want to get back to the rural environment they remember
0:17:57 > 0:18:03from their childhoods, leaving their rented house in Essex to pursue a more active outdoorsy lifestyle
0:18:03 > 0:18:09and indulge their passion for mountain biking and horse riding in the countryside,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11so earlier in the week,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16they visited Church Stretton where we organised for them to meet up with Bob Welsh, the local mayor.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Church Stretton is located in southern Shropshire near the Carding Valley,
0:18:20 > 0:18:25an area of outstanding natural beauty and Mayor Bob has agreed to take them out for a tour
0:18:25 > 0:18:26of the surrounding countryside
0:18:26 > 0:18:30on bikes - not just any bikes... these are electric.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37And this is the first electric bike hire scheme in the country
0:18:37 > 0:18:40that enables people to leave their cars at home, come by train
0:18:40 > 0:18:45and hop onto a bike, so let's go and explore the hills once we're kitted up.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49You can rent an electric bike from just opposite the station
0:18:49 > 0:18:55for just under £20 a day or £25 on weekends and it's not just the environment they help out...
0:18:55 > 0:18:59they give YOU a bit of a helping hand as well, with a battery pack on the back
0:18:59 > 0:19:05that you can bring into play to power the bike up hills and save yourself some energy.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09This has been a popular bit of British countryside since the railways brought
0:19:09 > 0:19:14Victorians and Edwardians flocking to the area which they nicknamed "Little Switzerland",
0:19:14 > 0:19:17to enjoy the splendid mountainous scenery
0:19:17 > 0:19:23and build their splendid country houses and it's still very popular with hikers and cyclists today.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Right, so here we are in the Carding Mill Valley which is the honey pot of the Shropshire hills...
0:19:28 > 0:19:33thousands of visitors come here every year, mostly young families with young children
0:19:33 > 0:19:37and this stream here is amongst the most fished in the country
0:19:37 > 0:19:42because every young child wants to have a guddle in the stream but for the older ones there's plenty to do.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48They can go and explore the hills either by foot, by bike, by mountain bike that is,
0:19:48 > 0:19:53or by horse, or if they're really fit, they can go orienteering or geocaching.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57We now have many waymarked walks through these hills, so there is no excuse for
0:19:57 > 0:20:02not getting out of the car and exploring the hills, so I hope you'll go and enjoy.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07No shortage of countryside, then, for Jeremy and Charlotte's outdoor pursuits...
0:20:07 > 0:20:11we've just got to find them a house to move into. On with the search.
0:20:11 > 0:20:18As Charlotte and Jeremy don't want to be far from their work, we've brought them south
0:20:18 > 0:20:24to the tiny hamlet of Shotatton, just over 12 miles to the north-west of Shrewsbury.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29The hamlet of Shotatton overlooking the open countryside is decidedly rural.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35For supplies, Jeremy and Charlotte would have to venture east, to Ruyton Eleven Towns.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40"Ruyton Eleven Towns" acquired its unusual name when a castle was built there in the 12th century,
0:20:40 > 0:20:45making it the major manor for 11 local townships including Shotatton.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49The castle is long gone, destroyed in the early 14th century,
0:20:49 > 0:20:53but the village is still served by a post office and local shop as well as
0:20:53 > 0:20:57a primary school, which could be useful for Charlotte and Jeremy's boys.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02But, delightful as it is, the area means nothing if they don't like the house,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04so we had better let them at it.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08This is a whole different ball game, this property,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12especially for you Jes, I think this is a slight change of gear.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's a barn conversion.- Ooh! - Very impressive!
0:21:15 > 0:21:19But it's interesting because as you see, it's a bit of a farmyard.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23There's some buildings scattered around but we're much closer to Shrewsbury.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- Yeah.- So I was thinking this is a bit more the area that you want? - Yeah, yeah.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33And this is a very interesting property. It was pretty much totally derelict
0:21:33 > 0:21:37and the present owner has developed it since and he has been here about seven years.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42I think it was finished in 2001 and he's completely built it from the bottom up
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- so essentially it's a new build but dressed in old clothing.- Mmm, lovely!
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Wait until you see inside! Excellent!
0:21:49 > 0:21:51'This place is all about the finish.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57'The outside might be old but the inside is absolutely up to date and perfect for entertaining.'
0:21:59 > 0:22:02A much more contemporary affair.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Mmm!- Now you were worried about the last kitchen being a bit fuddy-duddy, Jes!
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Yeah, that's very impressive, isn't it?!
0:22:11 > 0:22:13That's a lovely feature. It's quite stunning.
0:22:13 > 0:22:19What is interesting about it is, the whole building was taken to the foundations and rebuilt
0:22:19 > 0:22:24and the only original bit is these joists because this used to be what they called a "ginny mill"...
0:22:24 > 0:22:30it was like a mill driven by two donkeys turning on a big wheel and this was the mill house
0:22:30 > 0:22:34so this is where the donkeys would have walked, hence the circular size.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- It's great, yeah!- It gives you the best of both worlds, both contemporary and traditional
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- and you get the nice clean lines with that, so it's good.- You don't need any more house than this.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Well, there's lots more house, you're spoilt for choice -
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- a dining room but I want to show you the sitting room.- OK.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Great utility room.- Mm-hm.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- This is your sitting room.- Ah!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I don't sort of feel excited by it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Is that because of the furnishing or just because of the shape?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- There's no outlook.- The idea is that you spend most of your time in the kitchen.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14I think it would work for us, actually.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- There's one more feature which is this way.- Ooh, right.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Ta-dum!- Oh, I say!
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- Yeah!- Well, we didn't ask for this! - You didn't ask for this, did you?
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- The boys would love it.- Yeah, Oscar would love it!- We'd love it too.- That's absolutely stunning!
0:23:34 > 0:23:37I think I can cope with the plain lounge!
0:23:38 > 0:23:41'It's always good to be able to pull that sort of thing out of the bag -
0:23:41 > 0:23:45'the swimming pool, guaranteed to make a splash! But it's onwards and upwards.'
0:23:45 > 0:23:52It's very big and light and airy and there's a lot to it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57You've got three bedrooms down there, sort of like a guest wing with a family bathroom,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01and then here, I guess, this room might be your, where you and the boys live,
0:24:01 > 0:24:07so you've got a good size double here with an en suite. Poke your heads in there.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13And then we come down here, and maybe another room for a little one.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- Very good size. - And then this I think is fabulous!
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- The biggest walk-in wardrobe... - My word!
0:24:25 > 0:24:27I'll have to get some more clothes!
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Fabulous en suite. Take a look in there.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Oh, wow!- That's amazing!
0:24:33 > 0:24:36And then there's your bedroom.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41- It's very big! - It's a huge room!- And light.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47- Yeah, it's beautiful, yeah.- So in terms of the inside space, is it enough?- It is, it's excellent.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52- Yeah, there's an awful lot of square footage in this house. - It's light, which is nice.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54And it's got the wow factor!
0:24:54 > 0:24:58'Well, I think we've jumped the sitting room obstacle very cleanly.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02'Let's canter on to check out the outside space. Could this be a clear round?'
0:25:02 > 0:25:06So out into the very beautifully designed garden.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10This is the sort of zen area, sort of decking extravaganza.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Plenty of wood here, isn't there? A big surface area.
0:25:13 > 0:25:20'This is a great entertaining garden and there's lots more of it, well, for Charlotte and Jeremy anyway...
0:25:20 > 0:25:21'sadly no room for the horses.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26'Maybe the views will make up for the lack of space.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So, if we go up a little higher you get the views.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31I fancy a walk to that little hill.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Yeah, really lovely.- It's a lovely aspect, beautiful garden.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40The catch with this property is no land for your horses,
0:25:40 > 0:25:45because there's a lot of livery around here... I mean it's horse-tastic...
0:25:45 > 0:25:48there's stables everywhere and the farmer owns all of this land -
0:25:48 > 0:25:52there is the possibility that you could buy an acre or two...
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- Yeah.- And extend out to put a paddock there,
0:25:54 > 0:25:58but that's obviously something you would have to negotiate with him.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- It's three quarters of an acre and how much do you think it's worth?- I think 675.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06I'm going to go with 725.
0:26:06 > 0:26:12- OK. Well, if you split the difference, you're exactly right. It's on the market at £700,000.- Mmm.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- Food for thought.- Mmm.- But obviously the land is the issue.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18More walking round. I was a bit worried
0:26:18 > 0:26:24that you were going to deliver that sort of news because everything else is just perfect in there, isn't it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- It's a beautiful home. - Well, I'm sorry!- But we'll have a talk about it.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33It's a real shame about the land, but it is an absolutely stunning property
0:26:33 > 0:26:39with some wonderful features... something very special, the house, but unfortunately not with the land.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Well, why don't you have a walk around? Mull it over and I'll see you out front.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- OK.- Thank you very much.
0:26:45 > 0:26:51Ooh, that's heartbreaking, I hate delivering those killer blows after a great walk around,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54but this is the garden and it ain't no paddock.
0:26:54 > 0:27:00At £700,000, this barn conversion has more than enough room for them.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10The lack of stable and paddock could be a problem
0:27:10 > 0:27:15unless they can buy some adjacent land from the farmer.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- Lovely open room, bright, airy. - It's everything you want in a kitchen, isn't it?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Quality kitchen. - Beautifully-equipped.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- It really does tick the boxes, doesn't it?- And the space, the family area.
0:27:26 > 0:27:32There's no land, but I'm optimistic that we perhaps can cover that because I think
0:27:32 > 0:27:36not only is the property wonderful but it's in a really good location for us,
0:27:36 > 0:27:41so I think it just suits on so many levels, it's got the real spine-tingly feeling.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45This is something else, isn't it? Yeah! I mean, how can you not be blown away by that?
0:27:45 > 0:27:50It's a real vote-winner for me, that... It's a real special feature of this property.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52It's beautifully done, too.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54It's just such a pity about the land.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Well, it's a wonderful property.
0:27:56 > 0:28:03It combines contemporary, modern, loads of space, some amazing features; the kitchen,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07the pool with young children is an absolute dream for us
0:28:07 > 0:28:11but the land situation is potentially a deal-breaker.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Don't be too disheartened.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17The property market is a marvellous thing.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Now Jeremy and Charlotte want to escape to the country
0:28:26 > 0:28:30and the countryside isn't complete without the great British pub -
0:28:30 > 0:28:35that icon of British culture, that bastion of country community life
0:28:35 > 0:28:38and regular must-have for Escape To The Country housebuyers,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43but the country pub is under threat, or so we are led to believe.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47According to recent statistics, every week 39 pubs are closed across the UK,
0:28:47 > 0:28:52so is the country pub an endangered species, or is there life left in it yet?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56To find out, I've come to the conservation village of Cardington where I'm meeting up
0:28:56 > 0:29:00with local pub landlords, Steve and Ira, and local brewer, Bill Bainbridge.
0:29:00 > 0:29:07- How important do you think country pubs are for the community, Bill? - It's very important to the villages.
0:29:07 > 0:29:13The villages have lost their shops, their post offices and when they lose the pub as well,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16the hub of community life disappears.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- And have you seen that happen in villages?- Oh, it's happened in many villages, yes.
0:29:20 > 0:29:28In fact, rural pubs are closing at a disastrous rate of 13 every week, unlucky for some,
0:29:28 > 0:29:32and it's now estimated that for the first time since the Norman Conquest,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35half the villages in England are pub-less.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39I think we're in a difficult period at present and as a consequence of that,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42some of the country pubs will close, that's inevitable.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46However, having said that, going to the pub is very popular, it's an experience
0:29:46 > 0:29:52and people, I think, do appreciate, first of all, real ale - there's a lot of interest in that,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56we sell a huge quantity of it and they're interested in Shropshire ales,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58like the ales that Bill produces as well.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03I think that seems certainly true that you go into pubs now
0:30:03 > 0:30:06and there does seem to be a lot of cask ale, you know, that's pumped,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10that is local or organic or certainly not, you know...
0:30:10 > 0:30:13I think people are looking for the local provenance,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17less food miles for the beer to travel
0:30:17 > 0:30:21and they're also interested in something individual and special.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25So in the end, despite the credit crunch, the smoking ban,
0:30:25 > 0:30:29the supermarkets, the pub chains and the commuterisation of the countryside,
0:30:29 > 0:30:36it could be our love affair with the local which saves this important village institution.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41As the day draws to a close in Shropshire,
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Charlotte and Jeremy take some time out to reflect on the properties they've seen so far.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48So what did you think of the farmhouse?
0:30:48 > 0:30:52I really liked it. I was pleasantly surprised when we drew up.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54I had reservations about the location,
0:30:54 > 0:31:00but I thought it had a lovely kitchen, lots of living space and great horsey...
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- Yeah, it was ideal for you on the outside space, wasn't it?- It was, yeah.- And the facilities there?- Yeah.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11It was nicely presented. My main reservation was the head height in a few areas.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- Yeah, even for me. - That was a bit of an issue.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15And then the barn.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17The barn, yeah, I loved the barn!
0:31:17 > 0:31:19That was quite impressive.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Quite something, wasn't it? Amazing kitchen!- Yeah.- Best I've ever seen.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- The swimming pool. - The swimming pool.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- The space, the square footage.- Yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- The location was good, too. - It was very good, wasn't it?
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- Mmm.- But the downside is the land and the package.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37It's not a horsey package, is it, no.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39We have still got two more properties to see
0:31:39 > 0:31:45and maybe those shortcomings will be rectified with those ones, so let's wait and see what's still to come.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57Country born and bred, Jeremy and Charlotte are now living in Colchester in Essex,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00but want to leave their rented army home and return to their roots.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07They have a healthy budget of up to £800,000 to find their perfect, rural residence.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13So far they've viewed two houses, but what's coming up will take them right into a different country.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17And we'll offer them more than they bargained for with the mystery house.
0:32:17 > 0:32:18It looks like a mini-ballroom in here!
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Day two and I'm hoping the rain is not going to dampen our enthusiasm.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Yesterday we showed Charlotte and Jes some beautiful properties in Shropshire,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34but I think we can excel ourselves today, combining land and beauty,
0:32:34 > 0:32:36although they may need to compromise, as always.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Our next property involves an escape from the country of England
0:32:41 > 0:32:44over the border into Wales, to the village of Overton,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46seven miles south of Wrexham.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Overton on Dee, to give it its full title, is a small rural village
0:32:50 > 0:32:53with a population of about 1,200
0:32:53 > 0:32:58and it has all the usual amenities, like local shops and a post office.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03It's made up of a fine collection of 18th and 19th century buildings, many of which are listed,
0:33:03 > 0:33:07and the high street is dominated by the Church of St Mary the Virgin,
0:33:07 > 0:33:12famous for the 21 ancient yew trees which grow in its churchyard.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14They are one of the Seven Wonders of Wales
0:33:14 > 0:33:19and the oldest of them is estimated to be up to 2,000 years old,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22but the property we're showing Charlotte and Jeremy
0:33:22 > 0:33:25is in a more rural setting, a mile and a half outside Overton.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Okey-dokey, I'm going to deal with the compromise bit first.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- OK.- We're quite a long way from Shrewsbury, relatively speaking.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37It's about a 45-minute drive.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- The good part is that we're over the border in Wales.- Right.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Now, the reason why that's good is because council tax is lower,
0:33:45 > 0:33:51- free medical prescriptions, and much easier planning permission than Shropshire.- Right.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56Which is all very relevant to this diamond property that I'm about to show you.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59This is the property.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04It looks quite modest from the outside, but inside it's like an Aladdin's cave.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08What do you think about being over the border in Wrexham?
0:34:08 > 0:34:14Not a problem because obviously we're both from Wales, so it's a good thing for us.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Yeah.- Yeah, a positive. - Good, so we've got over that.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Yes.- So all the rest is plain-sailing, positive!
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Originally the coach house belonging to the neighbouring hall,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26it's been converted into a family home
0:34:26 > 0:34:30and the current owners have lavished great attention on the property,
0:34:30 > 0:34:34extending it in every direction possible, but will it be their cup of tea?
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- Come on in, lovely church door.- Mmm.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43First thing bought, last thing installed in the house.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48This is actually the oldest part of the house, although you probably wouldn't guess it.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53- What are your thoughts?- Very characterful and elegant and homely.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59This is the sort of guest-ish wing, because the house goes on much more the other way,
0:34:59 > 0:35:04- because through there you've got a whole guest suite, very big bedroom, the sofa, and a big en-suite.- OK.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08What do you think of the style of it, the feel of the property?
0:35:08 > 0:35:13- It's very well presented but very homely.- It's got a nice feel.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- Very characterful, yes, lots of nice character features.- Good.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Let's go and look at the main body of the house.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26What's striking about this property is the way they've married contemporary with old
0:35:26 > 0:35:33because that part of the house is the core property from the 1830s, this is all in the last ten years.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35They've used all these magnificent oak beams
0:35:35 > 0:35:38which are oiled every year to keep them this lovely colour.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Yeah, the oak's really impressive. - It's a beautiful room.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46A very solid feel to that, which is very nice,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50and obviously you've got a wonderful view, with the nice big open windows.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53You'd want to spend most of your time in here, wouldn't you?
0:35:53 > 0:35:56If Charlotte can drag herself away from the living room,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59there are plenty of other rooms on the ground floor,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03including a good size utility room, a small office and a downstairs WC,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07but we're heading towards that all-important kitchen.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12This is the old heart of the house, that's the hearth,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15the original hearth and the original beams,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18which leads us out into this new part.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Oh, this is lovely! I like the seating area.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23- Yeah.- That's very nice.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Yes, very nice in the window, it's a really lovely feature.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Is it something you could imagine living in?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Yes, I can imagine living in this bit, yeah.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- Not the rest of it?- Not quite yet!
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Well, we haven't seen it all yet.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- No, exactly! Houses kind of grow on you a bit, don't they?- Yeah.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Yeah, they're not giving a lot away, but I'm feeling positive about this viewing.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Onwards and upwards to the bedrooms.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52Upstairs you've got two small bedrooms
0:36:52 > 0:36:56and then your bedroom.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01- That's very nice.- I like the bedroom. - Yeah, I love that circular window.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Yeah.- Because you can lie in bed...
0:37:03 > 0:37:05And look at the ponies!
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- That's what you asked for!- Yeah!
0:37:07 > 0:37:13So this is all the new extension and then you've got a super en-suite.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Very nice, very light.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- Yeah, it's very light in here. - Beautifully appointed.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21I know what you're chomping at the bit to see...
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- See what I did there! Outside.- OK.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28I knew they'd like it up here
0:37:28 > 0:37:33and I have a strong feeling that they're going to like what they see outside, too!
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Step out into the fresh Welsh air.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41OK, we'll look at the non-horsey stuff first.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44A pool. Barbecues and all that stuff.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- Yes, it's a nice big open space for entertaining.- Beautiful space.
0:37:47 > 0:37:54- And if you swing your eyes to the right...- Menage! I say!
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- This is what you wanted, isn't it? - Yes.- That is a wonderful extra.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Would you use it?- Ooh, yes!
0:38:00 > 0:38:04There's more horses on the horizon, Jes!
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Yes, it's getting a bit worrying now!
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Because you've got six stables, kerching!
0:38:10 > 0:38:13They are absolutely pristine, those stables, aren't they?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Beautifully maintained. - Is it what you're looking for?
0:38:16 > 0:38:22- It's a beautiful yard. You couldn't ask for anything nicer than that! - The outside space is great.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23- Excellent, yeah.- Really nice.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26And that's not all!
0:38:26 > 0:38:29'Good news - Charlotte is clearly impressed with the menage.'
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Now time to show them where the horses can graze.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39You wanted some land. I give you seven acres!
0:38:39 > 0:38:45- Oh, I say! - Seven paddocks and a lake.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48And...woodland.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- Blimey!- What do you think about all this?
0:38:50 > 0:38:51Is this alarming for you, Jes?
0:38:51 > 0:38:58It's a big, big set-up and it's obviously got enormous options and permutations here.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00It takes a bit of getting your head around at the moment!
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- Well, what about the price? How much do you think all this costs?- 750.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10I'm going to have a guess at 735.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Well, you are right. 750 is exactly the price.
0:39:13 > 0:39:20It's been on the market only a few weeks so it's probably a very accurate price, but do you like it?
0:39:20 > 0:39:25Why don't you have a look around, wander through your domain and then I'll meet you out the front.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- OK.- Let's go and have a look. - OK, yeah.- Thank you very much.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Mmm, very interesting!
0:39:30 > 0:39:33This is everything they want and a lot more,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37but I'm not at all convinced that Charlotte likes it. Find out.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43At £750,000, this property is £50,000 under their top budget
0:39:43 > 0:39:45and has everything on their wish list.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49a large kitchen/living area,
0:39:49 > 0:39:54stables, paddocks and a menage for Charlotte's horse,
0:39:54 > 0:39:55woodland for the boys to play in
0:39:55 > 0:39:58and an outside pool for good measure.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02But does it match up to our househunters' expectations?
0:40:03 > 0:40:08There's no horse owner who wouldn't want one of these and it's a huge one, isn't it?
0:40:08 > 0:40:13It's beautiful! There's no doubt this house is a horse lover's dream.
0:40:13 > 0:40:19It's really beautiful and I love the kitchen, but I just can't imagine three men living here, I just can't.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24It's just too bijou upstairs and I feel I need to push the walls out.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26What do you think of the pool?
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Um... We've obviously got the issue with British weather
0:40:31 > 0:40:36and being a lot of work and effort keeping that maintained. So it's a lot of effort.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39The outside is wonderful.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44It's got the horses, the land. I see myself being a slave to it, though.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47There's a lot of work, maintenance and effort
0:40:47 > 0:40:51to put into there and there's too much work for me outside.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Aah, hello, I've just come to get you. All done?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Votes taken? Good.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09Moving to the country is going to allow Charlotte to spend a lot more time with her horse
0:41:09 > 0:41:11and with a property like that last one,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14there'd be room for a few more fillies to keep her company.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19Since time immemorial, horse lovers have used the services of a local blacksmith
0:41:19 > 0:41:22to keep their foals in footwear.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Since we knew they were interested in traditional crafts,
0:41:25 > 0:41:30earlier in the week we sent Jeremy and Charlotte down to meet their future neighbourhood smithy,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32John Herbertson at Acton Historical Farm,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35to say hello and see if they could make something for their new home.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- I gather you want to do some blacksmithing.- Yes, please.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I'm not quite sure what you want to make.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43The normal thing is a poker or a door handle or something like that.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Any particular feelings, preferences?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49A poker would be good, I think. That would be a nice option, I think.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54This furnace can reach an iron-softening 1,200 Centigrade
0:41:54 > 0:41:57so Jeremy and Charlotte have to don the right protective clothing
0:41:57 > 0:42:00before getting to work on their poker.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04With Jeremy on the bellows and John looking after the business end, things soon start to hot up.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Yeah, it's heating up.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08It's heating up, it's getting hot at the end, too.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13Now the iron is suitably softened, John gets to work bashing out the pointy end of the poker.
0:42:13 > 0:42:20Turn through 90 degrees and the same again on the other side.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Time for Charlotte and Jeremy to have a go.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27These techniques have hardly changed since pre-Roman times and back in the Middle Ages,
0:42:27 > 0:42:32every village would have had a smithy banging away with his hammer and anvil.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Think you're trying to make a point on it.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39In recent years, there's been a resurgence in the popularity of this ancient craft
0:42:39 > 0:42:44and the British Artist Blacksmiths Association now boasts over 600 members.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46That's much better. Nice overlapping hammer blows.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49When Charlotte and Jeremy have finally got the point,
0:42:49 > 0:42:54they heat the mid section and John demonstrates how to rotate the bar in the vice
0:42:54 > 0:42:56to create the decorative twist in the middle,
0:42:56 > 0:43:01and then it's Charlotte's turn to try while Jeremy keeps the twistiness in check
0:43:01 > 0:43:06with drops of cold water before the blunt end of the poker goes back into the furnace.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10All that's now left is to beat a loop out of the blunt end
0:43:10 > 0:43:12by flattening the shaft out on the anvil
0:43:12 > 0:43:16and bending it using the horn of the anvil as a fulcrum.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18I think that just needs knocking down there a bit.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23A final brush-off and they're the proud owners of their very own bespoke poker.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- Thank you very much, John.- Pleasure!
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- And this will have pride of place in our new home.- Good luck with it! I hope you find the house you want.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36Time to get on with finding Charlotte and Jeremy a home in which to install their new poker.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40There's only one property left and this one's a bit different.
0:43:43 > 0:43:48So far we have shown Charlotte and Jes properties that have lots of land or no land, so for
0:43:48 > 0:43:54the mystery house, what we wanted to show them was a period gem where the mystery was hidden in the garden.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01What do you think the mystery house might involve?
0:44:01 > 0:44:03Perhaps a self-build or a renovation.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Yeah, maybe something a little bit unusual.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08We're intrigued, that's for sure!
0:44:08 > 0:44:11Well, it's quite a drive before we can reveal the mystery house,
0:44:11 > 0:44:15as we're heading far south, 20 miles past Shrewsbury
0:44:15 > 0:44:17to the little hamlet of Strefford.
0:44:17 > 0:44:23It is surrounded by idyllic Shropshire countryside, long winding lanes are bordered by
0:44:23 > 0:44:30old stone walls with the occasional country pub or church barely interrupting the bucolic scenery.
0:44:30 > 0:44:36A 30-minute drive to Shrewsbury puts it within range for Jeremy and Charlotte's commute, and networks
0:44:36 > 0:44:40of bridleways and cycle paths spread out into the surrounding countryside,
0:44:40 > 0:44:44perfect for those weekend rides they've been planning.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47It's not quite as close to Shrewsbury as Charlotte and Jeremy
0:44:47 > 0:44:53would ideally like to be, but that compromise gets them a lot more house for their money.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57Here we have the mystery house,
0:44:57 > 0:45:00finally...on view!
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- Very, very nice. - That is my cup of tea.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- Yeah, that's definitely good... - Big time my cup of tea, that is.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10This is a beautiful property.
0:45:10 > 0:45:16It dates from about the end of the 18th century, so 1790s. From the outside, ticks?
0:45:16 > 0:45:17Very much so.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- Big ticks.- Yeah, top marks!
0:45:20 > 0:45:23Perfect proportions typical of Georgian houses, I had a feeling
0:45:23 > 0:45:30this place would appeal to Charlotte and Jeremy but how will they feel about the inside?
0:45:30 > 0:45:32In you come.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37Oh, wow!
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- Lovely elegant staircase. - It's very regal, isn't it?
0:45:40 > 0:45:45It is regal... We can't linger though, let's take you into here, one of the front rooms.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48Beautiful, yeah. Lovely open fire.
0:45:48 > 0:45:54I love this, this is very elegant and you can't create that in a modern home. I love the light.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58It has a uniqueness, doesn't it, that very few properties have?
0:45:58 > 0:46:01Yes, it's nice and peaceful.
0:46:01 > 0:46:02"Elegant", "regal" and "unique"...
0:46:02 > 0:46:05these are the sort of words I like to hear...
0:46:05 > 0:46:06all good, so far.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Here's the kitchen.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13Great range and I like the window.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16I think this is a beautiful kitchen, very snug.
0:46:16 > 0:46:21And you've got all the bits and bobs all plumbed in and these beautiful hand-made units.
0:46:21 > 0:46:28From a genuine country kitchen to the living spaces, which aren't in short supply in this property.
0:46:28 > 0:46:34Now we're in the central part of the house, probably the oldest part, and this is the grown-up snug.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36Yeah, I like this.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39So at the moment they've got a similar room next door for the children.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42It's certainly a nice big open hearth, which is very characterful.
0:46:42 > 0:46:47- Cosy, isn't it?- But it's not the only option because you mentioned wanting a drawing room...
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- Yeah.- I've got you a drawing room. - And more surprises.
0:46:50 > 0:46:51Take a turn to the right.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58The drawing room.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02- Oh, wow!- You wanted elegance.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05It's a cavernous room. It's almost...
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- Really lovely!- Almost like a mini-ballroom in here, so...
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- It was built as the drawing room. - I think this would be our lounge.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14It would be a pity not to use it every day.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18Yes. It's got a much more grandiose type feeling here than next door,
0:47:18 > 0:47:21there's quite a low ceiling next door, so this would be,
0:47:21 > 0:47:25certainly from being very tall, this would be better suited to our needs.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29- It's lovely, yeah.- So that's pretty much downstairs, are you liking it?
0:47:29 > 0:47:32- Very much, yeah.- Very impressed with it so far.- Yes, very, very nice.
0:47:32 > 0:47:37It's a real family home and you sort of really feel part of it.
0:47:37 > 0:47:42- There's a lovely atmosphere in here as well, isn't there? There's a lovely feel to it.- Excellent stuff!
0:47:42 > 0:47:46Sounds to me like Charlotte is already imagining herself moving in.
0:47:46 > 0:47:52Let's see if she's as keen on the atmosphere higher up in the house, up that sweeping Georgian staircase.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58It's nice to have a big, grand sweep of a landing.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03Down there you've got four bedrooms... 'And jolly nice bedrooms they are, too!
0:48:03 > 0:48:06'Three well-proportioned doubles which share the use of a small
0:48:06 > 0:48:11'shower room, and one larger double room with its own en suite, perfect for guests, but I'm taking them up
0:48:11 > 0:48:15'to a room where they can get some work done.'
0:48:19 > 0:48:20Now, you wanted a study.
0:48:20 > 0:48:25This is very nice, yeah. Lovely size, and it's light.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29And it's right next door to the master bedroom.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31What do you think about this?
0:48:31 > 0:48:34A very pretty room, yeah.
0:48:34 > 0:48:40- Two lovely views.- Yeah.- It's a pretty good size, isn't it?
0:48:40 > 0:48:43Yeah, we're back to those nice views again which is all-important and
0:48:43 > 0:48:46particularly if you've got them from the bedroom as well, that's nice.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49And you've got some wardrobe space and an en suite.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53A very nice en suite, yeah. Can you imagine yourself living here?
0:48:53 > 0:48:54Does it have the right feel?
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Mmm, it's definitely a country family home, isn't it?
0:48:57 > 0:49:02Yeah, I think so. It does exude a real positive family vibe to me.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06Will it be home enough for your foal, though, that's what we need to ask next.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10'One of the most important criteria on their shopping list was space for Charlotte's horse,
0:49:10 > 0:49:12'and I'm not going to disappoint them.
0:49:12 > 0:49:18'A house as smart as this must come with smart accommodation for the animals.'
0:49:19 > 0:49:25Here we are, your own, immaculate paddock.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28- This is immaculate, isn't it! - It looks too good for a horse!
0:49:28 > 0:49:32Yeah. Well, I mean, it's been kept in absolute mint condition,
0:49:32 > 0:49:36but you've got two stables here, so you own all of the paddock,
0:49:36 > 0:49:41obviously, and then also all this woodland here around the edge.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45- Plenty of space for the boys to build a tree house.- Excellent, yeah.
0:49:45 > 0:49:50OK, so that's outside, but I still haven't shown you the surprise, the mystery.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54- Tell us more.- Come with me.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57'This is all going very well indeed.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01'They like the house, they like the paddock, they like the woods.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05'But how will they react when I reveal what makes this the mystery house?'
0:50:08 > 0:50:10This is the mystery...
0:50:12 > 0:50:16..not one house, but one and a half houses.
0:50:16 > 0:50:21It's a completely self-contained holiday let. It's run by the Shropshire Tourist Board.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23All you do is collect the rent,
0:50:23 > 0:50:28and it turns over about £10,000 gross every year.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31so we were thinking now you're here, you're setting yourself up,
0:50:31 > 0:50:35you're not quite working yet, that's quite a nice amount of pin money.
0:50:35 > 0:50:41Mmm. I'm not usually keen on these sort of additions,
0:50:41 > 0:50:47but as it's fully set up and fully separate from your own home, I think it's a possibility.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50You make it sound like you're often offered complete holiday lets.
0:50:50 > 0:50:55No. A lot of homes do have an annexe which I'm not keen on because they attract another council tax,
0:50:55 > 0:51:02and if we don't have a purpose for it it's just an expense,
0:51:02 > 0:51:04but this is a possibility.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08So, I want to tell you how much this little bundle of mysterious loveliness costs,
0:51:08 > 0:51:12but first I want you to tell me what you think it costs.
0:51:12 > 0:51:17Well, there's a lot of property for your money here but we are south Shropshire, so I think 725.
0:51:17 > 0:51:22- 725?- Mmm.- I think I would be inclined to agree.
0:51:22 > 0:51:28There's a lot of real estate, but we are in quite a rural spot so I'm going to guess at 825.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32Well, again, sort of in between, the two of you are quite good at going either side.
0:51:32 > 0:51:40It's actually on the market for 780, so sort of within your budget, really, the top end of your budget.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43- A lot of things to think about, so have a wander round.- Thank you.
0:51:43 > 0:51:48- And I shall see you out front. - Right.- Brilliant, thank you very much.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50Oh, they're hard nuts to crack.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53It's quite hard to know whether they like it or not.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56It is mysterious. I mean, this is, I think, a lovely bonus,
0:51:56 > 0:52:01and I think it offers pretty much everything that they want, but I just don't know.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07The mystery house provides everything asked for and a whole lot more.
0:52:07 > 0:52:13For £780,000 they'd get five bedrooms, a playroom for the kids,
0:52:13 > 0:52:17a paddock for Charlotte's horse and loads of outside space.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20The two-bedroom holiday cottage in the garden
0:52:20 > 0:52:23is already set up and running, which is a plus.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30Well, this property for me is absolutely ideal.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35It's very elegant, lots of wonderful period features and the outside.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38I'm not so sure about the holiday let
0:52:38 > 0:52:40cos obviously it would be nice to have a family home
0:52:40 > 0:52:43and not have the invasion of that going on in the background,
0:52:43 > 0:52:47so something I need to give serious thought to.
0:52:47 > 0:52:52We'd probably have it as our own lounge, I think, so that we could really enjoy it every day.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55Yeah, it would be something that we'd really want to make a feature of the house,
0:52:55 > 0:52:59- more so than it being a music room at this stage.- Yeah, I think so.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01I think this house is a definite contender.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04It would be a lovely place to bring up the children,
0:53:04 > 0:53:07with wonderful outside space and great access to the outdoors.
0:53:07 > 0:53:12The only thing to perhaps think about is the location of work and schools
0:53:12 > 0:53:15and whether these are a possibility.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21Off you go, down the big drive.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Well, that's it, it's all over, there's nothing else to show them.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34They've seen the best of what Shropshire has to offer
0:53:34 > 0:53:37and it's time for them to sit down and mull it over.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39I have to say, I think we've served up
0:53:39 > 0:53:43a fantastic selection of properties here in Shropshire for Jes and Charlotte,
0:53:43 > 0:53:47but I am completely in the dark as to which one they like best,
0:53:47 > 0:53:51so I'm going to be very intrigued to find out what they have to say.
0:53:55 > 0:54:00I have to say, Shropshire did us proud. I thought we came up with some very nice properties,
0:54:00 > 0:54:02not that I'm blowing my own trumpet, but it's up to you,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05to choose whether they were appropriate.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08Can you spin your mind that far back to the farmhouse that we saw?
0:54:08 > 0:54:10I liked that one, actually,
0:54:10 > 0:54:12and it offered the most complete package
0:54:12 > 0:54:15because there wasn't anything you didn't want but everything you needed,
0:54:15 > 0:54:21the beautiful, big kitchen, lovely stables and that wonderful field.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23The big issue was the head height, though.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25And a little bit too far out, perhaps, for us.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28What about the very contemporary barn conversion?
0:54:28 > 0:54:31Because this was not really what you were looking for, initially.
0:54:31 > 0:54:36Well, we did wonder when there was no land there
0:54:36 > 0:54:40but we were blown away by the state of the property.
0:54:40 > 0:54:47It was clean, contemporary, we could just move in. The only shortcoming was, obviously, the land issue.
0:54:47 > 0:54:52Well, we spoke to the farmer, and he would indeed be willing to sell you a little bit of the land.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55Would that change your view of it?
0:54:55 > 0:54:58- That would make it a very strong contender.- A very strong possibility.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Then we saw the converted coach house,
0:55:01 > 0:55:06which had "horse galore" written over it,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09and I get the impression that you weren't so keen on that?
0:55:09 > 0:55:14No, because horses are a part of my life but they're not all of our life.
0:55:14 > 0:55:21We have children, we go cycling and walking and you love your golf, so it's not the be-all and end-all.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24We've tried to redress the work/life balance,
0:55:24 > 0:55:31- and I can almost see myself, any spare minute I would have creosoting fences...- Trimming hedges.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34- Working, trimming hedges... - Spraying the docks!
0:55:34 > 0:55:39Yeah, there was a lot of work to be done there and I could almost see myself being a slave to it.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41How about the mystery house, a more manageable plot?
0:55:41 > 0:55:47Yeah, it was a period property, it was stunning, it was exactly what I was looking for.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Not so much for Charlotte.
0:55:49 > 0:55:54- I did like it, though. - It was a beautiful family home.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57The downside, obviously, was the location.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00Would you be able to say that there was one that you would like to proceed on?
0:56:00 > 0:56:05Yeah. I think the barn's a contender if we can get the land.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09- I think that would be a very real possibility.- It's a strong, strong contender.- Yeah.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12Great. Well, I do hope things work out for you
0:56:12 > 0:56:15and that you find a property that does answer all your needs,
0:56:15 > 0:56:20many and varied as they are, and that you will be moving to Shropshire very soon.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23- Well, let's hope so, and thank you very much for... - your input.- A pleasure.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- For opening our eyes to parts of Shropshire.- It's a lovely county.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33How amazing that the house I thought was missing the vital ingredient
0:56:33 > 0:56:36turned out to be the one that they liked most of all.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39Well, that's the magic of shopping for property in the country,
0:56:39 > 0:56:43and if you've been inspired then do tune in next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45If you want to escape to the country
0:56:45 > 0:56:48in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:56:48 > 0:56:51and need our help, please apply online at....
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0:57:15 > 0:57:18E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk